Tiger's Transgressions: Lessons to Learn?

A little over a year ago (September 2008) I scribed a Blog post titled, "Image is Everything!" Within this Blog I discussed the importance of "image" for a professional athlete, especially when considering the potential of endorsements and sponsorships following their pro sports careers. To slightly rehash, the Merriam-Webster dictionary describes the word image as, "a mental picture or impression of something," but to the professional athlete image can be described as money.

I cannot help but refer to the blasts of articles, blogs, and news media revolving around the recent Tiger Woods events. Time will only tell the financial impact of his alleged transgressions, but minimally his image has been altered. The once imper vial picture the world held of this most recognizable athlete has been blurred.

With more and more endorsement contracts (and playing contracts) including "morality" clauses an athlete must be even more diligent to maintain the perceived image in order to maintain the money deal. Case in point, NFL quarterback Michael Vick is reported to have lost up to $100 million in endorsement and playing contracts as a result of his transgressions a couple years back.

I'm not attempting to draw the conclusion that Vick's shortcoming is in comparison to Woods' alleged issues by any level of judgment but endorsement money and morality clauses are becoming a norm. With a staggering statistic of over 75% of professional athletes either bankrupt or divorced within the first five years out, I'm saddened by the sheer number of athletes whose image becomes damaged.


Lesson learned, it's very important for a professional athlete to surround themselves with people who care as much, if not more for their image. As Webster puts it, an image is "a mental picture or impression of something," and if an athlete wants to parlay their pro career into endorsements....."Image is Everything!"

You can find out more about me, my TV show, book and services at:
www.fromglorydays.com

Wanted: Deputy Sheriff - NBA Experience a Plus

Creating a new career following a pro sports career can sometimes prove difficult. Which career, why, when, and how are some of the normal questions and struggles that can occur when seeking employment during the next phase of an athlete's life. One NBA player has gotten a jump on his career transition by already submitting his application.

Certain NBA Hall of Famer and current Cleveland Cavalier, Shaquille O'Neal recently applied to become a special deputy at the Cuyahoga County sheriff's department. If accepted, the 7' 1" 300+ pound athlete would have the right to carry a gun and make arrests, but not paid as a formal employee (which may not be an issue considering he's currently in his 19th year on an NBA salary).

Law enforcement is not a new venture for Shaq as he's previously served at agencies in Arizona, Virginia, and Florida, though, not without some controversy. In 2008 Shaq was relinquished of his honorary badge by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio when the then Phoenix Suns center allegedly used a racially derogatory word and foul language in a music video (that happened to mock former LA Laker teammate, Kobe Bryant). "I was freestyling," Shaq would tell ESPN at that time. "It was done in fun. Nothing serious whatsoever."

This law enforcement set-back has not deterred this athletic, superhuman and if accepted into the Cuyahoga County department Shaq would need to complete 36 hours of police training, pass a police exam, and execute a successful shooting range exam (which hopefully goes better than his freethrow shooting).

Regardless, this application by Shaquille O'Neal proves his interest to not only give back to a local community, but pursue other career-type interests following his pro sports career. Something very important to do when developing a new sense of purpose after sports. Let's hope having NBA experience is a plus.

You can find out more about me, my book, my TV show, and my services at: www.fromglorydays.com

TV Broadcasting - Not for Everyone

It seems the more I watch sports the more I see former Hall of Fame, All-Star, and World Champion professional athletes donning a suit in front of the camera during a sports TV broadcast. Though, sports broadcasting is an attractive and potentially lucrative career following a pro sports career, not all are suited for a life in front of the camera. Many have tried but only a select few succeed.

Case in point surfaced from a recent article about a former NFL quarterback, now CBS-analyst, who shared his ignorance of the professional game he played for 17 seasons. It all stemmed during a broadcast of the Bengals/Brown game with seven seconds remaining in overtime and the Bengals calling a timeout to set-up for a field goal. Former NFL quarterback, now color commentator Rich Gannon, publicly criticized Coach Marvin Lewis over the air, stating the timeout would allow enough time for a "Hail Mary" type play by the Browns, even if the field goal was made. It took Gannon's TV partner, Ian Eagle, to politely correct the 17 year NFL veteran and explain the game would be over if the field goal was made.

Honest mistake, sure...but not one you'd like your 17 year NFL veteran to make on TV.

