The most frequently used words in professional athletics:
Jail sentence, plea deal, probation, DUI, vehicular manslaughter, illegal possession of a weapon (and shooting yourself?), steroids, dog fighting, lies, scandal, greed…. even professional swimmers have been busted for public drug use! What happened to the wholesome athletes whom small children grew up idolizing and dreamed of becoming? The idyllic role models like Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, Joe Montana, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan… where are the role models of today? I believe there are still some out there, but so often it’s the negative, not the positive, garnering all the attention.
Jail sentence, plea deal, probation, DUI, vehicular manslaughter, illegal possession of a weapon (and shooting yourself?), steroids, dog fighting, lies, scandal, greed…. even professional swimmers have been busted for public drug use! What happened to the wholesome athletes whom small children grew up idolizing and dreamed of becoming? The idyllic role models like Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, Joe Montana, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan… where are the role models of today? I believe there are still some out there, but so often it’s the negative, not the positive, garnering all the attention.
I’d like to take the time to remove the likes of Michael Vick, Plaxico Burress, Roger Clemens, Pacman Jones, Dante Stallworth, Manny Ramirez, and even Mr. Fickle, Brett Favre. Let’s highlight those athletes out there representing the goodness of their sport through their dedication, persistence, and good works. The athletes that are well rounded, do their job well and without demands, don’t cause any trouble, and give back to those who fill the seats to watch them each and every weekend.
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NFL
- Kurt Warner: quarterback who uses faith as a foundation for his good works, founder of First Things First Foundation, Man of the Year Award Winner in 2008 (Read more at http://www.kurtwarner.org/)
- Peyton & Eli Manning: The Kennedy family of sports, athletic royalty, and constantly classic and refined behavior
- Drew Brees: Founder of the Brees Dream Foundation, partnered with Operation Kids
NBA
- Steve Nash: Founder of the Steve Nash Foundation which, according to his website, "is a private foundation dedicated to assisting under served children in their health, personal development, education, and enjoyment of life." (Read more at https://stevenash.org/)
- Tim Duncan: Founder of the Tim Duncan Foundation for sports and recreation (Read more at http://www.slamduncan.com/about-foundation.php)
- Shane Battier: The silent warrior of the Houston Rockets. His maturity and wisdom speak volumes with the young team and helped lead the Rockets to a Game 7 with Los Angeles in the 2009 Playoffs.
MLB
- Albert Pujols: The King of St. Louis, and a real solid man. I'm still skeptical of his astounding numbers, though. I hope and trust they aren't being enhanced by outside substances.
- Lance Berkman: The Astros' "Big Puma" is the epitome of a good ole Texas boy- the heart, soul, and mature anchor of the Houston franchise.
- Read more about Major League Baseball's community initivate at http://www.mlb.com/pa/trust/action.jsp
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In your eyes, who are some other professional athletes worth of being a child's role model? Are there any NCAA athletes that can step up to be an icon?
Great subject today; it's always more fun to root for someone like Grant Hill than Ron Artest but I don't think we should look to athelets to be role models. You would however expect someone making millions of dollars and under the spotlight of the national media not to act like some of the idiots you sighted. I have to admire Pat Tillman for giving up fame and money to serve our country. Gary
ReplyDeletei think that Tebow is probably one of the best role models for young kids. He works incredibly hard and is not afraid to profess his faith. He sees tremendous success too. He is probably one of the best college players like ever and is constantly under the spotlight. Unlike others, he does not do stupid things to get into trouble, and is a really nice, genuine guy. I know he is a big role model for my younger brother, and my mom actually wrote him a letter thanking him for being a solid person that kids like my brother can look up to. :)
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