If you've ever delved into the realm of Trading Card Games (TCG), you've probably come across the saying "Charizard can't pull his hamstring." This statement is remarkably accurate, but let's delve deeper into its implications. In the recent week, there have been distressing allegations surrounding baseball sensation Wander Franco. Irrespective of one's belief in a player, their moral integrity plays a crucial role in ensuring safety and the appreciation of card values.
During the pandemic boom, we witnessed record-breaking sales of rookie basketball stars. Subsequently, a market correction led to a significant drop in their prices. Curiously, the off-court antics of players like Ja Morant and Zion Williamson failed to enhance their card values. Any noteworthy event in a player's personal life that garners headlines triggers an almost instantaneous response in the card market.
This reaction is observable in situations ranging from injuries to questionable behavior outside the game. While some panic and sell their cards, others seize the opportunity to acquire them at notably reduced prices, hoping for a shift in public sentiment to once again favor them.
Investing in potential talents is always a gamble. Despite analyzing statistics, personalities, grades, and even involvement in charitable endeavors, one can never anticipate a scenario where a superstar who recently signed a franchise record contract gets entangled in allegations of misconduct towards a minor. Even if such allegations are ultimately dismissed or not pursued legally, they can exert a lasting and intrinsic influence on a player's market value.
This isn't to suggest that such outcomes are always the norm. On the contrary, you have instances like that of Deshaun Watson. Despite facing serious accusations, he continues to play due to his undeniable athletic prowess. Interestingly, players like him often witness a renewed growth in their card market once the general public shifts its focus elsewhere and finds a new target for their criticisms.
Sports card collecting frequently lacks a sense of honor. For certain individuals, the idea of acquiring a Michael Vick card is inconceivable due to his criminal actions. Meanwhile, others are more accepting, viewing his time served as a form of redemption. Take Karl Malone, for instance. Despite fathering a child with a 13-year-old girl and abandoning them both, he continues his association with the NBA; even attending the NBA All-Star Game and holding a prominent role.
The response to athletes' misdeeds usually follows a pattern. Initially, there's an outpouring of condemnation. However, if the athlete possesses exceptional skills and manages to avoid legal repercussions long enough to surpass their prime in the sport, their card market often experiences a resurgence.
As a collector, you frequently find yourself facing challenging dilemmas posed by the very athletes you hold in high regard. The recent actions of Wander Franco have left numerous individuals in a distressing situation, witnessing an abrupt decline in the worth of their card collections. However, I must urge fellow collectors to consider this: while your cards may hold significant personal value, there's a possibility that the actions of these players may have caused lasting harm to others, particularly children. Before venting frustrations about sports cards on the internet, it's important to keep in mind the potential real-world consequences endured by those who have been irreparably affected.
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