Certainly, many former athletes have fared well in the TV limelight following their pro career. Terry Bradshaw-NFL, Howie Long-NFL, Charles Barkley-NBA, Greg Kelser-NBA, Mickey Redmond-NHL, Larry Murphy-NHL, and the list of successes goes on. Many people do not realize how much effort, time, and work it took to fill these elite TV seats in the press box or sideline. Most of these guys have been honing their skills for years before making it prime time.

Regardless, not everyone is suited to be in front of the camera as much as not everyone should be making a sales pitch in front of a packed board room. Each former athlete must find their niche' following their pro sports careers. To some this new role may be obvious and to others it might as well be Greek.

For those speaking Greek, please do not get in front of a TV camera just because you've played the game. Learn the language, learn the trade, and most importantly...learn the rules of the game before you open your mouth.

You can find out more about me, my book, my TV show, and my services at: www.fromglorydays.com

Just a Little Bit More!!!

A question was once asked of John D. Rockefeller, arguably the richest man of his time, "How much money is enough money?" Mr. Rockefeller's answer......"Just a little bit more."

Profound, yet simple advice by a man who once reigned the oil industry in the late 19th century but applicable to many today, including our professional athletes. As I was reading through a recent article on Fanhouse.com I found a list of 22 notable, former professional athletes who found themselves in poor financial standing, and would've benefited by 'just a little bit more.' Following are tidbits from some of them.
- Tennis legend, John McEnroe was one of the many victims in an $88 million art investment scam, losing a reported $2 million of his own money after investing.
- Former Phillies & Mets star, Lenny Dykstra stated he's more than $31 million in debt.
- NFL quarterback, Bernie Kosar filed for bankruptcy protection in Miami listing liability losses between $10 million and $50 million.
- Hockey star, Sergei Fedorov said he was swindled out of $43 million by someone he trusted over the past 11 years.
- Former Pittsburgh Steeler, Mel Blount is reported to owe the IRS over $631,000 in federal taxes.
- Mets legend, Jerry Kloosman could face up to one year in prison after pleading guilty to federal tax evasion.
- New York Yankees, Johnny Damon & Xavier Nady were among the investors who had their finances frozen because of money affiliated with a company under investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
- Ex-baseball slugger, Jose Canseco boxed against former child star, Danny Bonaduce because he was strapped for cash and squandered nearly $45 million.
- Olympic track champion, Marion Jones admitted she was flat broke in 2007 despite many lucrative endorsement deals following the 2000 Olympics. A court found her total liquid assets to be less than $2,000.
- NBA legend, Wilt Chamberlin owned a popular Florida restaurant for 17 years until a rent dispute forced the landlord to close the doors on his eatery.
- Boxing legend, Sugar Ray Robinson shared in his autobiography that all of his money was gone by the time he retired from boxing.

And the list goes on..... Many a professional athlete, with many a financial woe.

As a Transition Consultant for Professional & Olympic Athletes I focus on the emotional and practical aspect of sports transition and do not personally advise finances, but have heard many stories related to the previously mentioned. Many times have I heard the echo of John D. Rockefeller's quote in my mind, "Just a little bit more."

Having a sound financial future is as important as a sound goal-oriented next phase for former professional athletes. DON'T WAIT!!! PLAN NOW!!!

That is, unless your great-uncle's name is John D. Rockefeller, and he's already supplied you "just a little bit more."

You can find out more about me, my book, my TV show, and my services at: www.fromglorydays.com

No Longer Fighting for a Position

Every season hundreds of football players seek to beat all odds and become the less than 1% that reach the pinnacle of their craft and don an NFL uniform. Every season NFL players are vying for starting positions or simply a position on a team. At this level, the journey for a spot is monumental. A tooth-and-nail fight to hold and maintain one of the select, prestigious positions on an NFL team.

For one NFL player this fight has become even bigger.

No longer is Kenechi Udeze fighting to maintain his defensive end position with the Minnesota Vikings, but has now refocused his 6'3" 280 pound frame to fight for his life. About eighteen months ago, the 2004 first-round draft pick was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Udeze missed the entire last season following his bone marrow transplant, rehab, and other treatments, but hit the field again for practices this past spring and summer.

Sometimes the limelight and stage of professional athletics prevents us from realizing the mortal nature of those who participate. The exalted men who don their helmets, pads, and uniforms in the NFL especially possess this larger-than-life aura, in my opinion, for whatever the reason. Perhaps it's because they're faceless as they enter their stage fully dressed from head-to-toe in their warrior gear. Perhaps it's because they remain distant and removed from the vast audience seated in the coliseum's we call stadiums, and present to watch.

