Is it right for athletes to be marketing themselves off the field?

     Why does it matter how an athlete makes a supplemental living, as long as it is done in a legal and moral way? If any one of us had the chance to make extra money to ensure a better future for our family, we would all jump at the opportunity. So who is it to say we should ban the athlete from endorsing a product he or she uses. Yes they already make tons of money as an athlete now. What happens in the future when they are unable to provide for themselves and their family; such as the great Muhammed Ali, who is known as one of greatest boxers of all time and is now suffering with Parkinson's disease. If it wasn’t for his marketing of himself while he had the chance and learning to invest in his future he would probably be under the support of the United States safety net; known as Social Security and Medicare. Such is the case of 46 years old Gene Atkins of the Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints (1987-1996) who has permanent brain damage from his career in the NFL. Yes...maybe he didn’t invest properly…but maybe he did, and the money ran out because of medical expense (don’t know)?

     This is the land of “Free Enterprise”, and if the enterprise is yourself, flaunt it, the best way you can and as often as the public will allow. Let the Cal Ripken Jr's., Michael Jordan's, Ray Lewis's, and ect… of the world make their legacy even better. Most of today’s athlete put some of their earnings in to youth sports and physical fitness, community improvements, finding cures for diseases, homelessness, world hunger and the list goes on.

     The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation created by Cal Jr. and his brother was formed to help under privileged youths to learn discipline, leadership, work ethic, responsibility, and healthy living thru the learning of baseball.  In 1999, Babe Ruth League Inc. changed the name of its largest division (5-12 year-old) from Bambino to Cal Ripken Baseball.  Presently, over 700,000 youths play worldwide. In August the Cal Ripken World Series is played, bringing 16 teams of 11-12 year old from around the world to interact and learn from others who love the sport. And of course to try and win the championship.

     In 2001 when Michael Jordan came out of retirement to play for the Washington Wizards and donated his entire salary to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Jordan’s brand has donated money to Habitat for Humanity and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.  Jordan also plays golf tournaments for a variety of charities.

     The Ray Lewis Foundation has helped improve the lives of under privilege youths and family by providing them with clothing and food; plus other charity events.

     Have you ever seen a NASCAR race car, the marketing that goes into one of them is better than a one minute commercial. I don’t know exactly how many sponsors are on one car, but it has to be close to twenty or more for some. And when the winner does their accepting speech he seems to be there for 5 minutes thanking his sponsors. Give me a break, I saw the car! Next time you see one look close and count them… even the small decals.

     If I could get paid to market myself and the types of products I use or have used I would; as long as I believe in the products. As the mechanic I could market the types of vehicle with the least amount of major repairs, the tools used, the parts, and the parts supplier. As the real-estate agent it could be the medium who gets the best response, the office supplier who gives the best support, product, and price.  How about as a computer geek; it could be to sell a type of computer or operating system to a type of hardware or software.  I think the most fun I would enjoy selling for is my fishing hobby.

     Let the athletes market themselves, we all would, if giving the opportunity.