Bengals' Green threatening to miss game creates debate

There are countless reasons an employee might have to miss work: emergencies, car problems, death of a friend or family member, illness or the birth of a child.

This conversation popped up in recent news as Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver AJ Green and his wife came closer to the birth of their first child.

Green reported that he would have missed a game to support his wife and witness the birth of his first-born child.

Work and making money is a key motivator for most Americans, but when outside factors make it difficult to make the commute to work, when is it OK to call out of work?

In the realm of professional sports, numerous athletes have missed a day of work for the same various reasons that a teacher, businessman or cashier might not clock in that day. Philadelphia Phillies fans are familiar with this type of situation when former Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels left Game 2 of a crucial NLDS playoff series against the Troy Tulowitzki-led Colorado Rockies in 2009.

Hamels was not sick and did not blow a tire on the way to Citizen’s Bank Park. The World Series MVP left in the fifth inning of a game he had started so he could accompany his wife who was going into labor with Hamels’ first child. Fans around the league reacted with both anger and support as the new father had no regrets about leaving the game to be with his family.

Some are harsher than others and believe it is unreasonable for professional athletes to miss a game or event due to the eye-popping salaries these stars earn. Despite the high salaries and luxurious lifestyles, these athletes are involved with a lot of different activities, organizations and obligations that are outside of their respective fields.

Green ultimately did not have to miss a game because his son was born on Wednesday, Sept. 21. Green was absent from practice and after 36 hours of waiting, he became a father in addition to being a Cincinnati legend.

“It feels great, unbelievable, unbelievable feeling,” Green told ESPN.com.

The birth of someone’s child is something that nobody should have to miss out on. Occupations, careers and jobs are what motivate us, but moments with family such as Green’s situation are priceless and irreplaceable.

Looking past all the fame, glitz and glamor, Green’s puffy red eyes in the face of a half dozen reporters said it all. Underneath the No. 18, the young father understands what it means to prioritize. Games, practice and work cannot be put over moments like this. Green’s job is high profile, but no matter what the occupation is, the start of anyone’s family is a day for which to call in sick.

“You see this guy and you’re going to have to raise him, that’s yours till death do you part,” Green told ESPN.com. “You helped create that and you’re going to have to show him the ropes.”