The events that transpired on Feb. 14 were tragic.
Olympic track star Oscar Pistorious, better known as the “Blade Runner,” shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Guns are hot-button issue in America and around the world. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a well-known athlete end up committing a crime with a gun.
In America, this is far too common.
Let’s not forget Plaxico Burress, who was sentenced to two years in prison for shooting himself in the leg with an illegal handgun in a NYC nightclub.
Clearly, this is an issue that extends far beyond the boarders of the U.S. To me, athletes do not need guns for personal protection.
Being a prominent athlete doesn’t necessarily make you a bigger target for criminals. In fact, being famous athlete provides more outlets for protection than an average person could get.
An athlete with Pistorious’s earnings just as easily could hire a personal bodyguard or buy a home surveillance system.
Unfortunately, these thoughts are all in hindsight. Reeva Steenkamp is another victim to a senseless crime.
This is sad reality in the world of sports and in our contemporary global society.
Reach the columnist at jbisaccia@asu.edu
