ARTICLE: Owens ready to set up camp

[Doomsday101]

Is it really defending him, tho Dooms? The guy is putting on a football camp. How morally wrong is it of him to sponsor it? How could he possibly corrupt children in a 16 hour period spread over two days?

I think most on here have doubts about him and how he's going to interact on the field and in the lockerroom. But in this instance, how can you look at this as a negative? Doing something for the kids that's ultimately gonna help the community thru his charity foundation. I'm not understanding the negative spin on this.

I'm not talking about his camp. I have no issue with him running a youth camp.

 

[aikemirv]

Nobody said that he would corrupt them in a weeks time period. The concern was that they send kids to a camp promoted by someone who everyone in this forum has to admit is all about "me" and never about "team".

You are putting him in front of your kids as a teacher and that is the concern. They will look up to him more because they went to his camp. They will watch him more, try to be like him more. This is not hatred, these are the facts. No one can dispute that TO is not a team guy.

That is all we need, kids being taught to be all about me and not about team.

So get off this TO is persecuted crap, I have heard it from him already, he does not need you guys defending him.

He already said that he compared himself to Jesus Christ in the way he has been persecuted!!!

 

[JackMagist]

It just goes to show you how much irrational hatred people have for Owens.

He is a professional athlete. You don't know him. You don't know what he is as a private person. And the actions you judge him on occur while playing a game. Yes, a game.

I swear, if you put a poll out there, he would get more distain from some people than despots who have committed mass genocide. And I am being serious here.

My disdain for him comes not from what he did "playing a game" as you say; I have nothing but respect for his ability as a player. My disdain comes from what he did and how he conducted himself while NOT playing the game; it comes from how he conducted himself off of the field and on the business end of things.

While I think notherbob may be overstating his case just a bit I can also see his point. Owens is the last player I would want my sons to model themselves after in any way other than as a player. Having raised two sons I know how they can emulate the bad as well as the good in their sports heroes...I've had to deal with it. No, I would not send them to Owens' football camp because of the very things that notherbob said.

Just because he might be likeable if you get to know him personally does NOT mean that he did not take the selfish and unethical actions that were widely reported and confirmed by the press. They were not criminal (I understand that) but they were not actions that I would want my sons emulating. And the fact that he likely would be personable and charismatic with the kids makes his influence on them all the more insidious.

He is not the Anti-Christ or a mass murder or an evil or even criminal person. He is just an immature Jerk and I'd prefer that my sons not conduct themselves in such a manner. Luckily my boys are grown and turned out to be fine young men but their choices of sport heroes growing up didn't make it any easier to raise them to be such. I'm just glad that Owens was not such a major sports figure and had not pulled so many stunts back then.

 

[WoodysGirl]

I'm not talking about his camp. I have no issue with him running a youth camp.

I think it's a good thing, too. If kids are only getting football tips out of it, then cool. If kids get more out of it than that, hopefully it's a positive and not a negative. Any negative vibes that kids get out of this, hopefully it can be dealt with by parents. Because THEY allowed them to attend the camp, it's up to them to dispel any issues that may arise from it.

See what's interesting about the supposed "TO defenders" is just that some take such an extreme position like 'Notherbob's post, that you almost have to say something, cuz it's so far out there as to be unreal. And I have to reiterate, I'm not a T.O. fan. Many on here aren't. But when you see stuff like that, my sense of fairness comes into play.

Personally, I have a wait and see attitude about it all. At least let him do something as a Cowboy first, before I go "here we go again" In the meantime, I'm not gonna sit on the edge of my seat, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

 

[Yeagermeister]

As long as he doesn't pulls a Dennis Scott and start cussing in front of them

 

[notherbob]

Nobody said that he would corrupt them in a weeks time period. The concern was that they send kids to a camp promoted by someone who everyone in this forum has to admit is all about "me" and never about "team".

You are putting him in front of your kids as a teacher and that is the concern. They will look up to him more because they went to his camp. They will watch him more, try to be like him more. This is not hatred, these are the facts. No one can dispute that TO is not a team guy.

That is all we need, kids being taught to be all about me and not about team.

