Athletes and Morals in Today's World.

Everyone has a different opinion in how a person should act.  Some feel that a person should treat others how they would like to be treated.  Some believe it does and matter how they act.  And some people are in between the spectrum of those two views.  However, it is important to remember that more often than not, there is always someone who is looking up to you and will follow right in that persons footsteps.  In my case, my little brothers follow and mimic everything I say and do.  From an athletes perspective, it is not only their little brothers who look up to them, but also any kid with the dream of playing professional or collegiate sports one day.  

There are athletes in every sport that seem to be positive role models to kids.  some names that come to mind are Michael Jordan, Dan Marino, and Peyton Manning.  All these athletes prove to be role models by not only their play, but their demeanor off the field or court as well.  These athletes exemplified leadership throughout their careers and continue to do so after.  Michael Jordan is said to be the best to ever play the game.  While Dan Marino shattered record, and Peyton Manning broke those.  Kids are inspired to be like these athletes.  However, there are athletes out their who play a negative role in a child's life as well.  An example of this is NFL wider receiver Donte Stallworth.  After a night of drinking, he decided to get into his car and drive and ultimately hit a pedestrian trying to cross the street resulting in this man's death.  Stallworth was charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol.  Any normal man would be in prison for a significant amount of time.  However, Stallworth was only in jail for 24 days after taking a mans life.  This is no role model for any child.  In fact, this only puts the idea into the children of our generation, that as long as you are an exceptional athlete, you can get away with anything.  In my opinion, a professional athlete is a positive role model when their hard work and determination has gotten them to where they are today.  Athletes that exemplify this would be linebacker Ray Lewis for the Baltimore Ravens.  His passion and attitude for the game not only pushed him enough to become a legend, but also made his teammates aware that the fact they get to play football should not be taken for granted.  In turn, this made them play better.  

There is a level of human decency and respect that everyone is born with.  These are the laws of human nature and these laws should always be followed.  There are no exceptions in regards to the respect that is given to another human being made in the same image and likeness as everyone else in this world.  No level of athleticism should change the way a person is born and how they treat others.  While there are different levels and opinions in regards to morals, something that can be agreed upon every man and woman, is to treat others with the respect and common decency that you, yourself, would like to be treated with.