What has been happening to young footballers recently? In the space of a day we have learnt of police having to deal with an alleged drugs offence and conspiracy to rob, from some of the game's top young stars.

When did playing for a Premier League football team become so boring that you have to turn to crime in order to lighten up your life?

While it is not a surprise that some players have somewhat unsatisfactory habits outside of the game, it is something that has to be addressed. These players are role models for millions of children around the world and stories like this, enhanced by the tabloids of course, lead to negative headlines for not just the clubs or the players, but the game as a whole.

The life of a Premier League footballer cannot be easy, having every minute detail of your life dragged through the press and constant speculation and analysis over your on-pitch performances; but that is no excuse for a lack of focus. They should view the opportunity to play a game for living as a massive privilege and should act, accordingly, with a modicum of respect.

Football has often been used as a way, especially in developing countries, for getting away from a life of crime. Now it seems that the prospect of a high-profile career and life of financial security is proving too much to handle for some and, unfortunately, that devalues the stories of so many who have worked so hard to disassociate themselves from their upbringing.

The question will be asked: Are young players given too much? Only this week, Dutch legend Johan Cryuff came out and attacked the length of contracts for youngsters, claiming that if they were given a six-year deal then they would not be hungry enough to continue pushing themselves at the highest level.

Cryuff was using the example of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi - a player who you would struggle to criticise in any aspect of his life - but the basics of his theory can certainly be applied to those seeking to make a name for themselves in the English game.

Clearly a player of Messi's potential and credibility can be trusted, but give a troubled young player a short-term deal, based on adherence to a number of factors off the pitch as well as on it, and you may not find they are so quick to turn to other distractions; especially when the security of their career is not quite so safe.

Fines will only go so far in curbing bad behaviour (given the nature of their pay packets), but once the police are involved and the case is proven in a court of law, there should be no hesitation in sacking players who step out of line. The world is full of youngsters who would kill for the opportunities that professional players get; it’s just a shame that many of those who are lucky enough to have that chance, don’t realise it.