The great baseball player Cal Ripken said at his Hall of Fame induction speech, “As years passed, it became clear to me that kids see all, not just some of your actions but all.” He contiuned and 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.”
I like what Cal Ripken said and I completely agree. Whether they like it or not, they are role models. Kids will absorb anything athletes say or do and athletes know it. Athletes have the power to show kids how to act and what to think. If they are responsible, they can help mold thousands of kids into respectful adolescents.
