This is Nate Robinson in the 2006 NBA Slam Dunk Competition. He is shown here dunking over the one time NBA Dunking Champion Spud Webb. Both players are known for their jumping ability despite their size (5.9 and 5.7 respectively).Now that you know a little bit about this picture, how do you feel the athletes of today in all sports honor the past, while still setting a good example for the youth and future of the sport?
5 comments:
This is a really cool picture and its very interesting to see how such short
men, for NBA standards are keeping up with men twice their size. I think that
some athletes of today show children that you do not have to be over six foot
to make it into the professionals or play at a college level, but thats about
it. I really do not believe that the large percent of athletes honor the
people athletes them or show any good morals for the younger kids today. For
the most part all you hear about with athletes is there DUI's and use of drugs
or steriods. Not only do the men partake in these criminal acts but the women
are also starting to also. Professional atletes in our world make more money
then most of us ever will and they seem to get caught up in it. They buy
expensive cars, houses and get involved in some really bad things. I do not
think that kids should look up to them because the only true thing they are
teaching is to get rich and blow your money on all the wrong things. You dont
really see athletes donating money to charaties or using it to open up gyms to
keep kids off the streets. I am not saying all athletes are like this but for
the majority it is true. Some athletes could be the best people in the world
to look up to but for the most part they are changing the standards on what it
means to honor your sport and be a true role model.
I remember watching this dunk contest and being in complete disbelief during Robinson’s dunks. It is incredible that such a short player has such an amazing leaping ability. I admire Robinson’s heart and competitiveness because by today’s standards of the NBA he is well below the average height. It is important that children understand that they do not always need to be the tallest or the strongest to play sports. It is more important that children understand that hard work and heart is what will help them succeed in sports as well as in life. I also gained respect for Robinson because of how he honored Spud Webb by asking him to participate in his dunks. Many NBA players probably grew up idolizing past stars such as Jordan, Chamberlain and Spud Webb. Therefore, I think it is very important for today’s youth to be able to look up to NBA players and see how their heroes may also have heroes of their own.
I remember this dunk contest as well and was aware of Nate's jumping abilities, but it was exciting to seem him choose Spud to jump over as he dunked the ball to win the contest. This photo should give all young athletes hope no matter what there disadvantage is because Nate and Spud were extremely successful in the NBA, despite their lack of height. I would hope that nothing would interfere with anyone's dreams or hopes, but only to push and make one strive even more to accomplish or achieve the goals wanted. It really does not matter the amount of talent you have because I have witnessed players throughout my life who have all the talent in the world but either do not use it or throw it away by commiting crimes of some sort. As Alex said, I do agree that your work ethic and heart determine where you go as not only a athlete, but as a person as well. All athletes I believe are or were inspired by someone, whether it was because of their success, character, talent, etc.; however, numerous athletes ruin their lives and others' lives by doing wrong. Nobody wants to follow somebody who does not want to be followed and athletes who choose the wrong path lose fame or credibility. Although, I believe a majority of athletes are good people and do donate money for charity,spend time with hopeful children, give motivating speeches, and various other causes that effect peoples perspectives toward their heroes. All in all, I believe there are enough athletes to choose as role models to look up to and make sports a better aspect or part of one's future.
Athletes today seem to care only about themselves: they do not honor their predecessors, they don’t honor the idea of team sports, and they certainly privilege money over the delight of play.
Players, particularly professional basketball players, revel in the idea of excess. They want to be better than anyone who has come before them, and they want the limelight on themselves. The slam dunk contests are the perfect avenue for a pro player: he can be out on the court alone performing circus acts and he can slurp up all the applause for himself.
Off the court, players live ridiculously ostentatious lifestyles—and even on the court, they plug their lobes with giant D-flawless diamonds that droop to face the floor. Charity? What charity? How many small countries could be provided food and clean water with just one pair of these garish rocks?
Pro basketball players don’t care about the other guys on the hardwood. They care about ‘me, myself, and I’ and how many Bentleys their next contract will buy them.
Argue with me.
I agree. Athletes do take advantage of their wealth without being appreciative of it. It seems that the more they get the more they want and expect to receive. Competitions like the Slam Dunk Contest or the Homerun Derby put individuals in the spotlight and give no glory or recognition to the team. It has taken away from the team sports and focuses more on the individuals and how well they have excelled. Of course, when asked, every athlete says he/she has someone to look up to, but it has become increasingly noticeable that the athletes don't honor their role models. They only care about themselves and how to improve their status. This does not set a good example for the youth. It shows that being an athlete is all about seeing how much money one can make and how to better oneself rather than being a team player.
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