The idea that an athlete should be a role model for young children has often been a topic of debate due in part from the controversial statement made by former NBA superstar Charles Barkley in a 1993 Nike commercial, in which he states that he is not a role model. Having made such a powerful statement, Barkley raised the issue of who should or should not be role models, leaning toward the notion that parents, teachers and other prominent figures within the community should be the ideal role model for children because they are more tangible. Children need to look up to people that they come in contact with on a regular basis, not an image that they see on television. Parents make the mistake when they allow the media to raise their children because when they do, it becomes easier for them to point the finger at others if their children are misbehaving. Having said that, it is probably not such a great idea to say that athletes should be role models. Think back to the days when you were young and that one question grown-ups used to ask was “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Most of us would say doctor, lawyer or some other exciting, cool job. Then there were those of us who wanted to be an athlete just like we saw on television. We wanted to be the next Jim Brown or O.J. Simpson. And we wanted to be like them because of all the attention that they received from the media let alone all the money that could be made if we were as good as they