Awesome topic.
I would like to say that the media, deems these players stars before they actually do anything! Case and point: NFL Draft in previous years before the lockout, and the new CBA. Draft picks were commanding superstar money; while budding stars were trying to get a second contract at half the pay a college draftee was getting. Chalk that up to money mismanagement, and overhyping unproven players. We are fans that buy into the hype of a certain player; but it's media that makes these players look incredibily talented, and they really really aren't. In college, you maybe a man amongst boys, playing a sport; but when you actually start to play with the big boys, you're really not that special! There really are a choosen few that can hold that title as legit superstar, and dominate their sport at such an early age; but when the sport catches up with them, they just become normal, but their name holds a lot of clout.
Nobody wants to put in the time anymore, as it has now become a money issue; and everybody wants their money now!
Media = Superstar = Money$$$ ; if you take any one of those out of the equation, you have NOTHING! Lets remember, that it's media that puts people into situations tobe Spuerstars or busts.
If you want to argue my points; next time you go to a sports bar, wear your favourite team(s) jersey, with your favourite player(s) on it, and see the reaction on peoples faces, and listen to the chatter, as you cheer for the other guys team! and try not to get into a fight.

cheers

I agree I think it should be body of work. But today ppl just look for the next best thing so fast. Everybody jumped on lebrons nuts b4 he even touched the an nba court. I understand what ppl do in hs and college but they still have to prove themselves. But i think today 3-4 games of great numbers and boom bonafide star like you said. I wait a min before I jump on any athelete sorry i need to see more than a couple of games or even 1 great yr. I give probs but i need you to prove you are that good. anyone can have a breakout yr lets see yrs later tho. I blame the media b/c they hype ppl up way too much but doesnt matter to me b/c I wait no matter what media says.

I hate this nowadays as someone goes off the map for 4 games they are a "legit" star then later when they return to normal they are bust or failures when in all reality they were average players to begin with. Tebow is a backup QB deal with it fans. Cam Newton is going to be special and thats ok we can have some quick rising stars but, they should be few and far between. Do I think Colt McCoy is going to be a star someday yes does he deserve to be labled anything yet no let him play a season or two and then decide.