Athletes and Reality Television shows are not a great mixture. Since the reality TV wave hit athletes have been seen on television in a different capacity compared to what we the fans are normally used to seeing. I can admit I watch reality television, but when you are a professional athlete it does not provide a good combination.
Retired athletes may have a little more leeway to sign up for reality television shows, because they are not providing any material or distractions that can put a dark cloud on the player, organization, and their teammates.
Athletes such as Terrell Owens, Desmond Briscoe, Lamar Kardashian (Odom), and Chad Johnson have fallen victim to the curse of athletes and reality television. In this day and age with Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram it gives fans, naysayers, and people within the organization to keep a close eye on what that person is doing. Professional athletes are so accessible that it gives them more opportunities to become vulnerable in the public eye.
We all know about the Chad Johnson and Evelyn Lozada fiasco, but it was only a huge deal because Johnson garners so much attention off the football field. If it were Anthony Fasano who head butted his wife the story would have been in small print.
Since it was Johnson it was broadcasted on every media outlet. Younger athlete’s today need to take notice and learn from these athlete’s mistakes and stay away from reality TV shows.
Athlete’s have to stay away from these shows until they retire. Chad went from being the #1 option to being a fa within years.. lamar was the 6th man of the year now who knows how he will play. TO was on dr Phil smh