Are “Decision” Parties Really Necessary?

Added by Janet Thompson Hilliman on August 16, 2011.

The Sports World may seem like a deceptively glamorous life.  Of course it is hard not to believe so for the simple fact of the perception that we all have about pro-athletes. They are all that, right? But for those behind the scenes or for a “one day in the life of’ a pro-athlete the truth is that it isn’t so glamorous after all, just a payoff, maybe.  As a matter of fact it is quite an unstable life, one that doesn’t say much for longevity.  The life of an average pro athlete they say is about four to five years. 

The guys that have done their “thing” for longer than that are really the exceptions to this. Let’s face it the probability is frightening, one in every one hundred and forty eight thousand student athletes make it to the pro.  That which separates that one kid from those thousands of others is that he or she has to have that “it factor” and constantly be that X factor that takes him/her to the next level.  But it doesn’t end there, he has to be able to show and prove, season after season to make a name for him or herself, not the glamorous life. And the real deal is it gets harder every level.  Many high school kids have gotten full rides to college for sports and get there and find that, they can’t handle it.  They then opt for student loans rather than keep sacrificing to make it. 

Where could this conversation be heading, pray tell? Well let’s just say after a bit of observation it appears as if some of today’s student athletes really believe the hype, that sports is glamorous.  It is customary for high school athletes on signing day, or even before or after just have a press conference, make the announcement, put on their caps and voila, they have just declared where they are going to school.  But recently high school kids are throwing big lavish parties to declare where they are going to school.  Now parties are great but if the purpose is just to say where one is going to play ball, is it necessary? Really? Graduation parties, yay! That calls for celebrations but that other reason, just not wisdom.

Call me a bit old fashion but doesn’t that put a lot of pressure if one is put in a position where they cannot “ante up.” Say, things go south, coaches can leave and that changes everything.  They may not make it on the field, an injury may occur, who wants that bulls eye?  Having attended draft parties before, there is nothing fun about it.  It is nerve racking and tense until after the pick has been made. And God forbid after all the rounds are call, no mention is made, then what?

Staying focus and true to the game is key.  Parties can wait until after the show and proving is over, then there are lots of reasons to celebrate.  By all means rock on, party like its 1999.  But until then there is really no need for another repeat of a “The Decision” because we all know how that turned out.  K I S, keep it simple! Just saying….