What price glory?

I have often asked the question, "What price glory?" My high school football coach asked me that one day when I blew off my one and only practice to go to the beach. He told me I had an "All State" body and a Harrison County brain! I got it. I never skipped a practice again.

What would you sacrifice to attain fame? Is the sacrifice of your money, family, and integrity important enough for you to gain personal recognition? What if you had the chance?

The question then is "What price Hall of Fame?" In the everpresent case of Barry Bonds, (unemployed MLB outfielder) or Roger Clemens (unemployed MLB pitcher) or Andy Pettite (NY Yankees), what price Hall of Fame? Is that why Bonds, Clemens, or Pettite played major league baseball - to get into the HOF?

To be recognized as a Hall-of- Famer in any sport is an exceptional honor. They're the very best in what they do, whether it be players, coaches or officials. Unfortunately, there are many others who deserved such an honor, yet have never been recognized by HOF induction. So many that did it right, and didn't cheat on drugs and followed all the rules.

I am not conveying guilt of any the above using steroids or illegal performance-enhancing drugs. Hundreds of athletes have - with final proof yet to be rendered. However, in today's environment, once the media gets a hold of it, the public often pronounces "guilty" or at least "I knew it all along." It depends on just how big a fan you are of that person in question.

My point is: in striving to be the best, is it right to "win at all costs"? Through their desire to achieve, many placed the price of glory above family and friendship. Granted, in order to attain HOF recognition, one must, 1) have exceptional talent, 2) put in extraordinary time, preparation and effort and 3) have good fortune (luck). There is no doubt that Bonds, Clemens and Pettite have those traits.

My questions are: 1) Where does "doing the right thing", i.e. integrity, enter this issue, and 2) if indeed, they have gone beyond the law/rules/regulations and ethics in any way - do they deserve HOF recognition? The bigger issue for the world of sports is: What lessons are being transmitted to the younger generation who want to be major leaguers? Can we tell them that only extra effort, persistence and proper training will help them best to chase their dreams? Or is it necessary to achieve "by hook or by crook" to be the best? This year we will have random testing of High School athletes in the state of Florida, who would have ever thought it? This is the price we pay for not including integrity into the thinking for a future Hall of Famer!

There is no doubt in today's major league play - in every sport - that the money and recognition drives one's ego. The sports industry, however, is not alone when it stretches/violates proper behavior and ethics, as witness our business and political worlds.

Will you step up to help restore some sense into this crazy world of unethical behavior and what can you do.

I think you can do this! Speak out, say what you feel and make sure that you say it in the right place and the right time. We need more people to make their views know on this. First of all, to your own children. Wouldn't that be a great place to start?

Just thought you'd like to know…