Sports teams exist to provide entertainment. Families should be able to attend a game. Fathers and grandfathers should be able to pass on the same memories we enjoy. Many American families are not able to do this. Rising costs of tickets, beer, hot dogs, and even peanuts are prohibitive.

Now, does that mean they will be a good role model? Of course not, there are also bad role models! But yes, they are role models, it is just one of those things that come with their job.

Most athletes do try to conduct themselves in a positive manner when in public view but there are those who just don't care what anyone thinks of them. The minds of those that say "athletics are not role models" are doing some wishful thinking; really they should not be role models but they are and that's a fact that no one can change.

The fact that so many kids look up to all these baseball players, basketball players and football players simply makes them role models. Here is an example, when you become a parent you automatically become a role model whether you like it or not. You can not simply say I am a parent and not a role model. The old saying "Do as I say, not as I do" does not work. Because you are a role model in that childs eyes! Kids look up to parents. Not only parents but also to big brothers and other family members, teachers, doctors, police man and the list goes on.