I can recall countless times last year where I jumped off of my couch, cheering as Kareem Hunt, the second year running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, drove the ball into the endzone. Later in the season, the headlines about Hunt did not describe game-winning drives. Instead, he was accused of multiple counts of assault. I felt betrayed and sad but most of all, conflicted.

I know it may sound ridiculous, but I feel a personal connection to Hunt. I have followed his career since his rookie season, drafted him in fantasy football two years in a row for my fantasy team, and constantly bragged about his success. Yet, when he was suspended and ultimately released by the Chiefs, I felt a sense of shame. I thought to myself, “Can I really root for a player who has done so many awful things and gotten away with them until now due to their success?”

Sadly, the circumstances surrounding Hunt are not unusual. In the past several years, countless athletes have been accused of crimes leading to a change in public opinion about otherwise revered athletes. And this is true not solely in the case of famous athletes, but also with popular musicians. Some of my favorite rappers and singers have committed crimes that have ended their careers and caused me to reevaluate my support of them. I have been left wondering: Is it really possible to separate a person from their work, whether it be athletic achievement or chart-topping musical ability?

On one hand, many of these athletes play sports where their success is not only personal, but also part of a team accomplishment. But at the same time, this success benefits them directly, boosting their value as a player, ego, and even public appeal. When they commit these heinous acts, they are sending out a message to all their fans. Millions of people, including young children who look to these athletes as role models, see their behavior and normalize it. 

At first, I attempted to separate Hunt’s actions from his performance and hoped he would not be suspended or penalized. I tried to convince myself that because he was part of an organization bigger than himself, and because he had contributed so much to his team, that his athletic contribution should be considered apart from his personal actions off the field.

But it is important to acknowledge that athletes are public figures. They are often members of a team and represent an organization that millions support. And they are considered heroic figures by their countless fans. How an athlete, or any public figure, behaves in his or her personal life has an impact beyond what can be considered personal.

Many in the Parker community are avid sports fans. The halls are filled with students and faculty proudly wearing their favorite team colors and player jerseys. However, I challenge students to look beyond performance and truly take a deep dive into learning more about the players they support and look up to. I’m not saying don’t root for sports teams. That would be ridiculous and you would probably stop reading here. But think about what these organizations values are when they employ players like Hunt and then proceed to cover up their crimes in order to keep them eligible until it reaches the public. Think about what you are supporting when you root for players who have committed controversial and immoral acts during their careers.