Michael Phelps likes to smoke...

Athletes are role models whether they want to be or not. Kids look up to players. Thats just the way it is. It doesnt matter if we think that kids shoudnt consider them role models. A kid playing little league baseball is going to have a MLB player he likes and follows. That player cant control whether or not he wants to be that kids role model. Cal Ripken Jr. addressed the issue of athletes and being role models at his Hall Of Fame Induction--"As years passed, it became clear to me that kids see all, not just some of your actions but all," Ripken said. "Whether we like or not, we big leaguers are role models. The only question is, will it be positive or will it be negative? Should we put players up on pedestals and require that they take responsibility? No. But we should encourage them to use their influence positively to help build up and develop the young people who follow the game. Sports can play a big role in teaching values and principles. Just think. Teamwork, leadership, work ethic and trust are all part of the game, and they are also all factors in what we make of our lives."
http://sportinsociety.blogspot.com/2...le-models.html

I think the point is that we cant force athletes to do the right thing, but we can encourage them to and let them know that they are role models. And i think most of them know that kids follow them. Even though they dont choose to be. Thats how it is. Thats just my opinion

[Stick]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMzdAZ3TjCA

Originally Posted by Stick

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMzdAZ3TjCA

1. he was a role model because kids looked up to him
2. I agree, he gets paided to put points on the board
3. No, he shouldnt raise your kids, but if you let your kid watch him play, they will be influenced by him and the way he plays. He is charles barkley. I know kids looked up to him.
4. Barkley cant choose not to be a role model.
5. No one can force him to be a good role model or a bad one, its his choice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0AGiq9j_Ak
I dont agree with some of what MJ did in the later years, but that doesnt matter. He didnt choose to be a role model. He was a great player. Kids wanted to be great players. Some of what he did in the later years is his own responsibility.

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by ChicagoWhiteSox

Athletes are role models whether they want to be or not. Kids look up to players. Thats just the way it is. It doesnt matter if we think that kids shoudnt consider them role models. A kid playing little league baseball is going to have a MLB player he likes and follows. That player cant control whether or not he wants to be that kids role model.

I completely disagree.
One thing is to idolize a sports figure for being that, a sports figure.
Another thing is to have that person be your "role model".
For kids to be allowed to confuse the two terms is unacceptable.

My son was a die hard fan of Michael Jordan but I assure you, Michael Jordan was not his role model.

That's the way it is can't be accepted as that is the way it is. It is up to parenting to teach children what the difference between idolizing someone for their accomplishments in their sport in contrast to considering them a "role model". That latter term should be clearly defined and I bet dollars to donuts, kids will know the difference if properly taught. Mine, who are 25 and 21 did.

I alluded to the pilot earlier because what he did can be considered a "role model".
He didn't score a touchdown or a basket.
He saved lives.
He placed his life on the line to save others.
He was valiant to wait for all to exit and checked twice.
His actions warrant being a role model.
He illustrated composure and valor.
That is what I would teach my children.

Originally Posted by Blueface

I completely disagree.
One thing is to idolize a sports figure for being that, a sports figure.
Another thing is to have that person be your "role model".

My son was a die hard fan of Michael Jordan but I assure you, Michael Jordan was not his role model.

That's the way it is can't be accepted as that is the way it is. It is up to parenting to teach children what the difference between idolizing someone for their accomplishments in their sport in contrast to considering them a "role model". That latter term should be clearly defined and I bet dollars to donuts, kids will know the difference if properly taught. Mine, who are 25 and 21 did.

The definition of a role model is a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/role+model
MJ was and still is a role model for kids. So was Barkley. And so is Phelps. It is the parents responsibility to teach there kids right from wrong. The parents have a responsibility to do that. Phelps worked hard, put in his time and effort and it paid off. He won all of those gold medals. Kids are looking at him and saying to themselves "if i can put effort in and work hard, it will pay off". I look at that as being a role model. But with the drug issue, that is where its the parents responsibility to teach right from wrong. They can pull the plug and tell their kids not to watch him anymore and explain why. Kids look up to people. And i think star players have the most pressure. They have the most light on them because they are good at what they do. They have worked hard and put in effort and it is paying off. Kids see these players doing well and want to do the same. I definately see your side Blueface and agree that parents should ultimatly be the role models. Some Athletes can be good role models for hard work and dedication.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by ChicagoWhiteSox

The definition of a role model is a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/role+model

I think what we're debating is what constitutes a positive or preferred role model.

