Whether they like it or not, professional footballers, like all professional athletes are public property. Call it a symptom of societies ills if you will, but our obsession with celebrity culture has forced those lucky enough to have physical talents into the public domain. George Best started it all, he was the first sports ‘Rock Star,’ embracing the lifestyle his gifts afforded him, and living a life that the average person could not even imagine.
The difference between Best, and today’s professional, is that the saturation of media, expedited by the invent of the Internet has given the entire world a window into exactly what these lifestyles entail. Can you imagine the furor George Best’s antics would have conjured up, if his indiscretions went viral, as so many of today’s scandals do?
It is something pro’s have to accept, it goes with the territory. As soon as some young gun decides he would quite like a career as a professional footballer, and begins earning otherworldly sums of money, he has to understand that with that, his life changes. No longer is he seen as a regular person, instead he has jumped into the metaphorical comic book. Joe Blow now see’s him as a superhero, someone who operates in a fictional world, someone Joe Blow will look up to, will worship as if he’s a superhero, but the second that superhero begins to use his powers for evil, takes advantage of the gift he has been given, watch out! Joe Blow will crush that superhero.
We have seen that this week with John Terry, we saw it with Tiger Woods, we have seen it happen for years, and we will continue to see it.
It is easy to say money wouldn’t change us, and that might be true, but when that money also brings power, money that coddles and protects you, money that can get you out of scrapes and scandals, then that money fosters extraordinary arrogance. It’s that arrogance that breeds a sense of entitlement, and belief in total infallibility, that in fact you are a superhero, and that is where things change, and things can get dangerous. Exhibit A: John Terry.
I don’t think John Terry is stupid, I just think he fell victim to the world he chose to live in. I am making absolutely no excuses for him, and have no sympathy for him. The fact of the matter is, if you are England captain, you have a bulls eye on your back. You had better be sure that either you live a clean life, or you are at least smart enough to protect yourself. To expect a man in his position to be an exemplary human being as well as an exemplary athlete and role model, is unfortunately naive. That’s not to say it is impossible, there are many professional footballers who espouse the ‘right’ behaviour, but I’m guessing that at the highest level, they are becoming fewer and fewer.
Infidelity is a reality in all walks of life, it’s just much more of a story if that the man or men involved play football rather than work in the local factory. It’s also worth remembering that Terry didn’t actually break any laws, other than moral codes, he is not a criminal, he is just not a very nice person, and certainly not the face of England’s World Cup charge, which is the captains main responsibility. Let’s be honest, the captain is a PR job more than a leadership job, leaders will lead regardless of whether they wear the armband.
Full credit to Fabio Capello for acting swiftly, and with authority. In doing so, he has tamed the storm, although this storyline isn’t going anywhere, with rumours circulating that more names could be named. Can this derail England’s World Cup bid? I doubt it, the players will focus, they are used to the world they live in, but it is definitely a distraction that Don Fabio did not need. I wish I was a fly on the wall for his twelve minute meeting with JT, I can only imagine how Terry must have cringed!
In the short term, it gives you all another reason to watch Terry’s Chelsea host Arsenal this Sunday Live on The Score. And THAT plug my friends, might be even more shameless than anything Terry may have done.
Follow me on Twitter @jamesharman
“I don’t think John Terry is stupid, I just think he fell victim to the world he chose to live in. ”
The world he chose to live in. He CHOSE to cheat on his wife with a teammates girlfriend (or ex or whatever). That choice is what makes him stupid.
‘Stupid’ as in, I don’t think he lacks intelligence, not stupid as in ‘what a stupid idiot for doing what he did.’
Well said James.
Nice work James,
That being said I cant believe Rio got it when he wouldnt even be in my starting 11 right now. I also believe your right in that this makes a lot of sense in that Terry will still be Terry on the pitch but the media stuff would have just continued unabated, sad statement on society when stuff like this or a TTC driver taking a piss are bigger issues than recovery in Haiti !
RIO: He’s a logical choice because he’s the vice captain. No other reason right now, and, quite frankly, no need to drag things on further with a drawn out “Who’s teh next captain?” debate. If he’s still captain by WC2010, he’ll have it ioon merit. If he can’t meet expectations, there will quietly be a new captain. Much less fanfare for that change than this one!
TERRY: I have no sympathy at all for this guy. There are still people out there who would argue against Sharman stating that he’s still a private citizen and deserves privacy, BUT when you do like many footballers today (including Terry) and SELL YOUR IMAGE RIGHTS TO YOUR CLUB, you have sold your privacy and “right” to act however you choose. By pawning off his England captaincy for sponsirship dollars (or at least trying to), “team Terry” was inviting the world to look at him 24/7.
