IMO, like many professional athletes, NFL players have been pampered and primped, coddled and spoon fed starting at an early age since they demonstrated some athletic ability sufficient to become “winners” for what ever team they aspired to. It starts when they are in high school, possibly before. A coach sees some kid with great potential who might help his/her team become winners. The problems begin when said coaches (or others) “look the other way”, give special favors and do whatever it takes to keep that kid playing on their team. The kids get used to the special treatment and begin to think they are better and more important than others. Hence, they begin to test the waters, “flex their muscles of superiority” and over time, get to the pros where suddenly they a “stars” in the publics eye and think they can do no wrong. They have become products of what those who brought them up created, spoiled brats making lots of money. Still believing they can do no wrong, they turn to more serious problems such as drugs, beatings, robbing and even murder.
Personally, I believe that the violence off the field may be a consequence of not learning how to leave the violence on the field, on the field.
My son had an opportunity to work the sidelines at an NFL game last year. He said that the amount of adrenalin flowing on the sidelines and in the locker room was almost frightening, especially among the linemen.
They get themselves worked up almost into a frenzy - he characterized them as almost psycho. At that elite level, you almost have to work yourself up into a state like that, or you just don’t survive.
I wonder if that’s part of the reason that people in high-octane jobs are (?) more likely to let it bleed over into other areas of their lives?
Yup. Then there are those who grew up being whipped with switches:
http://blacksportsonline.com/home/2014/09/photos-of-adrian-petersons-4-year-old-son-after-switch-spanking/
RE: Post #19...
I hate to admit it, but there is truth to your comment. I played some College Football myself at D2 level. I did get special treatment in some areas of highschool and in college.
That said, “completing” the necessary classwork and keeping up with a demanding scholarship football schedule takes a serious commitment. It is not for lazy or unambitious folks. This assumes the university and the student’s studies actually adhere to NCAA rules and ..... I was an engineering student. It was hard.