Sports have played a major role in society since the beginning of man. From the Greeks to present day, the influence of great athletes has been tremendous. However, today's media has elevated sports and the people who play them. Athletes are seen all over the place, we see them in commercials, on television shows, we read about them in magazines, and we watch them on television. Sports are a big part of our society. There is a strong need for positive athletic role models in society. In this paper I plan to show the importance of having positive athletic role models in society and the influence they have on and off the field.

Sports are an American pastime. Sporting events have taken on an extraordinary importance in our society. Fair play and sportsmanship have taken a backseat to hype and promotion. Children watch and mimic their favorite athletes. They act like them; they play like them; they watch their every move. The hope that this hype and promotion has given fans across America is amazing.

A majority of proffessional level athletes provide hope for young athletes all over the world. For example, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball and gave new hope to black athletes

Many high profile players donate to charities, talk to groups of children, visit schools, and volunteer time to help keep kids off of drugs. A few athletes who give their time in doing performing these tasks are Emmitt Smith, Jeff Garcia, Brett Farve, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and even Tiger Woods. Athletes show dedication, and their ability to help their community. Even if they do these charitable events for publicity they are giving the impression that they want to help which leads to being looked at as a role model. When fans see this, they view it as “cool” and it makes them want to do the same in whatever way they can, either in the present or future.

everywhere. So what happens if the athlete does something wrong and gets away with it? Younger fans think that they can do the same thing without repracussions.

There is a strong need for positive athletic role models in society and I believe that there is no wrong in having a positive athletic role model in your life. As stated, I believe the majority of professional athletes provide a positive influence on our society. Athletes can be role models in many different ways. You can have a role model like Cal Ripken who doesn't say too much, but has played in the most consecutive games in baseball ever, or someone

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