Someone said the pen is mightier than the sword. This statement has never been so well epitomized than in the current saga surrounding the John Terry, the former captain of the English National Soccer team. Here is a great footballer at the height of his career who has given his everything to the game but made some mistakes of his own. He is a proven leader both at his club, Chelsea and for his national team of England. Until recently, few doubted his ability, his integrity, and his talent. But he met an enemy in the wrong people. The press.
Whatever it is that he did, and am not supporting his love affair with Wayne Bridge’s former girlfriend, but whatever it is, the English press has blown it out of proportion, and the poor guy’s life may never be the same again. It would have been better if Terry had done something real cruel, it would have been better if he had gone all out and done something to make history. But he didn’t do much. He cheated on his wife, something 90% of all men do, and this, not with his teammate’s wife, but with a former girlfriend of his former Chelsea teammate.
Were it where I come from, nothing would have come out of this, but wait a minute; this was in England, in London, where even the queen herself does not escape scrutiny. The press got wind of his misdemeanor, and they were on his back, like a pack of hungry hyenas ready to devour his everything. Look at where he is now. However much he tries, life will never be the same again for my beloved John Terry. England coach Fabio Capello stripped him of the captaincy, but the press wants more. They want him out of the Chelsea captaincy, they want him out of the pitch and into retirement, and that is why day in day out, they keep turning the same story round and round.
His Chelsea teammates have already been warned to keep an eye on their wives and girlfriends, as if Terry is some serial rapist, when he is in fact a loving father and husband. Why?
The guys on John Terry’s back want to sell newspapers, and nothing sells better than sex, scandal and controversy. This is what they were told in college when they went for their diplomas in journalism, or whatever it is that they studied, and Terry’s story offers both a sexy twist, and lots of controversy. They will only leave the poor guy alone when another scandal arises that promises to even bring in better sales.
I want to make it clear again. Nobody and I mean no body should be allowed to cheat on his wife and get away with it. Not me and certainly not John Terry, but the press should get the facts right whenever such arises. Give my dear friend a chance by accurately recording what is taking place. I admire his character, his determination, and his composure, going by the few games he has played since the scandal erupted. I watched him when Chelsea played Hull City and against Arsenal. Its unbelievable that he still can maintain his calm.