Recently while watching the movie Batman Begins, I came upon a quote that I find to be of great meaning. Batman says this to Katie Holmes’s character after saving her life:

“It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.”

Thinking about this quote and looking at many of the things going on in the sports world, I see that Batman’s statement can be applied to many of our professional athletes, who accomplish great feats, but aren’t always who they appear to be.

Who is Terrell Owens?

Why he’s an All-Pro wide receiver with 100 career touchdowns, who made a gallant effort in last year’s Super Bowl and is one of pro football’s most popular players.

What has he done?

Well, as of late he’s been a whining loudmouth, concerned more with his own personal accomplishments, than his team the Philadelphia Eagles’ chances of winning. He worked his way out of a job, and added another incident to his already long list of mishaps, which includes numerous controversial touchdown celebrations and a demand for the restructuring of a 49 million dollar contract. Owens needs to look at where his priorities lie, with all the things going on in the world today.

It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.

What about Raphael Palmeiro, who is he?

He’s a four-time all-star who has 569 career home runs and has won three gold glove awards.

What has he done?

He was found guilty of using steroids after he testified in front of Congress that he had never taken steroids in his life. He was released by the Baltimore Orioles, and has tarnished his once outstanding baseball career, almost guaranteeing that he will never be voted into the Hall of Fame.

The same goes for anybody else found guilty of steroid use. I find it hard to believe that none of these accused persons had absolutely no clue that they were given steroids. Common sense should kick in and tell you that some substances might be harmful to use. These players have trashed baseball’s image, making some people think that everyone in baseball is “juiced up.”

It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.

What kind of examples do these athletes set for the teenagers like us? If you whine and complain, you’ll finally get your way? If you do drugs, you’ll do amazing things, and grow stronger? Many players from this school have gone and will go on to play collegiate level sports. Are the actions of these pro athletes influencing younger people to become the next Owens or Palmeiro? Only time will tell.

I will not deny that athletes such as these are successful in what they do, they are admired by thousands of people and their accomplishments are good for sports. However, athletes need to step up and admit when they are wrong.

It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.