by Kelly Thompson

Created on: May 01, 2009

Other than a few tear jerking testimonials, I do not really know what the argument in favor of sports celebrity impact is, exactly. So, as opposed to my normal modus operandi of attacking the other sides opinion and then arguing for my own, I'll just argue for my own this time.

THE CELEBRITY MYSTIQUE

I'm willing to admit that in the 70's, 80's and through most (if not all) of the 90's sports celebrities had a particular "mystique" about them that allowed them to transcend everyday citizenary into superstardom. This was also, of course, a time when many if not all celebrity violations of the law (both common and political) were IGNORED by popular media. Sports celebrities transgressions against humanity were swept and kept under the carpet out of the public eye. But, the 00's have seen an onslaught of media attention (real and fabricated) dedicated to exposing celebrity lies, half truths and mistakes. The Steroids Era is upon us and we know more about the lives of sports celebrities than we do our neighbors. Simply put, the "mystique" is gone.

ROLE MODEL?

I'm not sure about any of you, and since I don't have children I speak purely hypothetically, but I'm not sure of a single sports athlete that I want today's youth to look up to. You know who was a really good role model? Michael Jordan. We'll never have another sports star like him. I thought that Brett Favre was close - but after retiring just to come back, functionally turning his back on PackerNation - I just can't see him as a legitimate "Honest Abe" type candidate. (And, I might add, it appears he's about to come back AGAIN.) Maybe someone will come along soon, but right now it just isn't there.

IMPACT

Derrick Thomas (Former Chiefs LB, RIP) came to my school to speak to us about drug use, hard work and dedication when I was in elementary school (probably about 1993-4). It was a moving speech that meant a lot to me - he was my favorite player of all time (and still is). But, we started asking him about his personal life, and found out what a complete and utter mess it was. He was a great athlete - but not a great person. 6 children with 5 different women? Come on Derrick...really?

The moment I found out about that was like a plane sliced a hole in my hot air balloon. I was instantly deflated and it made me want him to take back everything positive he had said about leading a good and moral life.

MODERN DAY AMERICA

By the time today's students make it in to the classroom the battle has already begun. It's difficult enough being a teacher today - what with the internet that's always connected, the television that's always on and the Blackberry with instant updates - students already know more about the world that we give them credit for. They're already getting the message(s) about everything from good hygiene to staying in school to going to college and etc. I don't know what sports celebrities can tell them that they are not already (in their own inflated egos) experts on.

Sports celebrities are already doing good enough if they have no charges against them and the Players' Union isn't fighting to keep them from being suspended. Don't make them responsible for today's youth, too. They are, after all, leading pretty rough lives - who are we to expect them to give a little back?

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