By the strict definition, drug addicts and pedophiles are role models, too.

[Flatsix]

I have an 8 year old on a swim team that looks up to Michael Phelps as someone that has done something amazing. Phelps is a role model to my swimmer as I am sure that Phelps is a role model to a lot of young swimmers. Kids look to people like Phelps and think that they can accomplish what he has accomplished. Hopefully this blows over because I do not want to have a discussion with Lauren to explain why if drugs are so bad then how did Michael Phelps accomplish what he has accomplished when he is doing drugs.

I completely agree with Bazooka Joes earlier comments. Phelps is just another human prone to mistakes and that there is another lesson hidden in this. Maybe he doesn't want to be a role model but by virtue of what he has accomplished, he is and needs to watch his conduct.

On a lighter note he could still be appear on a cereal box

WEEDIES

Im a swimmer, and a coach. I actually swam against phelps at a national level meet when I was 16. He whopped my ass. I talked to him for a bit and he was kinda a prick, great swimmer yes, but not that nice of a guy. I talked to him some years later when he first entered UofM at a meet and he still was a bit of an ass. Not role model material, and he his a kid like me. Indescretions or what ever, he did something wrong, stepped up and will probably take his licks. Theres something to be respected, but ive never seen him as a role model in the very least. However, when you live in the world we do and are a successful person, you need to live with a higher moral fiber than the rest of us. unfortunatly, people, espessially my 5-18 year olds look up to you, You need to act understanding that.

Partying? who cares, Getting photographed with a bong? probably not a good idea and with todays electroics, youve got to be even more careful.

well have a new thing to talk about tomarrow.

[bazookajoe]

Originally Posted by ChicagoWhiteSox

Athletes are role models whether they want to be or not. Kids look up to players. Thats just the way it is. It doesnt matter if we think that kids shoudnt consider them role models. A kid playing little league baseball is going to have a MLB player he likes and follows. That player cant control whether or not he wants to be that kids role model. Cal Ripken Jr. addressed the issue of athletes and being role models at his Hall Of Fame Induction--"As years passed, it became clear to me that kids see all, not just some of your actions but all," Ripken said. "Whether we like or not, we big leaguers are role models. The only question is, will it be positive or will it be negative? Should we put players up on pedestals and require that they take responsibility? No. But we should encourage them to use their influence positively to help build up and develop the young people who follow the game. Sports can play a big role in teaching values and principles. Just think. Teamwork, leadership, work ethic and trust are all part of the game, and they are also all factors in what we make of our lives."
http://sportinsociety.blogspot.com/2...le-models.html

I think the point is that we cant force athletes to do the right thing, but we can encourage them to and let them know that they are role models. And i think most of them know that kids follow them. Even though they dont choose to be. Thats how it is. Thats just my opinion

I agree that to some degree kids choose their own role models, but we're not helpless. Since society reinforces an unhealthy regard for celebrity, we as parents have to infuse some sense of proportion to help our kids mange their expectations. My kids know that it's ok to be in awe of and even try to emulate the accomplishments of their favorite athletes, but also that they're only people, far from perfect, and their personal lives are just as prone to missteps as anyone's. I have more confidence in my ability to help my kids deal with reality than I do in an athlete's ability to avoid temptation. Maybe they can't help being role models, but we can temper the extent of it with our kids.

Originally Posted by bazookajoe

I agree that to some degree kids choose their own role models, but we're not helpless. Since society reinforces an unhealthy regard for celebrity, we as parents have to infuse some sense of proportion to help our kids mange their expectations. My kids know that it's ok to be in awe of and even try to emulate the accomplishments of their favorite athletes, but also that they're only people, far from perfect, and their personal lives are just as prone to missteps as anyone's. I have more confidence in my ability to help my kids deal with reality than I do in an athlete's ability to avoid temptation. Maybe they can't help being role models, but we can temper the extent of it with our kids.

I agree 100%

Originally Posted by bazookajoe

I agree that to some degree kids choose their own role models, but we're not helpless. Since society reinforces an unhealthy regard for celebrity, we as parents have to infuse some sense of proportion to help our kids mange their expectations. My kids know that it's ok to be in awe of and even try to emulate the accomplishments of their favorite athletes, but also that they're only people, far from perfect, and their personal lives are just as prone to missteps as anyone's. I have more confidence in my ability to help my kids deal with reality than I do in an athlete's ability to avoid temptation. Maybe they can't help being role models, but we can temper the extent of it with our kids.

Highly agree with my statement!