So get off this TO is persecuted crap, I have heard it from him already, he does not need you guys defending him.

He already said that he compared himself to Jesus Christ in the way he has been persecuted!!!

Thank you for saying it better than I did. I respect TO as an athlete and a competitor, it's his personality and values that I object to. By sponsoring a football camp, and the adoration/admiration that induces in the kids makes it appear to them that all he does is good and is the right way. Do we really need his value set to be come the common denominator of behavior? TV has taught us to value all the wrong values already, do we really want to go down this road? Is this the pathway we want to take to the future?

 

[NEcowboy]

My disdain for him comes not from what he did "playing a game" as you say; I have nothing but respect for his ability as a player. My disdain comes from what he did and how he conducted himself while NOT playing the game; it comes from how he conducted himself off of the field and on the business end of things.

While I think notherbob may be overstating his case just a bit I can also see his point. Owens is the last player I would want my sons to model themselves after in any way other than as a player. Having raised two sons I know how they can emulate the bad as well as the good in their sports heroes...I've had to deal with it. No, I would not send them to Owens' football camp because of the very things that notherbob said.

Just because he might be likeable if you get to know him personally does NOT mean that he did not take the selfish and unethical actions that were widely reported and confirmed by the press. They were not criminal (I understand that) but they were not actions that I would want my sons emulating. And the fact that he likely would be personable and charismatic with the kids makes his influence on them all the more insidious.

He is not the Anti-Christ or a mass murder or an evil or even criminal person. He is just an immature Jerk and I'd prefer that my sons not conduct themselves in such a manner. Luckily my boys are grown and turned out to be fine young men but their choices of sport heroes growing up didn't make it any easier to raise them to be such. I'm just glad that Owens was not such a major sports figure and had not pulled so many stunts back then.

Do you actually think that a few days at a football camp, regardless of who is the host, is going to counteract all the years of parenting you have done ?

 

[RiggoForever]

Do you think anyone will honestly sign up for his camp?

 

[notherbob]

My disdain for him comes not from what he did "playing a game" as you say; I have nothing but respect for his ability as a player. My disdain comes from what he did and how he conducted himself while NOT playing the game; it comes from how he conducted himself off of the field and on the business end of things.

While I think notherbob may be overstating his case just a bit I can also see his point. Owens is the last player I would want my sons to model themselves after in any way other than as a player. Having raised two sons I know how they can emulate the bad as well as the good in their sports heroes...I've had to deal with it. No, I would not send them to Owens' football camp because of the very things that notherbob said.

Just because he might be likeable if you get to know him personally does NOT mean that he did not take the selfish and unethical actions that were widely reported and confirmed by the press. They were not criminal (I understand that) but they were not actions that I would want my sons emulating. And the fact that he likely would be personable and charismatic with the kids makes his influence on them all the more insidious.

He is not the Anti-Christ or a mass murder or an evil or even criminal person. He is just an immature Jerk and I'd prefer that my sons not conduct themselves in such a manner. Luckily my boys are grown and turned out to be fine young men but their choices of sport heroes growing up didn't make it any easier to raise them to be such. I'm just glad that Owens was not such a major sports figure and had not pulled so many stunts back then.

Thank you, too, Jack, for saying it much better than I did. You hit the nail square on the head. I admire TO's athleticism and competitiveness, there's lots to be respected there, it's the things he says and does and how he goes about it off the field that I become angry at, even though I know I shouldn't allow myself to do so. I apologize for allowing my emotions to adversely affect what I said in my post. It's not hate, just anger and indignation. I would probably like him if he would grow up. I actually do know better than to have an emotion reaction to someone who is trying to evoke emotional reactions in people, I just had a lapse.

Still wouldn't send my kids unless I just wanted them to sass me.

 

[notherbob]

Yes for a rather cheap cost I won't send my kid to a football camp where he can learn the skills that might possibly let him succeed him in the NFL.
/sarcasm off

Look, this is a camp for the kids. TO is not going to be the only one there, there will be other NFL guys both current and former. Who better to learn some of the things you need to be sucessful. If my son could learn the same dedication that TO shows on and off the field to the game of football I am all for it.

