Young adults and children idolize athletes. They’re considered role models because of their media presence and ability to help or change the lives of those less fortunate. For awhile now, there’s been a debate on whether they should be looked at as such.
Each of us has our own talent whether it is playing basketball, baseball or another sport, and we present our craft differently to one another. These athletes are not perfect, so they shouldn’t be put on a pedestal because we all have flaws. It makes it worse because their actions are highlighted in the media and people see that and want to imitate it, good or bad.
According to an ABC News article,“three-fourths of the 1,500 10 to 17- year-olds and 1,950 parents surveyed said athletes teach children that being a good sport and playing fair are as important as winning.” But the article also stated that children think it’s alright to receive special treatment on and off the court, and being promiscuous is alright.
This is teaching children not be held accountable for their actions when in reality they are held accountable. People have forgotten what it means to be a true athlete, being a team player, the reward of hard work, the importance of dedication and enjoying what you love to do, not just for fame and fortune.
Lamar Odom, a retired player for the Los Angeles and championship winner, struggled with a drug addiction. He was found unconscious and was on life support, but he came out of the coma days later. Odom