another resource to read more into Fleury's story:



http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Canada/20111208/graham-james-sex-offender-charges-jail-time-111208/

Fleury's Confession

Hockey star Theo Fleury's story of sexual abuse, drug abuse, and suicide attempt are ridiculously crazy. Not crazy because it doesn't happen, but because you would never expect it to affect a established athlete. It is inspiring to see athletes tell their stories so people like me can relate and feel not so alone. I personally don't understand any of Fleury''s emotions except for feeling helpless. It is the worst feeling in the world and it eats away at you. I for one appreciate celebrities and athletes relating to their fans. To be honest, when the celebrities and athletes demonstrate feelings and incidents that relate to their fans, you just don't seem "weird" anymore. For example, I am always getting in arguments with my sister and when we fight I am usually the one that yells and screams. At the end of the fights, I just feel so bad and feel as if I am too sensitive and begin to over analyze the situation. I then watch Keeping Up With the Kardashians and she their sisterly fights and deem myself normal. ;) Athletes make a difference, in more ways than one. We gain hope, fun, loyalty, and commitment when rooting for our fans. Something athletes should always remember. Fleury openly told his story, giving victims something to hang on too, and not to feel along. Being idolized is a huge responsibility and athletes should always understand that.

Speaking for Victim One

As we have all heard of the Penn State scandal, the stories have not stopped yet. Allegations against Sandusky are under investigation by a grand jury; however, this story of the first victim is heart breaking. It amazes me that the legendary role in sports can blind someone’s capabilities from right and wrong. Penn State is a football college; Having a record and reputation that all college football fans are aware of. However, is there reputation in the college football league, a golden ticket to scandalous conduct, ignorant behavior, and mishandling of power and position? This scandal seems to tell that story. Victim one went through an ordeal in order to bring this forward and still the controversy lies with the result of the coaches, rather than the effect brought on to the victims. Community members and school officials of Victim One’s neglected all appropriate measures to understand what was really happening. First, my concerns go to the leading psychologist that considered Victim One’s rash change in behavior to be puberty based. I understand that children change when they hit puberty, but a psychologist should have seen the warning signs of other underlining issues. My next concern is the school who neglected to handle this case properly. This is a child’s safety and potentially another student' if proper action is not taken. Lastly, I would like to voice my concern for the victim harassed at school. Being sexual abused is not an easy struggle. No one can relate to this victim and instead of being sympathetic, some are more concerned with their devotion to the love of college football. I love sports but never to put them before the well-being of a person. It hard to believe that someone would. I just want people to place themselves in the shoes of the victim. Now the shoes of the parents of the victim. Now place yourself in the place of Sandusky. In all the scenarios, which person had the most control? Who was hurt the most? Lastly, who was wrong?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/22/penn-state-scandal-jerry-sandusky-victim-mother_n_1108979.html?page=2

Penn State Sex Scandal

      The Penn State scandal has sparked a light inside me. After reading this story I couldn't help but feel disgusted and some what betrayed. I kept thinking about the poor victims involved in such a scandalous story. 

The alleged story accuses  former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky of sexual assault. Sandusky was reported to be sexual abusing and misusing his position as head coach. Coach Joe Paterno, reported such rumors and never followed up, which in result ended his football coaching career. Victims reported abuse, bullying and animosity that lead them to leave school . This was horrific to think. To know that a person of such stature would do such a thing. A school coach has an obligation to its students and its community. I feel both Sandusky and Paterno validated this obligation. Paterno may have not participated in the crime, but not following up and allowing it to continue is just the same.

The board of trustees removed both Sandusky and Paterno from their positions at the university. I believe this was the best decision for the school and for the students. With this decision the board showed unity and strength against wrong doings. This story is one that will be talked about for years to come and a tragedy those victims will remember for forever.

Google Chrome and Obama saying IT GETS BETTER

I am a marketing major and it is inspiring to see companies using cause marketing to advertise some of their products. Google uses the It Gets Better Project to advertise Google Chrome. I just wish every person feeling alone and desperate could hear these messages. Lil Jon didn't realize how many people loved him and how many people were devastated by his loss. If he did maybe he would still be with us.

It such a great thing that companies are socially responding to a raising concerns. Athletes, celebrities, politicians, and public figures are all making a statement for the It Gets Better Project. Obama even did a you tube video. These messages make a difference. I can not say I know the feeling of hatred and despair, but I do know the feeling of helplessness. These messages enforce empowerment and change. Something a helpless person needs. I hope this project is a forever lasting one and more and more people realize how power a message can be.

 

It Gets Better