Regardless, Nigerian born Kenechi Udeze reminds us that even the largest-of-life professional athletes must someday face two realities....their retirement from pro sports, and the mortality of our human being.

Though Kenechi Udeze may never wear another NFL uniform or play on the Vikings field he once commanded, my hope is that he becomes a bigger hero off the field than he was on. As he fights for more than an NFL position, more than an NFL game, or even more than a Super Bowl, let's hope he wins the fight over this blood cancer that has cut his NFL career short. We can only wish him this and more. Our best goes out to Kenechi Udeze and his family.

ADVICE ANYONE?

In the recent past I've read an article titled, "Worst Athletes from Whom to Ask Financial Advice" (YahooSports - April 2009). While sharing financial advice is something I avoid like the plague when speaking with former Professional & Olympic Athletes, I am very comfortable helping people learn from others' mistakes. The finite list in this article of whom not to take advice was limited, but unfortunately elaborate in the real world of former athletes who've found the negative balance of a bank account much sooner than planned.

Some of the circumstances revolving around these athletes' financial difficulties include everything from their own poor lack of judgment to being outright robbed by those closest to them.

Number 3 on this "Worst Athletes" list, Michael Vick, actually may fall into the full spectrum of reasons from his own poor judgment (and involvement with dog-fighting), to a major loss of income (estimated to be $25.4 million per year), to debtors being owed (estimated at $10 million), to the people he entrusted his financial kingdom (namely someone who was banned from working the NYSE because of alleged fraud). It's also reported Vick was spending approximately $300,000 per month on supporting his so-called entourage. I wonder what they're doing now? Since Michael Vick's release from prison he's reportedly doing construction work at $10 per hour. Going to take about 500 years to pay back his debt at this pace...

Amongst the loss of income and savings is the elimination of possessions, as indicated by Number 2 on the list, Latrell Sprewell. In the past two years, both his $1.5 million yacht and Wisconsin home have been reportedly taken back by the creditor. Just when you think things got bad for Sprewell, they actually got worse when the state of Wisconsin indicated they would take legal action against him for back taxes.

With an income estimated to be over $300 million during his professional career, the Number 1 spot on this list was given to someone who has personally experienced prison, divorce(twice), bankruptcy, and the death of his toddler child. Mike Tyson had the professional boxing world by the tail. He became an icon for his "pit-bull" style fighting and lavishness, but also felt the dismal cold of fame when his kingdom began to crumble.

We could all easily point the finger at Tyson and the laundry-list of other former athletes whose financial worlds have self-destructed. We could easily blame the athlete or the people surrounding the athlete for their ultimate financial demise. Bottomline is....ALL PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES EXPERIENCE A FINANCIAL READJUSTMENT UPON EXITING THEIR CRAFT! If I were to tell you, you're going to receive a 90-95% pay-cut, I don't care how much money you make....you're going to feel it!

So what can we learn from the fall of others?

When it comes to financial advice, my best (and only) advice to athletes is to plan ahead. Make sure you have a grip and understand your finances. You only possess a very limited number of peak earning years, and that's why its imperative to find a good financial planner who you can trust. I've found some (not all) former athletes, now financial planners, have the intuitive background to understand and hopefully help you plan for your transition. Find one! Twenty-five percent of professional athletes experience bankruptcy within the first year out.

Don't become one of these statistics or perhaps a member of the "Worst Athlete" list. Find a Financial Planner now!

You can find out more about me, my book, my TV Show, and my services at: www.fromglorydays.com

COMING OR GOING?

As a Transition Consultant for Professional & Olympic Athletes I've heard many stories from athletes, families, and alike, but none so trying as discussions about that infamous final decision to depart their craft. Many athletes have shared their struggles and successes as they've transitioned from the pinnacle of their sports careers back into normal, everyday lives. One story I have not been personally privied, only as a sport's news consumer, is that of NFL great, Brett Favre.

After originally retiring following his 17 year NFL career in March 2008, Favre rescinded only to play last season in New York with the Jets. Following a less than Fame-bound performance during the 2008 season, Favre for a second time retired from the NFL.

