It would be safe to assume that NBA rookies, whether drafted or undrafted, would have a number of concerns mostly centered around learning a new system, getting to know new teammates, impressing coaches and making the roster. That’s not the case any more. Last week the NBA had its annual Rookie Transition Program and one of the topics was about sex.
Tony Gaskins, a motivational speaker presented on pre-marital sex, cheating and relationships. He says that “the mindset with a lot of guys is, ‘I’m the man, I make all the money, she knows I’m going to cheat and that’s that.’ If she’s letting you cheat, nine times out of ten she’s cheating too. You’re out-of-town and she’s spending your money on another man, who is scheming to take her from you.”
The message hit home for Kendall Marshall, a first round pick of the Phoenix Suns. He states “the female species are a lot smarter than us so we have to realize maybe it’s not always that we’re the best-looking guy they’ve ever seen. Maybe there is some incentive behind it.”
He also indicated on Twitter that he’s “turning my playa card in.”
NFL quarterback Cam Newton had this to say: “It’s a cliché for people to say you have to be on alert. But sometimes, that is the case. You may see a particular female who’s attractive, but you already sense it. I pray for discretion every single night, that I can see through people, see what their greater good is. Sometimes that individual ’wows’ you by the eye, but when it come to heart to heart, that person’s not there for you.”
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger found out first hand what can happen. He got sued for sexual assault for an incident in a Lake Tahoe casino, though police never filed charges, and he also got accused again after an incident in a club in Georgia.
So, it’s not surprising that first overall pick Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Hornets received advice from Lebron James that was ”watch your money and watch out for women.”
Shown also were examples of positive relationships and NBA players enjoying happy marriages. These lessons are important and it’s great that the rookies get to learn sooner rather then later.
