I am an avid sports fan. I love to watch basketball, football, baseball, WWE (sports entertainment), etc. With this in mind, I have grown up idolizing athletes. I believe firmly that ALL professional athletes have an obligation to their fans, their teams, and the league they play in...an obligation to be a ROLE MODEL. Kids all over the world idolizes these players and they need to realize the impact they have them.
Michael Vick is a SCUMBAG! This man committed horrible crimes, especially towards animals. If any of you have seen pictures of the animals, you know what I am talking about. On Monday, he is pleading guilty to dogfighting charges. It is even alleged by multiple witness that Michael Vick killed nine dogs...hanging some of them. He will most likely spend at least one year in a federal prison.
The thing that drives me crazy is the guy makes 8 digits a year. And, he has to result to doing stuff like this. As a professional athlete, this man had the outlet to make a positive impact in his city, state, country, and the world. Vick could have been a great example to children everywhere, especially young African Americans from poor communities. Instead, he decided to be a SCUMBAG!
The world needs more athletes like LeBron James, Tiger Woods, Payton Manning, John Cena, Derek Jeter, etc. All of these men understand how to be positive role models to the eyes that are on them. LeBron James is only 22 years old and he is already more mature than most athletes 10 years his senior. He understands what it is like to be a ROLE MODEL to younger generations. Obviously, Tiger Woods is also a great role model and supporter of children\'s athletes through the Tiger Woods Foundation. Payton Manning is a class act, as always. John Cena, A WWE wrestler, is also a great example. He is the new spokesman for the Make-a-Wish Foundation and grants many wishes to terminally ill children. Derek Jeter, plays for the most popular and most watched team in baseball (I hate the Yankees). And, he is always very professional and shows children the correct way to act.
In closing, I believe that professional athletes have an OBLIGATION to be role models. I believe that the amount of money they are paid is ridiculous, but that since they have that much, they have an OBLIGATION to do positive things with it. I am not saying that they need to give to charities, etc. But, they have the money and more importantly, the exposure, to do positive things in this world.
Vick isn\'t the first and I am sure, unfortunately, that he won\'t be the last.