Athletes  Role Models

Athletes have many responsibility's to be a role model on and off the court, field. Some people have different opinions on  if athletes are role models or not. Professionals can not be the only role models. Youth athletes can be role models for younger youth athletes.  Many professional athletes unfortunately have made news by getting in trouble with the law or with drugs. Athletes are arrested for assault, illegal drugs, drunk driving, and other offenses. This can be the game changer for the role models for youth athletes.

Role Model-   

• LeBron James
• Peyton Manning
• Eli Manning
• Tim Tebow
• Walter Peyton
• Rodger federer
• Andrew Luck

Bad Role Models-

• Ray Rice- Domestic Violence
• Adrian Peterson- Domestic Violence
• Tiger Woods-multiple extramarital affairs.
• Michal Vick- Dog fighting ring

Sport Sociologist-

Gary Sailes notes that professional athletes are often thrust into their public position with little preparation, and that being a highly paid athlete carries its own set of problems. “There are people in our society who stalk, bait, or victimize professional athletes for financial or professional gain. Men pick fights; women they have sex with get pregnant intentionally; and news reporters goad them into brawls. Their wealth and star status make them prime targets. The pressure to perform exerted by their teammates, coaches, owners and fans is unrelenting.” On top of all this, Sailes notes, Americans expect athletes “to personify all that is good in us, our community, our society, and what is traditionally American.” He concludes that athletes are role models, but perhaps those who avidly watch their actions on the playing field or court should be more understanding that they are as human as the rest of us.