Today I’m deviating slightly off the topic of pure sports into the realm of celebrity and culture, but it loosely ties into sports thanks to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
2 week ago there was a man begging for change on the side of the street. His name is Ted Williams. A former radio DJ with a wonderful voice, now penniless and ruined by the sad effects of drugs and alcohol. Then a man with a camera recorded his radio voice routine and sent it out for the world to see. The rest we have all seen on TV.
He was given a home. Given a job with the Cavs. Put on TV. He was a star…for a minute.
While put up in a hotel and given access to copious vodka, Williams drank too much and got himself arrested. This discrediting his claim of being sober for 2+ years.
I’m not going to ride my high horse and condemn him for lying, drinking, or taking advantage of fame. I’m going to condemn those who are so heartless that this homeless man’s “story” was nothing more than a publicity stunt. Simply a way to get people to watch a show or go to a game. Shame on you.
Our culture creates instant stars without considering what fame does to people. Look no further than what happens to lottery winners who go from barely scraping by to multi-multi-millionaires. They can’t cope with it. They don’t understand what to do. They spend it on the dumbest things imaginable, and are broke and homeless within years of being handed life’s golden ticket.
Why are Disney teen stars cutting themselves? Why are pop stars shaving their heads? Why can’t Lindsey Lohan stay clean?
Because they are instant stars and no one actually cares about them. They are a disposable talent that once used gets tossed away for the next hot thing. Unfortunately for Ted Williams his shooting star flamed out quicker than any previous starlet.
Within 2 weeks he went from homeless, to famous and loved, to arrested and unneeded. His job offers will be revoked. His house will be foreclosed, and he will be back on the street. But this time he will not be able to pick himself back up. He had his chance, but the intensity was not a gradual climb. It was a rocket ship of hope that he could not deal with.
If those around Williams actually cared maybe they would have first helped him get sober. Then they would have given him a basic job to get him on his feet. Maybe helped rent an apartment so he could establish some stability. Then, over time, he’d be ready for a job interview and potentially his big break.
But that’s not how overnight stars are born is it?
Yet, in this horrid display of self-serving carelessness there is one scumbag who is scummier than all others. Dr. Phil. In an interview with Williams Dr. Phil has convinced him to go to rehab and is advertising his “helpfulness” to all media outlets that will listen.
Hey Dr. Phil, where were you when this man was drunk and homeless? Where were you reaching out to help before he blew his big shot? Where were you before he was famous? Nowhere! You only latch on to the hot-topic of the week and then whore their pain out for all the ratings and attention you can get. If you want to really help the world, walk out of your luxury hotel and talk to the homeless people right in front of you. Help them seek rehab. Help them back on their feet. Or is that too dirty for you? Are they not clean enough for you to talk to? Or is it just that without TV cameras on you don’t actually care about those in need.
Many will say the last two weeks of Ted William’s life show how messed up he is. I think that, if anything, it shows how totally screwed up American society is.
Anyone who puts Williams at the butt of jokes or takes advantage of his pain should be embarrassed with themself and should thank whatever god they believe in that there is a roof above them and food on the table. We are all fortunate in many ways. It’s a shame people feel the need to use those who are struggling as a prop. We should be better than that. We need to be better than that.
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