"For the past several years irresponsibility in the sports world has overshadowed the responsibility taken. From alcohol to abuse, athletes sometimes feel they are above the law. These individuals give athletes who are good a bad name.

One example of an irresponsible sports figure is former Michigan football coach Gary Moeller. On May 3, 1995, Southfield, Michigan police made public several accounts of Gary Moeller's rampage both in and outside of the Excalibur restaurant. Moeller then persisted to hit an officer in the chest and was arrested for assault and battery to which he pleaded no contest. Moeller was served twelve drinks that night.

Another example of irresponsibility is that of another coach. Bobby Cox, manager of the Atlanta braves, was out one night after a loss. Cox became drunken and was later arrested after his wife called police because her husband had struck her in the face, and pulled her hair. Cox too was arrested for battery.

The final example of irresponsibility is that of a third coach. Dennis Erickson, head coach of the Seattle Seahawks was arrested for driving under the influence after police measured his blood alcohol content to be at least double the legal limit. Erikson was forced to enter a rehabilitation center to undergo therapy. These are just a few incidents of irresponsibility.

Although there are some who are irresponsible, there too are many who take responsibility. They help the community and sports fans world wide. They provide spark and hope for all of the globe to see.

One such example of taking responsibility of her consequences was displayed by Cuban sprinter Ana Quirot. She was an Olympic Gold Medalist before her awful twist of fate. She was in her kitchen cooking when her kerosene stove exploded. The fire leaped on to her chest and under her arms leaving thirty eight percent of her body burned with scars in the third degree. This misfortune did not keep Ana down though. Ten months later she was out running in a meet against other countries. She hopes to again be in the Olympics in 1996.

Another example of an athlete taking responsibility is of Boston Red Sox slugger Mo Vaughn. Vaughn spends more time in schools than some young people in the Boston area. In April 1994, he established the Mo Vaughn Youth Development Program, a counseling center in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He often goes to three or four schools a week to talk about the importance of staying in school and keeping off drugs.

A third example of an athlete taking responsibility is that of the new 'Iron Man' of baseball, Cal Ripken, Jr. He epitomizes the true athlete, never in a dispute for more money, yet he has played the most consecutive games in baseball history. He is not only an iron man at work, he also has a family to tend to. His wife and three kids would attest to that. Cal also takes responsibility in the community. He has several organizations set up to help the youth and poor alike in the Baltimore area.

Mary Ellen Clark, United States Olympic diver, was on top of the world. Winning a surprise bronze in the 1992 Olympics was said to be just the tip of the iceberg. That was until she came out of the water one day feeling dizzy. She was diagnosed with having vertigo. What does the future hold for Clark? She does not know. But until she does not have the strength to go on, she will just keep diving.

The fifth and final example of an athlete accepting responsibility is the story of Emmit Smith. Arguably the best running back in National Football League history, Emmit has compiled many stellar records. Although his fame has brought fortune, he is still willing to help out. Every time Emmit scores a touchdown, he keeps the ball. The balls are not for his trophy case though. He sells the balls and gives the proceeds to charity. To date he has given over five million dollars to the local Boys and Girls Clubs of Texas.

I feel that a solution can be derived to correct the problem of substance abuse in athletics. Using the example of the three coaches, I will implement the plan into action. First, a mandatory drug test would be applied at every team meeting, practice and game. Doctors would be present to oversee the tests in action. If an athlete, coach, or any member of staff were found to have any type of substance in his system twenty four hours prior to competition, he would be fined and suspended. If caught twice he will be forced to undergo treatment in a rehabilitation center and would be barred for life from the particular sport. I feel these strict rules would cause the athletes to reevaluate what they are about to do.

"More people need to look at what people with a good sense of morals are doing and follow."
Mark Sutton, Rock Hill High School, Ironton, Ohio