The Athlete at Mental and Emotional Risk: Disordered, Presumptive, Arrogant, Selfish, Insecure (Rutgers expert)

Aug. 27, 2007

EDITORS NOTE: ATTENTION EDUCATION, SPORTS, ASSIGNMENT EDITORS

THE ATHLETE AT MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL RISK:

DISORDERED, PRESUMPTIVE, ARROGANT, SELFISH, INSECURE

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When athletes compete at high school, college and professional levels they place themselves at risk, mentally and emotionally. Mental and emotional risk in competitive athletics is associated with people, places and things, which can serve to derail careers and harm others. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is the latest big-time athlete to place himself in such a precarious position. Childhood friends, gamblers and classmates, among others, can pose threats. Bars and clubs, dormitory rooms and other community areas can become harmful venues. Alcohol, drugs and other substances are among potentially career-disrupting things.

CHARLIE MAHER is a professor at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Maher has been involved for more than 20 years with NFL, NBA and MLB teams in assessment and intervention with athletes, including some who have been unable to cope effectively with risk, that is, those who have not been able to keep things in personal balance, on and off the court or field. He is first-hand knowledgeable about the psychology of the athlete at mental and emotional risk.

Maher can address a range of questions in this area, including:

How do athletes get themselves into personal difficulties?

What factors help to produce athletes who consider themselves above the law, with no need for respect of others?

How do athletes respond to situations which have derailed their careers?

To what extent do athletic departments and professional sport organizations address the needs of the total athlete?

How does the athlete take responsibility for his other actions?

Where and when should a focus on the mentally and emotionally balanced athletes start?

Contact Maher at 216-272-0304 or cmaher@indians.com.

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