Will other athletes learn from McNair's death?

[CountDeMoney]

Will other athletes learn from McNair's death?
Infidelity among sports stars a concern for their families

Associated Press
July 20, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - The shocking death of former Ravens and Titans quarterback Steve McNair and infidelity among sports stars is a main topic of discussion among families of professional athletes.

"They can't take their mind off it," said Tisha DeShields, ex-wife of former Oriole Delino DeShields.

McNair had been married 12 years before he was shot to death July 4 at his condo by Sahel Kazemi who then turned the gun on herself. Police said Kazemi, 20, was struggling financially and suspected McNair might be involved with another lover.

DeShields, 38, a Atlanta businesswoman who divorced her husband after discovering his seven-year affair, remains friends with a number of male pro athletes and their wives. She said that McNair's death is what they've been discussing.

"This was one of their own," she said, "their colleague, someone they respected."

One question that comes up is whether any of the athletes who have affairs will learn from the tragedy.

Dr. Sherry Blake called McNair's death "a wake-up call" for players, but she expects most will forget about the murder-suicide and return to their old habits.

"Many players have had [extramarital] affairs for years," said Blake, a clinical psychologist who practices in the Atlanta area and has counseled athletes and entertainers about the temptations of drugs, alcohol and women.

Some affairs involving marquee players have played out in public.

In 2003, NBA star Kobe Bryant - then 24 - admitted to adultery when accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman who worked at the exclusive Colorado spa where Bryant was staying for knee surgery. That case later was dismissed. Last year, Cynthia Rodriguez divorced New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez after allegations of repeated infidelity.

Chris Sanders, who played with McNair, says he should have been more involved in the personal life of his one-time teammate.

"I beat myself up ever since it happened," the former Tennessee Titans wide receiver said. "Maybe it was something I could have said, or maybe it was something I could have did. ... Maybe the situation would have been different."

Sanders said most pro leagues have "player development programs" to help with certain personal aspects. But he said the programs don't deal enough with relationships or marriage.

The NFL discusses the potential risks in personal relationships at its annual rookie symposium each June. Each club can access the Life Skills options that include programs for managing relationships and violence against women.

McNair, 36, was an NFL veteran who had retired just nine months before meeting Kazemi. Blake said some pro athletes - particularly retirees - often seek women to validate "they still got it ... although they may have the perfect setup at home."

In seeking out such women, Steven Ortiz, an associate professor of sociology at Oregon State University, said some pro athletes often fall victim to groupies - women who make themselves accessible to the players - and who can be quite persistent.

"It's like a fast-food sex mentality," said Ortiz, who interviewed 47 wives of pro athletes over a four-year period and is currently writing a book based on his findings.

Ortiz said many pro athletes' committing adultery stems from the preferential treatment they've received most of their lives.

"I call this the 'spoiled athlete syndrome,' " he said. "Part of the syndrome has to do with the idea that they are above any responsibility for their actions off the field."

Victor Winfrey, a former tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles, agreed.

"Whenever you're dealing with men who have been put up on a pedestal and told that they're the greatest thing, and always have been admired by people, there's ... a sense of entitlement to whatever you want," he said.

[Jaron]

What a bullshit article.

All men, but especially those with money, have affairs. Its not natural for men to stay with one mate all our lives. It isn't how nature has our brains wired.

Or, at least mine isn't. But then again, I am hispanic.

[CountDeMoney]

Or, at least mine isn't. But then again, I am hispanic.

You're also woefully underemployed and broke as balls.  So you're back to 0.

[Jaron]

Or, at least mine isn't. But then again, I am hispanic.

You're also woefully underemployed and broke as balls.  So you're back to 0.

I'm not unemployed nor am I broke. But thanks for playing.

[CountDeMoney]

Or, at least mine isn't. But then again, I am hispanic.

You're also woefully underemployed and broke as balls.  So you're back to 0.

I'm not unemployed nor am I broke. But thanks for playing.

I said UNDERemployed, Muttski. And yes, by my standards, you are technically broke.

[Jaron]

I'm going to bed. You killed my high.

[Strix]

I agree this bullshit.

DeShields was an Oriole for only a couple seasons, he shouldn't have been associated with the team.