Athletes Will Always be the Greatest Reality TV Characters

In the news right now there are three headlines in sports that have been taking over the news. A-Rod unwillingly retiring, Michael Phelps is competing (and winning) in his fifth Olympics, and as of today, Tim Tebow is starting his journey to the MLB. What these three athletes have in common is that throughout their athletic careers, which include dominance in each of their own rights, is absolutely bizarre off-field storylines.

If I told you that in a reality tv show with the characters who were…

1. A pathological liar/cheater who is obsessed with himself and Derek Jeter (separately and as best buds)

2. A stud college quarterback whose professional career didn't pan out so he decides to try Major league baseball. Oh and is also a virgin.

3. The most dominant Olympian of all time who had a drinking problem and a run in with a transgender woman in his past

… then tell me that wouldn't culminate the greatest TV show of all time.

A-Rod is one of the greatest hitters of all time who has been caught up in steroid accusations, then confessing, then lying to Katie Couric, then confessing again of his PED use. Tim Tebow is one of the greatest college football players of all time who was a flash in the pan in the NFL and has found him self lost in retirement before turning 29. And Michael Phelps is the greatest swimmer/Olympian of all time who seems to be redeeming himself from a troubled time in his life amidst raking up 19 gold medals (and counting).

Fortunately for us, within a one-week span of news, there have been three absolutely absurd storylines that could not be scripted by any show creator. Sports always have, and always will create the most drama of any program on TV because of its ability to produce content even after the final whistle blows. With all of today’s social media and news coverage, you can only expect this drama to get more insane as athletes seemingly have nowhere to hide. And that's just fine with me.