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Thanks Mike - I figured you'd appreciate that. Feel free to use it if you want to upgrade your avatar.

The point about parenting and the whole role model issue is an excellent one. The crucible from which an effective, well adjusted adult develops is the home. A kid armed with a strong sense of moral direction and high self esteem is difficult to corrupt and while you cannot always shield their eyes and ears from from the negative, ugly influences and examples of others, you can make them somewhat immune by fostering and exemplifying confidence, courage, and some stout moral fiber. Parenting and guardianship of children is one of the most critical and important responsibilities in life and it is often abdicated, leaving kids to be partially raised by teachers, television and so-called "role models". Weak, lazy parents leave their kids wanting for heroes and role models. Unfortunately, the self centered thugs and morons dressed up as celebrities and pro athletes fill the void perfectly for vulnerable, impressionable minds.
I find it paradoxical that we easily accept that in fear of posing a danger to himself and others, a person needs to be trained, tested and licenced before operating a car on public roads, yet something as critical as raising a child can be done by anyone, anytime and as often as they like. We don't need soulless dummies in colorful uniforms in stadiums and on TV to inspire our youth, we need dedicated, effective parenting and until the day society is prepared to hold the legal parents or guardians FULLY RESPONSIBLE for everything that a child does up to the age of adulthood, the slackers among us will continue to burden their poor kids and, by extension, all of society with the consequences of their incompetence and irresponsibility.

Are sports icons role models? By definition;no. In reality; unfortunately - yes. Should they be held to higher standards of behavior than anybody else because of this? Maybe not but it would be a far better reflection on the society if the people who rise to celebrity and command huge sums of money are the finest and best among us. If we as a culture place idiots and thugs on a pedestal and reward them with the lifestyle of kings, what does that say about us???