Question

What examples can you think of, past or present, of athletes who served or serve as positive or negative role models and/or took or take important or controversial political stances? Hall of Fame basketball player and commentator Charles Barkley has famously said that athletes shouldn't be expected to be role models; he says that children's role models should be their parents, teachers, and civic leaders. Do you agree or disagree and why?

Answer 1

Christiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese soccer player. He is believed to be one of the best football players in the world and is regarded by many people. He has 5 record breaking awards and he's the first player to win four 'Europian golden shoes'.

Ronaldo was diagnosed to have a racing heart at age 15. He had an operation to treat his condition, and started his senior club profession by playing for Sporting CP, before associating with Manchester United at age 18 out of 2003. In the wake of winning his first trophy, the FA Cup, amid his first season in England, he helped United win three progressive Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League title, and a FIFA Club World Cup. By age 22, he had gotten Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year designations and at age 23, he won his first Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year grants. In 2009, Ronaldo was the subject of the most costly affiliation football exchange when he moved from Manchester United to Real Madrid in an exchange worth €94 million.

However, Ronaldo is often portrayed in the negative light as a bad person. Despite his poor reputation, he is serving for the society too by donating millions of dollars to hospitals, charities and medical patients. He refuses to get his body tattooed so that he can donate blood without worrying about contamination.

Kobe Bryant is apparently a standout amongst the most notable NBA players ever. He is known for an assortment of reasons, a couple of them being his extraordinary commitment to the game and his abilities. But with so many eyes on him it is not shocking to see why he is believed to be one of the most controversial players. In 2003, he came into the headlines for a sexual assault case. Despite the fact that the case was inevitably dropped, nobody at any point disregarded it. However, that is not it; he is likewise known for his acclaimed fight with his fellow player Shaquille O'Neal. Bryant has set a point of reference for pursuing "numerous other star players out of L.A.," including Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol, and different mentors.

In conclusion, I'd say that athletes can be a reason for a big inspiration to a lot of people around for their work, their dedication and commitment, their fitness and a lot of other things. Although, with fame one tends to be in light for all reasons; good and bad. It would be incorrect to say that athletes should not be considered as role models as there are many positive qualities that athletes inspire many of us of. One must think of picking up the good qualities and get inspired from them, and not for the bad reasons for which they are highlighted.