More Than a Game

DiPietro looking at taunting fans

Rick DiPietro, a failed goaltender for the New York Islanders NHL hockey team, revealed something truly eye-opening for fans across the country of all sports.

In 2006, the Islanders signed DiPietro to a previously unseen 15-year, 67.5 million dollar contract. It turned out to be a complete mistake. Less than half-way through the deal (7 years to be exact) DiPietro's struggles compiled so incredibly that the team was better-off without him manning their nets. A colossal financial mistake, but one that had to be done for the sake of the team.

How bad was he? He allowed an average of 4.10 goals per game. To put that into perspective, the average goals allowed per game is 2.67 goals per game. In other words, he played horribly.

What was the most eye-opening in my opinion though, was the fact that DiPietro admitted to struggling with depression while on the Islanders. Once hearing this, I really started to put sports into perspective. Sure, these athletes are paid unearthly amounts of money to play games, but they are human beings at the end of the day. Although they may show a strong outer shell during games, they have emotions just like you and I have, which must be respected regardless of their play.

Americans in general I feel struggle with grasping the fact that athletes are simply humans and must be respected. I for one get caught up in the moment during sports games and jeer my hometown athletes when they struggle, but never would have thought that it could have such profound effects on them. Depression is serious, as I would never have thought that playing a sport one loves could result in a mental disorder. Americans need to change this mentality to allow the widespread enjoyment for all athletes. The last thing they need is to worry about disorders forced upon by fans versus that of other athletes within their respective games.

Do you find this surprising? Have you ever possibly contributed to this problem? Let me know your thoughts!