Cam Newton, the former NFL MVP, recently shed light on the dark side of fame for teenage athletes like LeBron James’ son, Bronny. This happened during an appearance on Shaquille O’Neal’s podcast. Newton’s comments show the challenges young sports stars face in navigating a world where privacy seems like a luxury for these stars.

According to Newton, even seemingly meaningless activities like grabbing lunch with friends can become a mindfulness for Bronny and his peers. This isn’t due to overzealous fans, but rather a culture where people might intentionally provoke these young athletes with the hopes of eliciting a reaction that could be used against the athletes in the courts or social media. Newton describes these attempts to “trigger” these athletes, potentially leading to fights or outbursts that could be twisted into negative outcomes for their future.

The pressure to maintain a composed attitude at all times is a lot. A single wrong move in a heated exchange can lead to an ill-advised comment captured on video. This could have serious consequences for a young athlete’s future career and his life as well. This constant worry hanging over his head can turn everyday interactions into events where he rethinks everything before doing. This robs Bronny and his peers of the carefree experiences most teenagers enjoy.

Bronny James’ Issue Isn’t New

 Many child stars across various industries have spoken about the difficulties of growing up in the public eye. However, Newton’s comments bring this reality to the forefront of the sports world. This sparked a conversation about the ethics of exploiting the vulnerabilities of young athletes. In 2011, the son of basketball legend Kareen Abdul Jabar was jailed was six months for stabbing his neighbor. Even the great Michael Jordan’s son, Jeffery Jordan was arrested for assault in Scottsdale.

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The idolization of athletes and going after their children, particularly at the youth level, can create an environment where boundaries are blurred. Fans may feel a sense of entitlement to a piece of these young stars’ lives. This leads to a disregard for their personal space. Social media further amplifies the problem, providing a platform for negativity and the potential for situations to be blown out of proportion.

Bronny James’ story serves as a reminder of the double-edged sword of fame, especially for celebrities’ children. While the opportunities can be immense, the constant scrutiny and pressure can take a toll on a young person’s well-being. Finding a way to protect these athletes’ privacy and allow them to experience a normal childhood is a must. This needs to be a priority for everyone involved in the sports world, especially the media.

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