Perhaps they should have had a good look to see if the head figure in the money making JT enterprise was up to the standard he claimed he was.
SB
One more thing – ROONEY – I never think your strikers should be captains. Let them think about scoring goals, period. No need for any thing else on their plate.
SB
Bishop…totally agree. We need him doing what he does best. And actually, I can’t say I’ve seen Rooney interviewed all that often, and when he is, he seems quite shy and nervous (which is really hard to imagine considering what he can do on the pitch). Gerrard was my choice after Beckham was released as captain – but I’m glad Terry is gone as captain, not player. His whole life seems like a bad reality show:
Dad – drug dealer
Mum – Shoplifter
John- Wanker
I think you underestimate Rooney if you don’t believe he still has lots of room left to soar….. some people know how to run with the ball and he would…. your loss that Fab has no faith, thinking Rooney is a little flower who will crumble under pressure, and gave it to whatsisname
@BR……………………Shearer was captain and a good one………..didn’t hurt him scoring goals. ;)
This, for me, is more of a trust issue with Capello more than anything. Capello did everything he possibly could to keep discipline and order with the team and JT should have been the first to help keep the composure that Capello has worked so hard on. (Do I need to bring up Euro qualifiers?) JT let down his manager. He shagged his teammate’s gf and he accepted cash for stadium tours and for his Wembley box (which I feel is way worse). Stay classy JT.
Capello gives the armband to Ferdinand — the drug cheat! Nice!
is Rio even on the team? :)
OMG I forgot Rios drug cheating….and how low before the news of the screws finds crap on Rio.
The Mirror has a great article about this being the wrong decision as Terry WILL be in the team. Talk about a mixed message. Lets be honest there isnt a footballer out there I see as a role model any more. Those days are long gone.
BUT i want a world cup won, and TERRY is the best captain available, if Rio now takes Upsons place on form that is an error. I know my comments earlier were a little different, but then i realised this is MEDIA , MEDIA and MEDIA over sport…..a sad day !
Is Rio a druggie? I don’t think so, if I recall correctly, he missed a drug test due to some stupid reason, but he never tested positive for illegal substances. He served his pennance.
This is not the first time that banging teammates wives has happened. I do recall a story involving the France team, I think Platini was involved and another guy that I can’t think of the name……..he was a winger/striker.
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I liked Tom Adams’ take at Espn Soccernet.com Basically, morals aren’t what matter, but morale. Bridge probably has enough friends on the team and Terry enough enemies for Capello to make this call. If this would have been an unpopular move, Capello wouldn’t have made it.
Terry, Cashley C&%$, Sir Flopsalot (aka Drogba),….Chelsea have got to be the most hated team in the EPL. I really really really hope we win, but I’m not holding my breath.
Nice article James, but let me play the other side of the street for a minute.
Anyone who has been anything of an athlete knows that women throw themselves at you from all angles. I know – I’ve been there. We also know that the way it works in the world is that the woman has the advantage over the man, plain and simple. If a woman wants some action all she has to do is go to a bar and say yes…men have to ‘work’ for it.
Apparently, le jolie madamoiselle has enjoyed the services of SEVEN of the players on the Chelsea squad. She befriended Mrs. Terry, she schtupped Mr. Terry…seems like she was on a bit of a mission, no? It takes two to tango, my friends…
No, the mistake JT (as most sporting figures do) made, was to get MARRIED. My hats off to the guy who is managing his career perfectly at this juncture, Derek Jeter, who does as he pleases and does not have to face the Moral Majority (which is actually a minority).
No one knows the circumstances of how it all came down and one thing I’ve learned in life is that black and white rarely exists, just large areas of grey. Did JT exercise bad judgement – yes. Deserve to lose the Captiancy…not so sure.
I’m not making excuses for him, but I understand how the game is played – you can say no 100 times, but on 101 you might have had a couple drinks, an arguement with the wife and the tigress on the prowl is looking great tonight and being in top shape, you are horny as a mother ——.
Been there, faced it…and lost. Maybe men aren’t equipped for this…
(OK – let it all begin… lol)
BTW
James – I am interested to hear what you propose should happen to Avram Grant at Portsmouth, he being the MANAGER of a club, who frequented a brothel. The good wife and mother stood by her man and covered for him (wink wink) but I am wondering that if the married JT should lose the Captiancy of England for his indiscretions, than surely we must hold Mr Grant to the same (if not higher) standards. He is, after all older, more experienced, in a managerial position and in charge of millions (OK maybe thousands) of pounds and income for many individuals.
