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Athletes as Role Models

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Athletes as Role Models
Athletes good or bad role models?

Professional athletes in American sports play a large part in the views of a good role model. Many children and young athletes look up to them as Heroes in our society. There may be numerous reasons that prove professional athletes can be true idols, but more evidence corrupting the idea of heroic athletes. Athletes are good at what they do; they work hard in order to make it in the big leagues. Working hard to get what you want is something to look up to. Though it is they taking advantage of that fame and money they obtain that is questionable towards being a role model. For example Pete Rose bid against his own team, gambling on his game for the other team to win. He is supposed to be someone kids idolize; this is nothing to be proud of. No one wants their child to admire someone who lies and cheats the system while betraying others that trust him. Also the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League have had several players get arrested during the course of last season” (Professional athletes: role models for good or evil?). Not something that today’s youth should be hearing about their role models. These athletes have a rather divine lifestyle; with the money they are paid for making it to the professional level. There are many children, especially those from underprivileged neighborhoods, who wish to become famous wealthy athletes when they are older. (Professional athletes: role models for good or evil?). What is sad about that is they aren’t playing because the love the game but for what comes with it all. Americas Professional Athletes are poor role models for our youth, society is overlooking their bad behavior, their crimes committed and misguided fame because of who they are. With all the media of some athletes misbehaving or breaking the law comes up the question of whether they actually are good role models for these kids. There have been many stories of athletes getting in trouble with the law. Baseball



Cited: Axford, Al. Personal Interview. 20 February 2010. Fox News. “Sports.” PollingReport.com. 22 Aug. 2007. 21 Feb. 2010 . James S Michael. Zeimer, Tracy. “ABC News: Are Youth Athletes Becoming Bad Sports?” ABC News: Online news, breaking news, feature stories and more. 20 Aug. 2000. 21 Feb. 2010 . Las Angeles Times. “Michael Phelps suspended 3 months by USA Swimming - Los Angeles Times.” Los Angeles Times - News from Los Angeles, California and the World. 6 Feb. 2009. 01 March. 2010 . Longuevan, Sandra. Personal Interview. 12 March 2009. McCarthy, Michael. Athletes lightly punished after their day in court. 4 May 2006. 28 Feb. 2010 . Mojtabai, Farzin. Athletes shouldn’t be role models. 10 May 2006. 01 March. 2010 . Robertson, Ryan. “Professional athletes: role models for good or evil? | The Auburn Plainsman.” The Auburn Plainsman | A spirit that is not afraid. 31 Jan. 2007. 28 Feb. 2010

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