The Autograph Request

Last month two Kansas City Chiefs players Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe made headlines for requesting an autograph from Denver Broncos great Peyton Manning after a loss in week 12. Some people like what they did and some didn’t. I can look at both sides on why they either liked or disliked the autograph request. I for one with my pride and ego I didn’t care who was the star; no autograph I’m requesting. I’m just that kind of competitor inside. I can have a respect for you as a player but I could never do that; that’s just me. I understand that the NFL and professional sports is like a fraternity and I can respect that but when you lose a game many players don’t want to be bothered with the opposition after a loss in any way. Also it doesn’t look right because it seems that they didn’t care about losing. I know that’s the perception but it doesn’t mean the reality of the situation.

You do have players such as LeBron James and others that are coming out and saying that they would get an autograph too from other players if their children or mother wanted it. I just don’t look at it as some people. I look at it with bad taste and wrong timing. I feel there are different times and places to request one from your favorite player; especially if you play in the same league. That is like if you lose a playoff and after you’re waiting outside for that autograph. Thinking about it truly makes me sick to my stomach. I feel that’s what a fan does, not a professional sports player that just lost. I give these two players credit for being upfront and honest about what they wanted the autograph for. It takes a lot to do something like that after a loss and your team is on the bottom. How do the fans look at that?

I mean it’s great for Peyton Manning because he can beat you in every way and have you coming to him for an autograph; now that’s the life! I guess times are definitely changing but just because things are changing don’t mean it’s good. Now if you want an autograph in the preseason I’m all for it. Who knows what these players were thinking. They might have felt that we’re out the playoff hunt so what the hell. I just wish I didn’t see it on TV as I did. Just my opinion on it. Do you like what you saw?