Over the course of the last few months comments and speculations have arisen about another possible comeback to pro football, possibly with the Minnesota Vikings. Should we honor the words of the once almost religiously honored quarterback, whose Green Bay Packer legacy was tarnished upon his first retirement from Green Bay and resurfacing in New York. If so, then why do so many people print anything about his possible comeback after retiring from New York? "I foresee getting the impulse to play...But,...I could never do it. I won't do it," Favre claimed. I'd like to believe him, but of course...I wanted to the first time.

More important than being honest with the media, Brett Favre needs to be honest with himself and come to grip with this apparent, final retirement. With 18 NFL seasons under his belt and a locker room full of records, Brett can do whatever he wants, as far as I'm concerned. It's his prerogative to remain retired or come back and play, if that's what he so desires.

Either way, something he must face is...."100% of Professional Athletes Ultimately Face Job Termination." One of the most difficult, yet key factors to making the most optimum transition from pro sports is LETTING GO. Bar-none, it's the most difficult and most beneficial aspect of sports transition I know.

So as I continue to hear stories of transition from all different athletes and all different sports, I hope to eventually hear how Brett Favre has finally LET GO....and looks to move on to the next phase of his life...EVENTUALLY.

You can find out more about my book, the FROM GLORY DAYS TV SHOW, and my services at: www.fromglorydays.com

THE DATING GAMES

WANTED: Emotionally stable woman, drop-dead gorgeous who is secure enough to remain alone as I'm on the road six to eight months out of the year. Must possess the ability to take care of my beckoned needs and tolerate my long work-out hours. Huge financial benefits and potential celebrity status, for at least short-term. Small chance of abuse and infidelity, but larger chance of bankruptcy and divorce (if we actually get married). Please respond by knocking on the door of Room 321 of the Hyatt-Regency in Chicago when I return to my room after midnite this weekend.

Imagine running accross a personal ad like this in a local newspaper. Chances are...at the receiving end of this ad is a professional athlete.

Having just alluded to NBA player, Paul Davis' appearance on Millionaire Matchmaker in my April Blog, the relationships of professional athletes is still fresh on my mind.

With horrific statistics on these relationships and the instability of the home life, especially while exiting pro sports, no wonder dating or being married becomes a huge challenge in itself for pro athletes.

Some statistics indicate:
- 25% of athletes are bankrupt within there first year of exiting pro sports
- 50% of divorces occur within the first year of exiting pro sports
- over 75% of athletes are either divorced or bankrupt within the first five years out

Knowing this, who in their right mind would want to be in a relationship with a professional athlete?

I'd like to tip my hat to the girlfriends and spouses of our pro athletes, especially those that are still together. I've met and spoken with athletes whose relationships have withstood five, ten, even twenty-five years of this described roller-coaster ride, so I know it is possible.

In my opinion, it is the woman behind our gladiators we call professional athletes who keep their homes together. Who navigate the emotional and financial storms that dash many a relationships into the rocks along the way. I truly believe, behind every world-class athlete stands a world-class woman who is the background pillar holding the roof up.

As I continue to work with professional and Olympic athletes while they find the next phase of their lives it is important to acknowledge and recognize the women behind the athlete and the solid emotional stability these represent.

By the way, please do not knock on Room 321's door in Chicago this weekend as I cannot guarantee who'll answer the door.

You can find out more about me, my book, and my services at: www.fromglorydays.com

A Tale of Two Big Men

Many college basketball fans might recognize the names of two big men who've transcended to the next level of their careers as professional athletes. Paul Davis and Chris Kaman both experienced success at the collegiate level, enough to find themselves in an NBA jersey, in fact, the same NBA jersey as Kaman was drafted by the LA Clippers in 2003 and Davis in 2006 by the same organization.

Though both players originated from the state of Michigan it might appear one was set up for more success than the other. The 7'0" Chris Kaman competed in high school at Tri-Unity Christian, a Class D level school (the smallest in the state of Michigan). Kaman went on to play three years at Mid-American Conference school, Central Michigan University. The 6'11" Paul Davis competed in high school at Rochester, a Class A level school (the largest in the state) where he received the top honor of all prep players in the state by being named, "Mr. Basketball" his senior year. Davis went on to play at Big Ten Conference basketball powerhouse, Michigan State University and at one point lead the nation in rebounding.

With the top prep honor, solid collegiate career at a high profile basketball school you would think Davis was destined for more success at the NBA level than Kaman. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked out that way.

