ANHAYTE’S ANTICS: When Should Pro Athletes Be Awarded Special Treatment?

ANHAYTE GUAJARDO
Staff Writer

Professional athletes grace the cover of countless magazines, children and adults walk around with their favorite athlete’s number and name on their clothing. Although people watch their star athletes from the stands or in front of their TV, it does not mean professional athletes should be granted special public assistance for personal needs.

Recently, professional basketball player Lebron James used police to escort him out of traffic to a Jay Z and Justin Timberlake concert on Aug. 16. Even though James is a famous athlete, he is not entitled to police escorts that are paid with 19 percent of our federal taxes, whenever there is heavy traffic.

However, there are few circumstances when professional athletes should get special attention. When getting swarmed by people, they should receive special treatment as protection from crazed fans and people who want to harm them. Some examples would be privileges when they travel from city to city or protection when arriving to a hotel for a game because their life might be in danger.

Pro athletes also work very hard and train countless, intense hours throughout the year in order to beat the competition. But being high at risk for severe injuries such as a broken leg or a torn ligament, They should receive the best attention possible when getting ready for a match or game because a lot of people are relying on them.

Although citizens are great fans and worry for many pro athletes, people’s tax dollars should not be allowed to be spent on extreme special treatment for personal needs, such as escorts, because they should be treated like any other person.