Greetings Nick!
With the MLB Draft coming up and high school and college programs winding down, this is a piece that will serve as a reminder that for all of the equity you’ll build up for the good deeds generated from the 2012 season and career, it’s that one ill-timed mistake that can derail your dreams in a split second, tarnish your name and ruin your financial earning capabilities?
During my own career working in sports, I’ve seen two players - minor league and NHL level – die in separate alcohol-related car crashes that stemmed from late night team parties that each took place the night of the final game after a season had come to a close.
When I worked with the Washington Capitals in the 1980s, Len Bias was an All-American basketball player with the University of Maryland. One of the truly great pro prospects ever seen! Bias was the 2nd overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. Two days after his selection, Bias flew to Boston to meet the Celtics’ media and sign one of the richest shoe endorsement contracts (at the time) with Reebok for a reported $3-Million.
Bias flew back home later that night and drove back to his college campus. He attended a dorm party to celebrate his new-found wealth. Reports say Bias took a dose of cocaine (which likely induced cardiac arrhythmia) and shockingly was pronounced dead at 8:55 AM.
Six days after his draft selection, millions on the way and a childhood dream now coming to fruition, Bias, instead was laid inside of a wooden casket and mourned by more than 11,000 people at his college basketball arena where he created his legend. I actually attended the Bias funeral. It was one of the saddest days ever witnessed. I will never forget the memory of (then Celtics’ captain) Larry Bird presenting the mother of Len Bias - who was crying profusely - with her son’s NBA Jersey that he would never wear (nor any other player in team history as it was immediately retired) all because of ONE MISTAKE.
Switching gears, this past week a national story about a football player name Brian Banks captured headlines everywhere. He was a former high school star linebacker in Long Beach, CA. In the summer of 2002, Banks was preparing for his senior year at age 17 and was among the nation’s best at his position. He was already awarded a scholarship from Pete Carroll and the USC Trojans when Banks was accused of rape and kidnapping -- falsely, as it turned out -- by a fellow student. Banks maintained his innocence, but faced up to 41 years in prison for the charges levied against him. Based on the advice of his legal counsel, he chose to plead guilty in exchange for a five-year sentence. Upon his release, he spent another five years on parole. He was required to register as a sex offender and wear a monitoring device. His life wasn't his own, all because of a conviction for a crime.
This week, through a remarkable turn of events. Banks’ accuser recanted her story that has led to the dismissal of his conviction, making him truly free. Exonerated. Banks, now 26, is working out with a trainer with the hopes that an NFL team will give him a tryout to possibly realize his childhood dream of playing pro football after surrendering the last ten years of his life and freedom.
Fellas, have fun, no question. You deserve it! But be very careful with the company you keep; the time of day and location. You are one cell phone picture away from a PR Nightmare that could cost you a career, a lifetime of wealth and fame after you busted your chops for so many years to get that one chance at the big leagues!
My best always my friend!
Jim Loria
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Words from a sign that hangs on display in the Tampa Bay Rays’ player clubhouse: "Integrity Doesn't Require Rules!"
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“The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example” – stated by Benjamin Disraeli, British Prime Minister in the 1800s
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ALWAYS REMEMBER … “The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour” – Japanese Proverb
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Jim Loria
E-Mail: loria@sfstampede.com
Thursday, May 31, 2012
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