Athletes as Role Models

            As discussed in class athletes can be perceived as both good and bad role models. The ethical theory that would best apply to the reason these athletes may be seen as the anti-role model would be the teleological (consequentialist) theory. When an athlete is thrown into a situation where he is making more money per game then he normally would be making for and entire year of work else where his/her priorities are likely to change. Instead of leading a life where they are trying to get by and support themselves and eventually a family they can focus on needs and wants which can lead to bad habits that are discussed publicly. While these people do not ask to be role models they are pretty much just thrown into it because of their special talents that most people do not possess. This teleological theory pretty much states that a person does everything for them selves and that consequences are not a big deal unless it hurts them, and sometimes that doesn't even matter. According to Elder (2001), there might be more children out of wedlock in the NBA then players. There are a lot of kids in this world every year born out of wedlock but that number is astonishing and just goes to show that these players are ultimately in search of pleasure and pleasing their audience. Today's athlete is more than just an athlete he is a spokes person a business man and a role model all in one and while this may be hard for them to realize the one that affects the public more than anything is the way that children perceive them, and to me that seems to be the last thing they think about. .
             Athletes are always going to be seen as role models to kids because their talents are shown on a national spotlight and what kid does not dream about being the best at what he does especially sports. The only way to make this problem with athletes being poor role models is for parents to explain to their children at an early age that while these people are very good at what they do and have a great work ethic they do not always make the best decisions and are not the best people to look up to.