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Fan Cams Change Players' Lives

New technology has athletes thinking twice about interacting with the public

By Jamie Buss,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 11, 2008 11:24 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The Information Age is great in a lot of ways, but when it comes maintaining the privacy of public figures, it can be a real hassle. Just ask Matt Leinart, Paul LoDuca, and countless other professional athletes who can tell you just how easy it is to have their most unguarded moments appear on the Net—and land them in trouble.

“Harmless situations can look bad if you're in the wrong photo," Indians first-baseman Ryan Garko told MLB.com. "You definitely have to be smart. Everything's changed.” The benefits of public celebrity for sports stars, in particular, are undergoing big changes, as a night's bar-hopping or pickup can quickly make it onto their party partners' MySpace pages.

Deadspin received this snapshot of former Met Cliff Floyd partying with St. John's University students.
Deadspin received this snapshot of former Met Cliff Floyd partying with St. John's University students.   (Deadspin)
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Edwin Encarnacion, left, and closer Francisco Cordero sign autographs following a workout, Sunday, March 30, 2008, in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Edwin Encarnacion, left, and closer Francisco Cordero sign autographs following a workout, Sunday, March 30, 2008, in Cincinnati.   (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez is taunted by fans after getting his fourth strike of the day during a game against the Kansas City Royals Tuesday, April 8, 2008 in Kansas City, Mo.
New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez is taunted by fans after getting his fourth strike of the day during a game against the Kansas City Royals Tuesday, April 8, 2008 in Kansas City, Mo.   (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 09: A fan holds a camera during the Par 3 Contest prior to the start of the 2008 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, 2008 in Augusta, Georgia.
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 09: A fan holds a camera during the Par 3 Contest prior to the start of the 2008 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, 2008 in Augusta, Georgia.   (David Cannon/Getty Images)
Deadspin received this snapshot of former New York Met Paul LoDuca partying with St. John's University students.
Deadspin received this snapshot of former New York Met Paul LoDuca partying with St. John's University students.   (Deadspin)
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Whisenhunt, Leinart talk after party photos hit Internet
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MySpace • MLB • Mark Buehrle • Alex Rodriguez • Matt Leinart • digital media • Ryan Garko

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