Presents a collection of articles on the controversial topic of role models and debates the issue of placing athletes in a position where they become heroes to millions of youngsters and teens in spite of their sometimes questionable character.
Content Note
"I am not a role model" / Charles Barkley -- Athletes are role models whether they like it or not / Sean Paige -- It is difficult for athletes to be role models / Gary Sailes -- Athletes inspire people to overcome obstacles / Pat La Fontaine -- Baseball heroes offer lessons in determination and persistence / George F. Will -- Black athletes are unfairly expected to behave like White role models / Todd Boyd -- Football players are poor role models because so many commit crimes / Jeff Benedict and Don Yaeger -- Female athletes encourage girls and women to develop confidence / Marian Betancourt -- Lesbianism in women's softball discourages young girls from participating / Kathryn Jean Lopez -- Too many fans expect male athletes to be super masculine / Dennis Rodman -- Homophobia in major league baseball discourages gay teens from pursuing baseball careers / Billy Bean.