Michael Phelps likes to smoke...

[chippewastud79]

I have to disagree with all the people who say athletes can't be role models. Not necessarily for what they do on the field/court/ice/etc., but for how they conduct themselves off of it. Michael Phelps is likely only a role model to swimmers, he is an amazing swimmer, if I was a swimmer I would want to swim like him.

You can't really argue with the fact that Tim Tebow would be a great role model for most young people. He spends his off season going on mission trips to third world countries, he is a leader off the field, he uses his "fame" for the benefit of others. In fact, I hate the way he plays football, but I can appreciate what he does off the field for other people.

There are many examples of athletes being role models for the stuff that they do off the field than the stuff that they do on it. Charles Barkley was right, not a role-model, an athlete. I think athletes that try to make themselves role models are the ones who probably shouldn't be, but the ones who do things for other people out of the kindness of their hearts are the role models.

[loki]

Originally Posted by chippewastud79

I have to disagree with all the people who say athletes can't be role models. Not necessarily for what they do on the field/court/ice/etc., but for how they conduct themselves off of it. Michael Phelps is likely only a role model to swimmers, he is an amazing swimmer, if I was a swimmer I would want to swim like him.

You can't really argue with the fact that Tim Tebow would be a great role model for most young people. He spends his off season going on mission trips to third world countries, he is a leader off the field, he uses his "fame" for the benefit of others. In fact, I hate the way he plays football, but I can appreciate what he does off the field for other people.

There are many examples of athletes being role models for the stuff that they do off the field than the stuff that they do on it. Charles Barkley was right, not a role-model, an athlete. I think athletes that try to make themselves role models are the ones who probably shouldn't be, but the ones who do things for other people out of the kindness of their hearts are the role models.

I agree that they can be role models, I've personally seen what guys like georges laraque, ward and others do for the less fortunite. But that's not because they're athletes. They're good people who happen to be good at a game. The two are not related

[chippewastud79]

Originally Posted by loki

I agree that they can be role models, I've personally seen what guys like georges laraque, ward and others do for the less fortunite. But that's not because they're athletes. They're good people who happen to be good at a game. The two are not related

While it is not because they are athletes that they are good people, it is because they are athletes that allows them to be in the public eye and have a greater impact. Prime example, Lance Armstrong and his Live Strong campaign.

[elderboy02]

Originally Posted by s15driftking

just to ask, who do you consider to be a role model that is widely known?

Originally Posted by chippewastud79

While it is not because they are athletes that they are good people, it is because they are athletes that allows them to be in the public eye and have a greater impact. Prime example, Lance Armstrong and his Live Strong campaign.

Bobby, add Lance Armstrong to my role model list.

[bazookajoe]

I wouldn't consider Lance Armstrong a role model - he admittedly got so caught up in his own celebrity that he decided domestic life with his wife and kids was too much of a bore so he went for something he found more exciting. I don't understand why our society constantly makes celebrities of people who do a good deed or accomplish something and then put those people on pedestals and fawn over them. It's our own fault for building such high expectations that they let us down at some point, and then the media attacks and picks their bones clean. I've seen few celebrities worthy of admiring but they are plenty of people in our neighborhoods that do good for others without the spotlight. We can use the good deeds or achievements of others (including celebrities) as examples of what can be accomplished, but idolizing them will in most cases lead to disappointment.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by bazookajoe

I wouldn't consider Lance Armstrong a role model - he admittedly got so caught up in his own celebrity that he decided domestic life with his wife and kids was too much of a bore so he went for something he found more exciting. I don't understand why our society constantly makes celebrities of people who do a good deed or accomplish something and then put those people on pedestals and fawn over them. It's our own fault for building such high expectations that they let us down at some point, and then the media attacks and picks their bones clean. I've seen few celebrities worthy of admiring but they are plenty of people in our neighborhoods that do good for others without the spotlight. We can use the good deeds or achievements of others (including celebrities) as examples of what can be accomplished, but idolizing them will in most cases lead to disappointment.

I agree wholeheartedly.

None of the celebrities/athletes mentioned here are what I would consider role models. They are successful people in the limelight who happen to do some good. Their fame and notoriety doesn't make their positive character traits any more important than any other person.

Apologies to Carlos - To me, the man he mentioned is a hero.

Originally Posted by Blueface

Athletes as role models......what a joke!!!

Role model? Let's all post a picture of this guy on our bedroom walls for our kids.
Calm, cool, collected, and put his life on the line to make sure all were out of that plane first, before him. That is a role model!!!

OH!!! BTW, was just doing his job according to him.

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by pnoon

i agree wholeheartedly.

None of the celebrities/athletes mentioned here are what i would consider role models. They are successful people in the limelight who happen to do some good. Their fame and notoriety doesn't make their positive character traits any more important than any other person.

bingo!!!