I find it quite astonishing that professional athletes have a very short leash when dealing with the public eye. One minor mistake could cause your whole reputation to fall in the negative of their fans or others that dislike them. Being a professional means you must “act” professional.

When a professional athlete is mad after a bad loss, it wouldn’t be a great idea going to twitter and saying inappropriate words and things about their coach or teammates.

All of their social media accounts are monitored by others a part of the same organization.

Their account is monitored simply because they don’t want the athlete to make the organization “look bad.” That’s totally understandable.

Top professional athletes have endorsements from other companies. Tiger Woods has an endorsement with Nike. He’s dealt with issues outside of Golf that nearly cost him all of his sponsors.

Back to social media, every pro athlete has the right of free speech but only to a certain extent – legal free speech. You can say what you want but going outside of the lines can mean social, professional and financial consequences. Pros are being watched from a clear eye view but so are those who are not athletes.

If you, an ordinary person, are going for a great job opportunity, you can’t say and post whatever you want. You’re being watched as well. That team you’re trying to be a part of doesn’t want negativity within their organization either. Everyone is being watched by someone.

But, professional athletes do have more pressure on them. They have to deal with the press and scrutinization of other people throughout blogs and social media. You could be doing well and the pros will still get scrutinized for the same results.

With the type of money they earn, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to be watched in that manner. You mean to tell me all I have to do is not be disrespectful and lead by example on a regular bases, and get paid? Yea, I can do that.

I think it’s very important for your actions outside of your sport as well. Professional athletes shouldn’t feel like they are untouchable.