Are Athletes Role Models?

I was listening to ESPN radio yesterday, and the radio host was on his rant about how athletes are and should be role models. Parents do not need to let their kids follow in steps of athletes and they should not be known as role models. Charles Barkley said that he would not want to see kids following in his shoes, because simply, it's going to be 1% of the population AT MOST (probably not even close to making the 1% mark) that are professional athletes.

Athletes play games, play things that do not better a society, but bring entertainment. They are no different than movie stars, rock stars, and the such. I have immense respect for any entertainment star (including athletes) that use their millions to better their community or humanity. Not just during crisis either, it's easy to use your money during a crisis, but when something isn't in the news, and no one is going to notice what you do. Although, Bill Gates fits bettering society with how he got rich and famous, a good example is his foundation to bring money to the poor continent of Africa.

Let's let them be what they are, entertainers, they are not professinals for intellect, for philosophy, morality or anything else. They are famous because they are good at sports. However, the NFL executives have more to live up to, because they are not making money for their ability, however it is for entertainment. They need to have the players live up to what they deem acceptable. When someone has paralyzed a woman, or beat up a bodyguard, I really don't want to see him making millions of dollars, because what lesson has this guy learned?

Just remember, they are not role models, they are entertainers, but some of them need to be banned from their sports if they cross the line. Period.