I recently read an article on ESPN (Niagara's Lewis still the All-American kid) that made me think about the effect publicity has on college level athletes. The story of Niagara's Tyrone Lewis really caught my attention. Since Tyrone was in high school he was considered the "All American Kid". He had great academic success, had exceptional talent in basketball, and was one of the most friendly, popular young men in his high school. He basically had it all, and planned to continue on to college. But before he graduated, his sister got involved in some gang issues. Recently after, there was an incident (small accident and shooting) involving Tyrone and a friend (who later died because of this accident) which was automatically said to believe that was related to Tyrone's sister's involvement with gangs.
Immediatly, almost everyone that had supported and was so proud of Tyrone turned their backs. They were so quick to judge and say what a bad guy he was, or make remarks as to the kind of parenting his mother did. He even became known already at the college he was supposed to attend. Most people crticized the coach for bringing him over. In the end, it turned out the the shooting and the accident was just bad timing, it had nothing to do with gang violence.
After reading this, I felt horrible to think of what Tyrone had to go through. He was just a kid when this happened trying to play ball in college. But the emphasis and fame society puts on young student athletes unfortunatly comes with the negative effect too. Once put on a pedastool for his accoplishments, it was all so quickly turned around. I think we should really think about who we glorify and why. And realize that they're just kids trying to have a good time with their talent.
~Elisa Rodriguez
KIN 332I section 2
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