HERO'S FALL HURTS KIDS MOST

Failed Tests Are a Smack in the Face to Those Trying to Avoid Drugs

Never mind the grown folks; we are already a jaded and suspicious lot.
I'm worried about the kids.

The release of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Quincy Carter amid reports
of failed drug tests will hit them the hardest. Quincy Carter was a
hero, perhaps an underdog hero. On the football field, he made
mistakes and struggled, but eventually he shined. Youngsters
especially connected with this humble young man with the Georgia
accent who was making a name for himself in the world of football.

His triumphs were our triumphs. His recent mistake created shock waves
because it was the last thing we expected from Mr. Carter.

Wrong impression The failed drug tests are a smack in the face to
young people who are trying to avoid the lure of drugs. It may give
the impression that it's OK to use drugs, just don't get caught. Worse
yet, young people may erroneously believe that drug use is a routine
part of professional sports.

Either way, they are trapped in a no-win situation that leads to
disaster. Youngsters see drugs everywhere, in the rich and the
not-so-rich neighborhoods, at school, on television. Young people who
can just say no to drugs deserve all the support and encouragement
they can get.

Kids need heroes Young people are always looking for heroes. They
naturally want somebody to look up to. Heroes are living illustrations
that a kid can achieve anything he or she wants to. Yet when one of
their heroes falls, they may fall along with him. They may become
disillusioned and lose their wonder and awe about life.

I like heroes too, but as an adult, I've figured out that, despite
impressive gifts and talents, a person can still make a mess of
things. It's almost expected.

Kids see it differently, and I'm glad they do.

Real message The real message to the kids in the Carter disaster is,
don't become bitter because your sports hero fell. Just make sure that
you don't fall in the same hole. If anything, let Mr. Carter's demise
be your rise against drugs. Drug use can abruptly snatch away your
career, just like Mr. Carter's.

Mr. Carter is a gifted athlete. His career will continue because, more
than likely, another NFL team will pick him up.

It's the kids who have been let down. Now perhaps they will have to
resort to the old-fashioned way of finding heroes, by looking in their
neighborhoods, churches or even at home.