Public figures have a unique platform that can influence many, but that doesn’t always mean they serve as reliable role models for our children. This was the sentiment expressed by a Tennessee mother who found herself disheartened after attending an NFL game with her daughter. What should have been a memorable experience turned sour when they witnessed what she deemed unsportsmanlike behavior.
In a heartfelt open letter featured in a local publication, she took aim at quarterback Jake Miller of the Carolina Eagles for his inappropriate touchdown celebration. Seated close to the end zone, the mother and her nine-year-old were thrilled to be part of the action. However, their excitement quickly turned to disappointment when Miller scored in the fourth quarter and began a display she described as excessive. “From our vantage point, we had a front-row seat to your antics during the fourth quarter. The chest puffs, the pelvic thrusts, the over-the-top strutting, and the taunting of both the opposing players and fans were all on full display. We had to look away,” she lamented.
The over-the-top celebration drew mixed reactions from the crowd, leading to tensions between fans of both teams. The mother felt that Miller exemplified “arrogance, egotism, and poor sportsmanship,” arguing that as a role model, he holds the responsibility to behave better. “I refuse to believe you aren’t aware of your status as a role model. You earn millions to play and lead. During the off-season, you’re expected to participate in events, support charities, and inspire young athletes. Given the NFL’s turbulent history, I’m sure you’ve been informed that your position inherently makes you a role model,” she stated.
While it’s understandable to hope that professional athletes embody the values we want to instill in our children, the reality is more complicated. Expecting anyone to consistently act as a role model is challenging, especially in an environment riddled with controversies surrounding drugs, violence, and other scandals.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to create enjoyable moments for our kids, or using these experiences as opportunities to discuss the values associated with sportsmanship. However, we can’t always rely on public figures to exemplify those values. It’s essential for us as parents to engage in conversations with our children about right and wrong, rather than leaving that responsibility solely to so-called role models. We can highlight the positive traits in athletes and entertainers, but at the end of the day, their role is not to be educators. After all, celebrities are just people—flawed and imperfect—just like the rest of us.
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In summary, while it’s natural to desire role models for our children, it’s crucial to remember that athletes are not obligated to fulfill that role. Instead, we should guide our children toward understanding values and ethics on our own.