If there is a lesson that I have bought into, it is: do not lie or decieve people. Lying is a channel of self-inflicting emotional unrest rather than an escape from public shame. Often we are criminals and victims of deceit and become so crafty that we hide our inner doings and objectives from those who trust us. We become mute to the truth but loud in lies. These circumstances are common in relationships: a politician to his constituents, a spiritual leader to his flock, and most commonly in love relationships. We must realize that when we become trusted icons to people, it is wrong to live a life that we would not want those who trust in us to know about. This means that we must be responsible and not allow the temptations that exist to win our individual emotional war. Engaging in lies and con-artist like behavior is essentially a cycle of emotional suicide, in which the liar’s peace of mind and even happiness is in the end victimized.

Now how can I relate this theme to sports? Well, let us discuss Major League Baseball slugger Alex Rodriguez. Mass media coverage has exploited his usage of illegal performance enhancement drugs. Prior to this present year, many – if not all – viewed Rodriguez as the savior and icon of baseball with true success in the midst of recent baseball icons like Roger Clemens and the game’s single-season home run record holder Barry Bonds were both to be possible users of steroids and illegal drugs that definitely aided their production. All the while Rodriguez was this icon who was clean as can be and rather was an example of what hard work and dedication can do for oneself. Kids wore his jerseys, media followed him and appearances as a motivational speaker for various events follwed the success of this player who was perceived to have achieved success the right and honest way. Thirteen years and baseball seasons of this perception was great I guarantee for everybody but Rodriguez himself.

While the deception that he put the public through is finished and done with, Rodriguez cannot apologize enough via the media and find peace. In the end he is victimized by his own deceit. Many are unwilling to respect the statistical production he has accumulated over the years. Now Rodriguez finds himself stooping to fans and the public asking for his return of respect.

Most of us will not be entrusted because of our societal status as Rodriguez is or was. However, simply being deceitful to friends, lovers, parents, etc. will put us in an inevitable pit that can be difficult to overcome and regain the trust of those we love. The decieved will no longer be receptive to our words. Moreover, though Rodriguez had the status, the consequences and the effects of his deception are the same to the common person. Instead, it is our duty to cherish honesty and behave in this way. People choose to trust athletes in this untrustworthy world. When we are holders of people’s trust, we should choose to protect and respect it.