Do you honestly think that TO is going to say "hey, this is how you do an endzone celabration." or "this is what you do when you don't get the money you think you deserve on a job"

Let's hope you don't get Alzheimer's because TO's has a non profit that helps fund the research. I would assume that you would not want any of the medication used to help treat it or want to rely on any of the research because TO gives to help fund Alzheimer's.

News flash.....kids already idolize him, now perhaps they get to meet him and realize that not everything you see on TV is how a person really is. Look, you dont' like the guy, you don't like his camp, we get that. Let the guy play football and see what happens. Or are you just trying to get your comments in now so you can say I told you so if things don't work ok.

Your points are well taken; one of which is I don't like his attitude and do not feel it is the way I would want to influence my kids. If he learns teammanship and shows a new personna worth emulating, I will gladly publicly apologize for being wrong about him. I don't hate the person, I just disdain the behavior.

I wonder how many of us would contribute to charitable causes if it weren't for the tax break - and I mean all of us, not just TO? With the kind of money our society has allowed him to make in his short life, he should have some kind of charities he supports and that applies equally to all the rest of us too.

 

[notherbob]

Do you actually think that a few days at a football camp, regardless of who is the host, is going to counteract all the years of parenting you have done ?

It's entirely possible as life-changing experiences take many forms and hero worship and peer pressure are very strong forces. The change may not be sudden and noticeable, but can occur gradually after a triggering incident. Kids of this age range are already in the processess of many changes and are quite vulnerable to influence by those they truly respect. When I was a kid, we always saw ourselves as seperate from parents/authority figures and would do about anything our heroes wanted us to.

For good or bad, it's the way things were/are.

 

[ravidubey]

It is my opinion that any parent who sends his kid/kids to be trained by TO will regret it many many times in many ways over many years. I wouldn't send my kid even if TO paid $10,000 per kid. Caveat emptor.

The parents will have to live not only with what TO teaches them in the camp but also everything they pick up from him in future years after they learn to idolize him and accept his behavior as good and to be emulated. Go ahead fools, pay money to have your kids corrupted and turned against you.

You're kidding, right? TO is going to teach fundamentals, hard work, and certainly elements of good diet to kids at a camp. He also has the personality to be entertaining, fun, and inspirational to small kids.

Owens' problems have been off the field and with adults. Did you believe he's going to teach kids how to whine for a new contract or something?

Nothing sets a higher standard of respect for a teacher than success in the field. TO would have my total attention because I know what he's done has actually worked at the highest levels.

 

[aikemirv]

You're kidding, right? TO is going to teach fundamentals, hard work, and certainly elements of good diet to kids at a camp. He also has the personality to be entertaining, fun, and inspirational to small kids.

Owens' problems have been off the field and with adults. Did you believe he's going to teach kids how to whine for a new contract or something?

Nothing sets a higher standard of respect for a teacher than success in the field. TO would have my total attention because I know what he's done has actually worked at the highest levels.

Thanks a lot. You confirmed my post right there. You would pay attention. You are being naive to believe that it would only be related to football skills!!!

 

[5Stars]

Maybe T.O. is inviting these kids to his camp so the kids can show HIM how to grow up?

Naw, I have no problem or fear that anything bad is going to be the eventual outcome. It seems alot of people here have led a PERFECT life...never made mistakes. I'm not one of them, so I keep hope that no matter who you are, or what you have done in the past, there is always hope for a better future.

It's called "change"...and although some here don't think that it can happen, it's happening right now as you read this.

 

[Doomsday101]

Maybe T.O. is inviting these kids to his camp so the kids can show HIM how to grow up?

Naw, I have no problem or fear that anything bad is going to be the eventual outcome. It seems alot of people here have led a PERFECT life...never made mistakes. I'm not one of them, so I keep hope that no matter who you are, or what you have done in the past, there is always hope for a better future.

It's called "change"...and although some here don't think that it can happen, it's happening right now as you read this.

