Professional athletes getting in trouble is nothing new.  For whatever reason, some of these young men seem to think they are above the law.  In the past week two incidents of incredibly poor decision-making took place.  As a counselor for both online theft classes and alcohol awareness classes, one mantra I preach to each student is “show common sense.”  This is of course made more difficult if drugs and alcohol are involved.

The Folly of Youth

You are a second-year, 23-year-old starting pitcher for a major league baseball team. Yes, you may be one of the lowest paid players in the game, but does that mean you have no common sense.

Mike Leake, the player I am writing about is one of the few players to actually graduate from college. Leake graduated and pitched for the Arizona State Sun Devils and was a surprise starter in his rookie season.  How surprising was it – Leake was only the third pitcher since 1970 and the first in more than 15 years to start a game in the majors before starting a game in the minor leagues.

Common sense seemed to be missing for the 23-year-old hurler went he entered a Macy’s department store and decided to leave with six shirts, valued at less than $60, without paying for them. Leake removed the price tags and walked out wit the sic T-shirts.  He was arrested before the team’s game that evening.  Six shirts – for $60 – are you kidding me. Leake was arrested for misdemeanor shoplifting and could spend 6 months in jail. Certainly he will have to attend a shoplifting class.

Again he is one of the lowest paid players in the game, but still his annual salary should have been enough to cover $60.  He will make $425,000.00 this year.  Common, Mike – show some common sense.

Older, but Wiser

Another Major League Baseball pitcher who did not show any common sense this week is Derek Lowe of the Atlanta Braves. Lowe was arrested for DUI after police caught him racing another car down an Atlanta street at 10PM Thursday night.  Are you kidding me – street racing.  Where’s the common sense?

Not only racing, but intoxicated as well.  After refusing to take a breathalyzer test, Lowe failed a field sobriety test and was promptly arrested and booked for reckless driving and driving under the influence. In addition to facing fine and jail time, he'll probably have to take an alcohol awarenes class.

Why did Lowe decide not to take a taxi home?  It couldn’t have been due to the fact he had no pocket change.  Lowe will make $15,000,000 for the Braves this season.

Not that age makes any difference, but one would expect a 37-year-old veteran to behave himself.  Lowe has a history of making headlines. Back in 2005, as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Lowe abandoned his family who still lived back in Boston and moved in with a Fox News TV reporter. He is a man who now has a history of showing little common sense.

Common guys – kids are watching.  Whether you like it or not, you are role models. Use common sense – don’t steal – rich or not, it is never right. And Derek Lowe, holy cow – that was a serious brain fart. Not only was he driving while intoxicated, but he was racing.  Most teenagers have more common sense.