The competitive nature of humans has been vital to our success as a species and the personal ambition of men is evident throughout society, from board rooms to playing fields. Mirroring society as a whole, college and professional sports are replete with individuals who are driven to achieve goals and championships are their ultimate prize.
Over the past few weeks, two titans of American Sports, LeBron James and George Steinbrenner have been in the headlines. Both men have been known for their personal achievements and by their relentless pursuit of championships. Steinbrenner made his mark by a bombastic and tyrannical approach to team ownership, hiring and firing numerous managers and buying the best athletes on the market. LeBron, on the other hand, one of the most talented basketball players in history, is hoping to achieve his dream by abandoning his home town fans and joining other superstars in the glitz of Miami.
While we all have the right to choose our path through life and while both of these men have earned their place in the annals of sports history, the willingness to risk personal relationships to obtain fat, gold rings does not guarantee happiness; both George and LeBron enjoyed fame and wealth before they chose to forgo the good will and admiration of others in order to be champions. Perhaps this choice was necessary for their personal satisfaction but, as the course of human history has demonstrated, the price of victory often overshadows the prize.
