Actually, I think there are a lot of role models in professional sports. There are athletes who are constantly working for charities, in children’s hospitals, creating opportunities for the disadvantaged, and opening doors for youth to be active. The real question is why can’t most people name them?
The simple answer is because mainstream media sources know that dirt sells. For every Tiger Woods, Barry Bonds, Kobe Bryant, or Martin Brodeur, there are likely 10 athletes doing great things in their community, who lead caring family lives. Unfortunately, the charitable works of athletes are pushed to the later pages of the sports section, and no one reads (or writes) stories about the baseball player who just celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary in a faithful relationship.
Comparing them to yesteryear is almost unfair, because 20 years ago NHL hockey players smoked between periods and drank beer in the dressing room after every game. 20 years ago social media didn’t exist, knowledge and stories took days to come out, not seconds.
I would argue there are plenty of excellent role models in sport. Unfortunately those people are more hidden except to the people they directly impact. So what should WE do differently? Highlight the good people instead of running 5 Tiger Woods stories a day. Expect differently? Athletes can’t be perfect. You could find the stories we scrutinize in the media in any town in our area, they just don’t involve “famous” people.
It’s a tough question and you could debate it forever. But again, I do think there are numerous good role models out there.
