Role Models and Athletics...they DO exist!

In the midst of hearing about probation violations and new arrests, who is left on the 'role model' list? LeBron said it best..."I'm not a role model." Well, that's for damn sure. In a world filled with superstar athletes who keep doing dumb things, it's hard to find a real role model. Pacman Jones was recently arrested for disorderly conduct while intoxicated and resisting arrest (adding to an ever growing list of legal offenses). Even Hines Ward, who I always had a lot of respect for, was just arrested on a DUI charge. With the Plaxico Burresses, Kobe Bryants, LeBron Jameses, and Michael Vicks of the athletic world, it's hard to find a real role model in the mix.

Then again, for every guy who doesn't want to be labeled a role model, you'll find one who does. My thoughts go straight to Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Brian Waters, and Madieu Williams. Then there are the guys who have reformed in major ways to come around and are the embodiment of "full circle" stories you always hear about...case in point being Josh Hamilton who inspires me every time I hear his story. Speaking of being inspired, what about Tom Watson's performance at the British Open? He's 61 years old and he became the oldest man to make the cut. Now that is pretty amazing. A role model to keep playing? I'd certainly say so. Guys like Watson (and Phil Mickelson) sure make up for the tragedy in golf that became Tiger Woods (that fall from grace and 'role model-hood' is a whole different story).

More recently, I find myself going to the Women's World Cup soccer team. All of these ladies played exceedingly hard and fought to get to that final round against Japan. Despite a loss, they won in the eyes of many Americans. Events like this bring our country together - we all have one team, one goal, and cheer at the same time. It's a beautiful thing! The major stars of the team - Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, Lauren Cheney, Alex Morgan, and of course, Coach Pia Sundhage, have rocketed to the forefront of sporting news, giving little girls everywhere strong, athletic women to look up to.

Here's another story of doing good. Ex-NBA player Brian Grant has taken on the cause of finding a cure for Parkinson's Disease...something he suffers from. Or what about the inspiring story of Anthony Robles, who was honored at this year's ESPY awards with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance? Born without his right leg, Robles fought hard to prove his worth in the world of wrestling. As a champion on the Arizona State wrestling team, he did more than prove his worth. His motto? "Be unstoppable." This young man embodies everything Jimmy V stood for when he said "don't give up! Don't ever give up!" Speaking of Jim Valvano, he's the ultimate in inspiration and perseverance and may be the ultimate role model.

Here's the point I'm trying to make: even with all the negative that goes on in our major sporting leagues today, there are those who genuinely want to make a difference. There are those who want nothing more than to use their star power for good (aside from putting points on the board). Those are the men and women we should look to for inspiration (see my post on Eric LeGrand and overcoming against all odds). Without the negative we see in the papers, online, and on TV, we'd never really know how great the good guys are. With every arrest comes someone else who wants to combat that image. To me, that's what sports are all about -- the ability to take negative and turn it to positive. Pass it on.

Until next time...
-S