Monday, March 14, 2011

Should Athletes Be Considered Role Models?

Although maybe some athletes should not be, many athletes are looked at as role models.  Athletes impact many peoples' lives around the world and since they impact lives shouldn't they try to be good role models? In my American Sport in the 21st Century class, we discussed some good qualities would be in a role model.

Qualities In A Role Model
-Good decision making
-Leadership qualities
-Discipline
-Honesty
-Committment
-Good Sportsmanship
-A sense of humor
-Good self-image
-High moral values

We also discussed some of the best and worst role models in sport today.  Some of the best were Peyton Manning, Sidney Crosby, Tim Tebow, and Kevin Durant. Much of the class agreed that these players are some of the best role models because they all possess a lot of the qualities listed above.

Some of the worst role models were Tiger Woods, Mike Vick, O.J. Simpson, and Barry Bonds.  The class felt that these players all committed huge wrongs and therefore are terrible role models.

I think that whether players want to be or not, they are role models.  Since that is the case, I think that all professional athletes should at least try to carry themselves in an appropriate manner and act classy.  When a young kid sees his or her favorite players getting arrested for rape and gun possession, what does that say to the kid? Does it say that because their favorite athlete is doing those things that they are ok? NO! Athletes should be more aware that many people, especially kids, look up to them and should try to be good role models.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-UCwYfXqak
This video shows the Brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills between the Pistons and Pacers. An example of how athletes can be bad role models.

http://sportslaw.uslegal.com/2010/04/24/should-athletes-be-role-models-for-young-people/
This article also gives its own point of view on whether athletes should or should not be role models.

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