"The Pressure"

As I am sitting at my desk working, I'm listening to Foxx News. It stays on all day, and I'll catch bits and pieces of the news throughout my day.

I just heard something that got under my skin. It was pertaining to Steve McNair's death. A fellow athlete made the statement "just don't understand the pressure" these professional athletes are under. Again.... I was listening to this with one ear but I'm confident that I got the meaning. Yes, his death was a senseless act of violence but that does not condone his actions. To me (And this is what I interpreted from the "just don't understand" statement), the excuse of pressure is not a way to escape any wrong doings. If the man was having an affair, he was having an affair. His job and the pressure that comes with it did not push him into it.

No, I can't say that I understand the pressure and all the time that a professional athlete puts into his/her job. BUT....and it's a big but.... I don't understand the millions of dollars that they bring home either. Professional athletes in this country are WELL compensated for what they do. The "normal" American lives in a $100k to $300k home I would say. The normal athlete....and this is a guess on my part.... resides in a home at least 10x that. Does the professional athlete understand the "pressure" the "normal" American is having these days paying day to day expenses.

Excuses are just that. Don't give me an excuse that "just don't understand". That's pure crap!! Now, I don't know, nor does anyone except those close to him, know what McNair and his family's lifestyle was. And frankly, it's none of my business. But I'm throwing the bullshit card on the table regarding "all the pressure". Give me a break! Be a responsible adult and take responsibility for your actions. This world would be a heck of a better place if everyone were held accountable for themselves. Everyone has pressure. It's just different for each person. What's important to me might not be important to you. What causes me serious stress.....might not cause you any.

End of rant! Thankssoverymuch!!