By Dave Sholler

In the pampered lives of professional athletes, receiving criticism is rarely something they become accustomed to. Often the first to accept fans’ adoration, it’s no big secret that star athletes expect the same worship from members of their personal cliques as well.

Take Floyd Mayweather Jr. for example. Mr. Money has a few pals riding his jock nearly every time he breathes. If Floyd does 50 sit-ups, several members of his posse are sure to acknowledge his noteworthy abdominal achievement. Likewise, if Floyd decides to compete with Zab Judah in buying drinks at a posh bar, a Mayweather confidant or two may root for the pound-for-pound king to buy THE WHOLE bar.

Let me not sound like a hater. If I had Floyd’s fame and money, I might have my own posse, too. Even so, the aforementioned instances pose a series of interesting questions. For starters, does a posse really look out for its famous friend? In an uncertain economy featuring unstable interest rates and an even rockier cost of living, shouldn’t Floyd’s friends at least occasionally ask if he’ll one day regret going through money like the average Joe goes through toilet paper? Better yet, which member of a his lengthy posse will advise him of the dangers of becoming a has-been, bankrupt participant in a future “E: True Hollywood Story?”

Let’s make one thing clear: this isn’t “Pick on Floyd.” In fact, I tend to believe Floyd manages his money and lifestyle better than he lets on. Still, the point is that in many cases, athletes surround themselves by those who simply echo their leaders’ sentiments. In essence, they aim to please by saying and doing whatever keeps themselves on the payroll and in the good graces of their wealthy buddy. Scarily, it’s because of this financial dependency that members of an athlete’s mob fear speaking up, even if they truly believe it is what’s right for their celebrated comrade.

While this piece surely highlights some of the most damaging aspects of this star athlete-posse relationship, there are also other potentially harmful aspects to consider. What if a close friend and member of the posse knows their friend is too hurt to perform, but watches him limp into the ring anyway? Similarly, can a true friend stand up on the apron and wave the proverbial white flag for their wounded mate? What if they think a proposed bout or business venture is a bad idea? The questions go on and on.

Again, these are some pretty severe instances, but worth noting nevertheless. In the end, sugarcoating the truth may appease an athlete’s ego, but isn’t it in many ways really the beginning stages of overall decay? Without at least one straight shooter in the group, won’t the silence eventually bring down the entire palatial posse?

Keeping this topic in mind, let’s pretend that we have the chance to join the inner circles of some of boxing’s greatest stars. Instead of being a “Yes” man, let’s offer our true, heartfelt advice. Whether it’s Jermain Taylor’s lack of progression or Marco Antonio Barrera’s insistence to fight again, let’s uncork the information that our famous combatants need to hear. From financial advice to opponent selection, the following advice may not be forthcoming from these athlete’s camps otherwise.

Oscar De La Hoya: The boxing community may not like it, but someone should tell Oscar that there’s no shame in taking a tune-up bout before facing Mayweather again. It may not be a popular decision, but Oscar needs to rediscover what made him a boxing God. For instance, somewhere along the way, Oscar forgot the value of a sustained jab. And someone also forgot to tell “The Golden Boy” that most boxing matches are scheduled for more than six rounds.

For those that think he can revive these skills by rushing into a bout against Mayweather or Cotto, you might be mistaken. With losses to Mayweather, Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosley (twice), and Felix Trinidad, the 34-year-old doesn’t want to be remembered as the fighter who came up short in big fights. Not even knockout victories over Ricardo Mayorga and Fernando Vargas can hide that. While his proposed tune-up Steve Forbes is no “walk in the park,” he should be a true gauge of what Oscar has left.

Joan Guzman: Some close to the Dominican may steer him toward signing another long-term agreement with a glitzy promoter. Here’s the truth for this exciting junior lightweight: he doesn’t need one. If he continues to dominate and seek out other top foes, the money will follow. With a bad taste from promoters already in his mouth, he should worry about winning bouts above all else. BoxingScene writer extraordinaire Jake Donovan accurately described Guzman’s plight when he commented on the “number of hands that have been in his pockets over the years.” Since others have tried to take advantage of him, there’s nothing wrong with Joan standing tall on his own for a change.

Winky Wright: Perhaps HBO’s Larry Merchant said it best when he inferred that Winky was “overvaluing” himself. Shunning a fight with Mikkel Kessler (an intriguing bout might I add) and others, Winky is pulling boxing’s version of an NFL Draft contract holdout. Note to Winky: Boxing knows you’re dangerous – to yourself.

John Duddy: John, my friends, is not ready for a title shot yet and his confidants know it. Even as many boxing fans throw fits at this assertion, the reality is that Duddy would benefit from a few more bouts against quality opponents. There is no doubt that the Irishman has all the tools to be a champion. He just needs some more time to refine them. Otherwise, a power puncher like Pavlik gets the chance to expose him.

Eddie Chambers: Whether “Fast” Eddie sticks at heavyweight or makes the smart move down to cruiserweight, his camp needs to remind him that game plans are instituted for a reason. Though his performance against Alexander Povetkin showed grit, it also showed a pure ineptitude to listen. Trainers Eddie Chambers Sr. and Buddy McGirt couldn’t have made it more clear: Eddie needs to stay busy to earn W’s.

Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales: No comeback, no way. Regardless of how enticing a comeback looks, enough is enough. All good things must come to an end. Memories last forever, but not with head trauma resulting from not knowing when to retire.

Alfonso Gomez: Wins over Arturo Gatti and Ben Tackie in his last two fights were nice, but the former Contender star is making a serious jump when he battles WBA welterweight champ Miguel Cotto on April 12. With that said, someone inside Team Gomez should remind the 27-year-old that the fall can be just as fast as the rise. It’s easy to get caught up in the thoughts of fighting for a title and even easier to end up looking at the lights wondering how it ended so quickly.

Jermain Taylor: Whether it’s mentor Ozell Nelson or another close advisor, someone needs to remind JT that stardom is a privilege. Many have knocked Taylor for his perceived lack of interest in training camp, but the bottom line is that he needs to stay focused. Coming off four straight lackluster performances (including a loss to Kelly Pavlik and near miss against Winky Wright), Taylor can’t afford another stinker on February 16.

Teddy Atlas: Ok, so he’s not a fighter. But to many inside (and outside) of the boxing community, Atlas is one of the most well respected voices in the game. Although it’s hard to condone unsanctioned physical altercations, no one can fault Teddy for sticking to his guns. For that reason, we should all hope that Teddy keeps doing what he’s doing. Whether it’s by his family, agent or colleagues, Teddy should be applauded and supported for fighting corruption and unethical dealings.

Dave Sholler is a boxing analyst for sports radio stations across the country. Reach Sholler at shollerholla4@hotmail.com.