How much responsibility do athletes have to act as role models? Your favorite player?

[RogerMarisCollector61]

Because of the whole Ryan Braun situation, I've been feeling quite empathetic for his fans who worshiped him because I know how disappointed I would be if it were my favorite player. For me, Chase Utley represents a being who appears a level above humans.

Is it the responsibility of the athlete who knows he has influence over people to be a good model? It's not fair to assume anyone is perfect, but does that level of influence change the way an athlete should act for the sake of not letting kids down? Or do you think these guys are just doing their job and it's not their duty to be a hero?

 

[uniquebaseballcards]

I don't think they have more or less responsibility to act as role models than anyone else... but with that said, we should hope for some measure of consistency in how they act (or at least how we perceive how they act).

Frankly the more mature the player is the more of a role model he should hopefully become. I don't know if players under 30 could be considered role models per se as they haven't been 'tested' as much as older players.

 

[Junior Griffey]

Zero responsibility.

 

[RiceLynnEvans75]

Agree with Junior Griffey above, zero responsibility. I can't get to it now but there is a good commercial/video with Charles Barkley addressing this topic.

 

[elmalo]

I think the hero worshipping of these players is more disturbing.

 

[ThoseBackPages]

Parents should be role models.

 

[michaelstepper]

I don't think they have any extra responsibility.. Everyone should. But being that they are in a spotlight or held to a higher standard they should make more of an effort to not be a dbag. THOUGH they are human and given a lot of money at a young age


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[AmishDave]

Movie stars, Hollywood starlets & Hollywood hunks need to be the role models of today's youth.

 

[elmalo]

Movie stars, Hollywood starlets & Hollywood hunks need to be the role models of today's youth.

Dont forget reality stars.

 

[matfanofold]

At worst, the responsibility is inherent with being a public figure such as a pro athlete, at best you are held responsible as a face of a ball club or the MLB as a whole where your status of a 'role model' has a direct influence on the bottom line. Either way, there is a significant responsibility, if not to the public then to yourself and your family as to not sully your name and/or reputation.

 

[AmishDave]

Dont forget reality stars.

Honey Boo Boo's mom is my role model.

 

[Lars]

I don't think they have more or less responsibility to act as role models than anyone else... but with that said, we should hope for some measure of consistency in how they act (or at least how we perceive how they act).

Frankly the more mature the player is the more of a role model he should hopefully become. I don't know if players under 30 could be considered role models per se as they haven't been 'tested' as much as older players.

Yikes...this

 

[TBTwinsFan]

No more than anyone else.

That being said, even though they play a game, they are still professionals, and thus should act professional.

 

[predatorkj]

I'm not sure. Honestly they need to think before they act because if a normal joe screws up the whole world doesn't know. If they screw up, everyone knows. But besides that, I think any grown man or woman should always do their best to act like a decent human being and be as polite and cordial as possible. Not necessarily on the grounds that people are watching, but just because it's the right thing to do. Sadly, the right thing to do just isn't all that important to a lot of people these days. It's more about what's convenient for them. But if you act like a jerk, people will think you are one. People say they don't care what others think but they really do. The only time it's normal not to care what others think is when they are wrong about you. But even then, you still kind of care. It bothers you that they misunderstand you.

But I wouldn't want a professional athlete acting like a saint to be a good role model for a child. I'd want him to be himself and just try to be decent. Everything else kinda falls into place after that.

God, I feel old!

 

[Mighty Bombjack]

Add me to the "none" list

 

[joeya2001]

Cal Ripken to me is a role model because of him I never missed a day of work!!!

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[ThoseBackPages]

Cal Ripken to me is a role model because of him I never missed a day of work!!!

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Did you take PEDs too?

 

[nappyd]

Cal Ripken to me is a role model because of him I never missed a day of work!!!

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Those vacation days don't roll over and can't be sold back...

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[notjomommasclint]

None..

 

[rum151man]

I think certain athletes should hold a higher standard. If your the face of the franchise and a big star in the league, you know kids look up to you & you should look at yourself as a role model. Parents should be the #1 role model for every kid but let's be real there is an influence on kids with sports stars. Especially with todays social media the players need to be more aware of things they say & do that will influence the fans. These guys are paid crazy $$$ to play a game & they know all that comes with it. I think athletes with children should look at it as if they feel they would be letting their own children down that's the same way the fans will feel.