I really hope things work out in Dallas with TO there is no doubt about the mans talent I consider him one of the top 5 WR in the league. He has the ability to score every time he touches the ball. I also know that regardless of his talent his last 2 teams had enough of him and he did create a divide on those teams which is something I fear could happen here as well. While I can't say I have led a perfect life I also know I only had to get burned once before I figured out that you mess with fire you’re going to get burned. TO has burnt 2 teams we are the 3rd and if this fails Dallas looks like complete fools for not learning from 2 other teams.

 

[aikemirv]

Maybe T.O. is inviting these kids to his camp so the kids can show HIM how to grow up?

Naw, I have no problem or fear that anything bad is going to be the eventual outcome. It seems alot of people here have led a PERFECT life...never made mistakes. I'm not one of them, so I keep hope that no matter who you are, or what you have done in the past, there is always hope for a better future.

It's called "change"...and although some here don't think that it can happen, it's happening right now as you read this.

Would you care to show me the evidence of change?

Would it be the rap song, the book, or the "star amongst stars" comment.

I would love it if TO changed. I will admit I was wrong about Keyshawn. I don't like to hear him talk because his ego is so big, but when it comes to the football field he is flat out a team player, will do anything to win. I admire him for that, he like Irvin just really wants the ball to help the team win, sure he wants some of the glory too, but he is willing to do the dirty work for it and seemed to be a great teammate.

If TO does that, then I will admire him too, even though he is so egocentrical, but he has shown no evidence to being that.

 

[cowboynDC]

If a two day period that is not strictly (other pros involved) TO brainwashing can undo years of influence with your children, then he truly has a gift and it isn't football. In a 16 hour window they will probably see him a couple of hours - will they respect him (probably), will they try to emulate him (his game play ability). We often don't give our kids enough credit for being able to see the right and wrong of situations, if we as parents are discussing and providing good role model material ourselves - then a few hours listening to and watching (arguably) one of the best WR to play the game should only enhance their growth.

 

[Doomsday101]

If a two day period that is not strictly (other pros involved) TO brainwashing can undo years of influence with your children, then he truly has a gift and it isn't football. In a 16 hour window they will probably see him a couple of hours - will they respect him (probably), will they try to emulate him (his game play ability). We often don't give our kids enough credit for being able to see the right and wrong of situations, if we as parents are discussing and providing good role model material ourselves - then a few hours listening to and watching (arguably) one of the best WR to play the game should only enhance their growth.

I agree and these youth camps are really about fundamentals I would have no concerns about kids being corrupted by going to a football camp even being held by TO or Ricky Williams as far as that goes. This is a chance for young people to learn and have some fun along the way.

 

[aikemirv]

If a two day period that is not strictly (other pros involved) TO brainwashing can undo years of influence with your children, then he truly has a gift and it isn't football. In a 16 hour window they will probably see him a couple of hours - will they respect him (probably), will they try to emulate him (his game play ability). We often don't give our kids enough credit for being able to see the right and wrong of situations, if we as parents are discussing and providing good role model material ourselves - then a few hours listening to and watching (arguably) one of the best WR to play the game should only enhance their growth.

Can you honestly tell me that a person sending a kid to a TO camp is not silently endorsing T.O. as a PERSON and a player. Come on, in a kids eyes if you are sending him there you are saying to the kid, "it is OK to be like him"

Find a camp with someone that teaches skills better and is not a terrible role model.

Fact is, T.O. does not even catch the ball correctly in some of the practice film I have seen

 

[5Stars]

Hey!!!!!!! Believe me! I'm no T.O. fan by a long shot...however, people can change. Sometimes it's for the worse, other times it's for the best.

There are alot of "late bloomers" in life, and sometimes it takes something really dramatic to make someone really realize that IT IS TIME TO CHANGE!

Has T.O. reached this in his life now? We don't know...but, I'm not going to keep condeming someone because he did not learn his lesson sooner.

Same with the Cowboy team. If T.O. screws up big time, am I supposed to all of the sudden start disliking JJ for taking the gamble of bringing him in? I mean come on, JJ is obviously much smarter then me, yet he's taking the chance!

Sure, hurt me once shame on you, hurt me twice shame on me.

So, if T.O. screws the organization, who's fault will it be? T.O.'s? JJ's?

Will we hate T.O. even more? Will we hate JJ even more?