If there is a general silver lining to this story, it is hopefully yet another reminder to athletes about the importance of (1) preparing yourself for life after sports through education and networking which can help establish a new career, and (2) seeking professional counseling to help deal with depression that may arise when the cheers stop.
This sense of urgency isanother component that keeps people returning to the game, even to the point of scheduling their social life around their crops maturing.