We worship athletes. We cheer them, follow their every move, wear their jerseys, and place them on pedestals they never asked to climb. But here’s the harsh truth: being great at sports doesn’t mean someone owes you moral perfection.
Why do we expect athletes — many barely out of their teens — to behave like saints? They’re paid to perform, not to parent your kids. Yet every mistake they make is dissected and vilified, as if dribbling a ball or running a 4.3-second 40-yard dash comes with a moral contract.
We let CEOs run billion-dollar companies with zero expectations of personal virtue. But a 22-year-old wide receiver posts a controversial tweet, and suddenly he's a national disgrace?
Sure, some athletes choose to be role models. LeBron, Serena, Federer — they’ve embraced that path. But should it be required? Absolutely not. Not everyone signs up to be a moral compass just because they can dunk.
Let’s teach kids to admire athletic skill without blindly copying personalities. That’s what parenting and education are for — not a quarterback’s Instagram story.
Expecting perfection from flawed humans in a brutal spotlight is unrealistic and unfair. Athletes should be judged for their game — not their personal lives.
Stop turning athletes into role models. Start raising better role models at home.
Why do we expect athletes — many barely out of their teens — to behave like saints? They’re paid to perform, not to parent your kids. Yet every mistake they make is dissected and vilified, as if dribbling a ball or running a 4.3-second 40-yard dash comes with a moral contract.
We let CEOs run billion-dollar companies with zero expectations of personal virtue. But a 22-year-old wide receiver posts a controversial tweet, and suddenly he's a national disgrace?
Sure, some athletes choose to be role models. LeBron, Serena, Federer — they’ve embraced that path. But should it be required? Absolutely not. Not everyone signs up to be a moral compass just because they can dunk.
Let’s teach kids to admire athletic skill without blindly copying personalities. That’s what parenting and education are for — not a quarterback’s Instagram story.
Expecting perfection from flawed humans in a brutal spotlight is unrealistic and unfair. Athletes should be judged for their game — not their personal lives.
Stop turning athletes into role models. Start raising better role models at home.