The Language of Unrestraint, The Language of Athletes

As an athlete (currently taking a year off), I'm constantly provoked when I hear others talking about how athletes are taught disrespect and allowed to proceed through school and life unrestrained. Usually the comments referred to athletes of the pro-world, but every once in awhile it would be aimed towards young athletes like myself. Every once in awhile, I find myself torn because there is truth to these allegations; however I believe more and more athletes like myself look to be exceptions to these comments.

In reading Beverly Beckham's article in response to Reebok's endorsement of Allen Iverson saying, "That those who try to find a balance between sport and life are defeated before the opening buzzer. We respectfully disagree. Actually, we disrespectfully disagree. Actually, screw those guys," it became absolutely clear to me why this assumption is perpetuated. In this instance, athletes are basically being told to ignore respect and do what they want; however to the young athletes Iverson was talking to--a completely different interpretation—this would mean don't let anyone stop you from achieving your dreams.

Some might ask, why didn't Iverson just say the latter half of what I just said? Because his use of language was more efficient and more practical for communication/what he was trying to communicate to the young athletes.

Beckham took offense to Iverson's use of "Screw those guys", especially when teachers and students alike stood up and clapped. She went on to mention that this mindset is what allowed those like Michael Vick to think that they were invincible.

This raises a few questions. Where do we draw the line in efficient communication versus respectful communication? Who's allowed to say what when? When do the negative consequences transition from the speaker to the interpretation of the listener?

I don’t feel qualified enough to answer these questions and simultaneously, I feel prejudiced as an athlete. I heard prep talks like this as an athlete, but today I am not the “invincible” athlete. I do respect others. I do have a positive attitude and I know better than to take Iverson’s words to what some interpret extremely.

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