'Pacman' needs to get it together off the field

When you look up Adam “Pacman” Jones name on the Internet, an array of articles disclosing Jones’ latest antics can be found in between the listings of his missing statistical information for last season.

According to an article “Jones gifted on field, troubled off it” by Greg Garber, senior sports writer posted on ESPN.com on March 9, 2007, in the 23 months following his selection to play for the Tennessee Titans, Jones was charged with assault, felony vandalism and felony obstruction. This was only at the beginning of his career.

Currently, Jones is under suspension from the National Football League for his actions off the field.
I think that a player on such a huge stage, the NFL, should not be reinstated after accumulating such a huge wrap sheet. It seems as though Jones doesn’t learn from his mistakes, and he keeps adding to them.

Rick Gosselin, writer, columnist and blogger on the NFL for the Dallas Morning News said Jones was told to stay out of trouble by the commissioner.

“Goodell suspended him, and he told Jones his actions embarrassed the league,” Gosselin said in an e-mail interview. “Goodell is sending a strong message to players throughout the league. If you mess up, it's going to cost you your paycheck. In Jones' case, it's a season of paychecks.”

Being at a professional level of sports requires skill and talent for the game, however, with the popularity of professional athletes, they have also have a requirement to conduct themselves in such a way as to not damage the reputation of their team or sport. Fans across the nation and children look up to these athletes and want to play like them and have their lives.

“These players are public figures paid by the entertainment dollar of the American public,” Gosselin said. “Their off-the-field responsibility is to stay out of trouble, just like politicians and entertainers. Be law-abiding citizens off the field. It's not too much to ask.”

How athletes are off the field affects their images and reputations just as much, if not more than how they carry themselves on the field.

“Image is everything,” Gosselin said. “That's the point Goodell was making when he suspended Jones.”

Jones may be headed to Dallas to play for the Cowboys if and when Roger Goodell reinstates his active status.

In his article “Goodell: Pacman still needs to accept responsibility,” Alex Marvez, senior NFL writer for foxsports.com said if Dallas does bring Jones over to their roster, it could not only blemish the Cowboys’ image, but is may send the message that “football skills outweigh bad character.”

The piece also discloses that there may be hope for Jones who may be getting his act together after a recent interview.

Before Jones plays for the NFL (if he does), I think he has a responsibility to clean up his image and really mean it. It would be one thing to start doing good deeds, but actually accepting the importance of them is another. It would be a huge gift and privilege if Goodell allows Jones to play for the NFL again. Giving money to charitable causes is one way, but it makes me wonder if Jones’ kind actions are truly because he cleaning up his act or if he is just doing it to be able to play in the NFL again. People can change, but only if they are willing. I wonder about Jones because of his extensive rap sheet. Will he learn from his past mistakes or will he fall back into a bad cycle when all of the fame of Dallas goes to his head? I am rooting for Jones because of his incredible talent on the football field, but I also hope that he doesn’t let his fans down. Professional athletes have a unique talent that many of us wish we had. They are able to play games that become a part of history and entertain fans across the nation and even the world. We are not asking for a perfect, wholesome image, but we need troubled athletes to clean up their acts not just for us, but for them. Without their playing ability, we miss out, and so does the game.