Kaman has just completed his sixth NBA season with the Clippers, averaging double digits in scoring. After a less than stellar two seasons, Davis was released by the Clippers January 2009, only to be seen again a few months later during a less than stellar appearance on Bravo's "Millionaire Matchmaker" during which matchmaker host, Patti Stanger, all but ripped him a new one for his lack of personality and "typical NBA mentality."

I've been around enough to discover, no matter the appearance of who may be set up to have the better professional sports career, you never know for sure.

In professional sports there is only one thing that is for sure...."100% of Professional Athletes Ultimately Experience Job Termination."

Find out more at: www.fromglorydays.com

From the Craphouse to Penthouse

Typically in this blog, I'm writing about topics which revolve around transitioning or departing from pro sports, but I've been following a story that reached a pinnacle shortly before this year's Super Bowl last month and I cannot resist telling you more.

It is a story about an NFL running back, who after his fifth season in the league was released pre-season this past year. At this moment, I could easily go into my rant of how, "100% of Professional Athletes Ultimately Experience Job Termination," or how important it is for every pro athlete to have some type of Transition Plan for when their final day comes and they must depart the game they so love, but I'm refraining for now. Refraining long enough to tell you this amazing story of how an athlete was faced with his termination and possible ending of his NFL career. But wait it gets better. Not only was this particular player facing the cold, hard truth of being on the outside wall of an NFL stadium, but cut by the worst team in NFL history.

August 2008, Detroit Lion running back, Sean McHugh, was told he was no longer good enough to remain on their roster. With a young family to support (a 1 year old son at home and one on the way), Sean's one year contracts never provided him the financial cushion that would've made this bad news any easier to swallow. The uncertainty which faces every professional athlete at some point was staring Sean dead-straight into his eyes, but Sean hardly got a chance to flinch. Hearing the news of his release, the Pittsburgh Steelers called that same day and eventually offered him a spot on their roster.

For those of you who follow football, you may know the rest of the story. Rather than finishing 0-16, as the Detroit Lions unfortunately did this past season, Sean's Steelers finished 12-4 and eventually won the Super Bowl. Sean himself stated, "It's been crazy. Four months ago you're sitting at home, just cut from the Detroit Lions, thinking life's over, and now you're playing in the Super Bowl." To sweeten the pot, Sean recently signed a three-year deal worth $2.57 million with a reported $390,000 signing bonus. From the Crap house to the Penthouse.

I bet Sean McHugh's not too upset he was cut by the Lions now...

You can find out more about me, my book, and my services at: www.fromglorydays.com

BENCH FAVRE?

NFL quarterback, Brett Favre, has added great fodder for my BLOG and media appearances over these past six months. Twice I've been able to write about him during this time and with recent comments made by NY Jets running back, Thomas Jones, I'm getting the opportunity to write about him again.

I certainly do not believe in meddling in other people's business, but I must admit I was surprised when Brett announced his desire to "unretire" and sign with the Jets. Believe me, I understand NOT wanting to leave the game he so loved and excelled at for 18 seasons. I get that. I just didn't see the benefit of his decision which resulted in many apparent hard feelings with the Packer organization and potential marring of his legacy as a premier NFL quarterback, which is made evident in Jones' comments.

During the recent radio interview, Jones was very outspoken about the team and Favre's mistakes on the field. "If somebody is not playing well, they need to come out of the game," he stated. "You're jeopardizing the whole team because you're having a bad day....So when you get to the wire and somebody is just giving the game up, it's just not fair," he added. "The other day, the three interceptions really hurt us, that's just reality," Jones told the radio station.

The reality is the New York Jets lost four of its last five games and Favre tossed nine interceptions with just two touchdowns during this span. He finished the season with 22 touchdowns and a league-worst 22 interceptions.

What does this do to help Brett Favre's legacy? Absolutely nothing, in fact it mars it, in my opinion.

Again, I am in no position to tell a professional athlete NOT to retire or to "unretire" but I can say this...its imperative for every athlete to have a plan. To develop a new direction and sense of purpose, which makes departing this game a little easier. As a TRANSITION CONSULTANT FOR PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES this is what I do.

I wish Brett Favre nothing but the best, but I have to wonder...if he stayed retired and had a new direction or sense of purpose beyond the gridiron would his life be better. Who knows for sure, but he's provided good thoughtful discussion about retirement.

You can find out more at: www.fromglorydays.com