I’m not up to date on British law, but are brothels legal? In addittion to being “not a very nice person” as you put it, has he also done something illegal here?
I’m not trying to break your balls, but you came down pretty hard on JT for his naughty behaviour. In the Terry situation we don’t know who ‘ran down’ who – at least with Grant, we know he went out looking for it.
Hmmmmmmmm – I wonder if you’ll be as even handed with this one. :)
Nick,
I know Rio wasnt caught, but lets be honest his excuses were as flimsy as Portsmouths defence ! The issue is if you need to be lillywhite Rio is on a hiding to nothing…rememebr the party where a girl guyed rape against Jonny Evans…….We dont live in a Bobby Moore world any more ( pardon the pun)
Professional athletes are crap role models the world over, this was a media assasination full stop.
Do i want a team of assholes winning the cup or a team of saints going home early ? No doubt in my mind give me the cup any day !!!
Scmuggee… Well, to begin with, thanks for putting the image of big ‘Av in a brothel into my mind. I feel a little ill. A lot ill.
I get your point though, the fact is, if he is found guilty then he has committed an illegal activity, it will be up to Portsmouth to decide his professional fate, although let’s be honest, the last thing that club needs at the moment is a scandal! If Grant is convicted, and serves his pennance, then he still probably deserves to keep his job, IF the club decide to keep him employed.
The difference lies in the job title. As England captain JT has to live up to a certain standard, as he is the face of the team, and the Association. I don’t believe he should be fired as a player, just as a captain. He has to represent a nation, rather than just a club. This is probably why less is being made of him retaining his club captaincy.
I think the big question that everyone is asking now is, who are you? And what’s your history in such incidents? Can we start up our own little scandal?
LMAO
Sorry about the Grant image – I hope you weren’t eating lunch.
As for me, I’m just a guy who played some basketball (not the highest level) but I was a National Champion many moons ago and travelled an awful lot, when I was young, dumb and full of —-.
I can understand JT and why things went sideways and am not so quick to judge him. You can only say NO so many times…Bottom line – you shouldn’t fall in love and settle down with 1 girl as long as you are a pro – do it later.
BTW – not only have I experienced this personally, but I was witness to many many many such incidents along my travels. In a smaller city, athletes typically will hang out together, so it was us hoopsters, some American Rules Rugby players and a World Champion boxer.
They are like piranhas, the way they hunt…you talk about having a target on your back – you should see what goes on. There is a reason why there is a Rookie Education Class in the NBA, where they teach players to go to the bathroom themselves to flush the condom. For most guys who have to go out and really really work at it to pick up, it is indeed a world apart.
Good article for all to read:
http://lifestyle.ca.msn.com/valentines-day/rogers-article.aspx?cp-documentid=23381241
If you want people to stay out of your private life, don’t sell your wedding pictures to Hello magazine. Thank you.
Sairax
Good point – do you think that might have made the difference? If you keep your private life hidden, then the thing with Bridge’s ex happens, JT would have kept the big C?
BTW: Couple of points:
Apparently Rio was moving house when he remembered that he had a drug test scheduled. He called and told them he was going to be 20 mins late and they told him forget it…Although I am a Man U fan, I think you could’ve gone either way on this…he might have had something to hide and maybe not. If you know you are going to be tested will 20 mins really make a difference between passing and failing the test? Not sure…
Anyone here a hockey fan? Do you remember when Martin Brodeur slept with his wife’s sister? How does that work?????????
Gary Leeman also slept with Al Irafrate’s wife.
Sean Avery and Dion Phaneuf.
BUT
On a lighter note:
James, as a Brit – you must be aware of the irony here….
First – the Henry handball to put Ireland out
NOW
The French Beaver Squad whittles away at the morale and unity of the England team.
SURELY
I am not the only one to notice the pattern here…
What’s next?
Patick Viera (back in the Prem) is going to chop down Wayne Rooney??????
(discuss amongst yourselves…)
This from the BBC
Just hours before facing cash-strapped Portsmouth, Manchester United’s boss expressed his sympathies for Pompey boss Avram Grant. Sir Alex Ferguson said: “When you see what’s happening there, you have to feel for him. It can’t be easy. How he’s coping, you can only imagine.”
We know how…can you say “Happy Ending” boys and girls?
:)