Athletes often make costly decisions

Athletes can be a big gamble for any professional organization.

Teams never know what kind of character they are going to get.

Recently, the defensive end for the New York Giants, Jason Pierre Paul, had his right index finger amputated because of his decision to light fireworks on the Fourth of July. And Pro golfer Rory McIlroy injured his right ankle playing soccer with his friends, causing him to miss the British Open.

Most professional sports associations - such as the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL - actually have regulations built into their contracts preventing players from doing dangerous activities. In most NFL contracts players cannot participate in any activities that can cause serious injury. In the NHL, players cannot participate in another sport without the team's approval. These types of regulations are similar for most professional sports.

JPP is out of luck because he was in the talks for a new long-term deal. His actions not only could violate his current contract, but hinder future negotiations. It is likely his poor decision will cost him a lot of money.

What about solo sports like golf, auto racing, tennis and swimming, when technically the only person affected by poor decisions is the athlete?

McIlroy's injury caused a major ripple effect. The British Open lost one of its greatest competitors and many fans have lost interest in watching the event. McIlroy's decision also will cost sponsorship money and the PGA Tour money because of viewers lost as a result of his absence.

Professional sports that depend on solo competitors need to have rules to regulate what the athletes can do when a big event looms. The athletes should not be allowed to participate in any activities that could cause serious injury three to four weeks before competition unless they get consent.

This would help steer athletes away from making unnecessary risks for big televised events.

It is a minor sacrifice for athletes who make millions of dollars.