Over two decades ago NBA star Charles Barkley stated, “I am not a role model.” He was referring not to the bad example he was living at the time, but rather to his belief that there should be no expectations on athletes to set a good example.
Well, he was wrong.
Let’s be clear: all of us, not just professional athletes, are meant to be good role models. Parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, teachers, co-workers, priests … Every one of us is responsible for helping those around us by our actions. We need to give witness to decent, virtuous behaviour that may influence those near us to do the same, to do what Jesus would do.
Having said this, I will quote Uncle Ben from Spider-Man when he said, “With greater power comes greater responsibility.” Certainly this refers to high-level athletes and those who are social influencers around the world.
It can be actions during games, views on issues in society, or use of social media. These individuals cannot run from their awesome responsibility and opportunity especially in this electronic age.
This is why at every step of young athletes’ development in sport, coaches and sport administrators must teach them what these expectations and standards are, especially when it comes to use of social media. When millions of people are watching you, it is important, especially for Catholic athletes, that we act as Jesus would act.
Mike Sweeney, a very devout Catholic, was an all-star third baseman with the Kansas City Royals who was known for being very sportsmanlike. In 2001 after being taunted by a pitcher and then hit by a pitch, he charged the mound and a fight ensued. At a baseball camp he gave months later, he met a girl who was saddened because Sweeney, her favourite player, had fought, which she saw as bad behaviour.
It really made an impact on him, how much his behaviour had impacted others. He apologized to the girl, prayed about it, and promised always to try to portray and live the virtues that would influence others positively.
Many athletes will make the Sign of the Cross at the beginning of the game, or perhaps gesture in thanks to God after scoring. Vast numbers of displays are very genuine.
Some have stated that it is important to show an example of gratitude to God. Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks is a Christian who always speaks well of others and never embarrasses teammates, opponents, or officials.
Some will set examples by supporting important values in the public sphere. Philip Rivers of the National Football League’s Los Angeles Chargers publicly speaks on pro-life and family issues. In an era when many public figures are building the culture of death, he is aware of the influence his views may have. He has shown admirable courage in the face of criticism.
Hall of Fame NBA guard John Stockton, who held his Catholic faith very close to his heart, was well known for living a virtuous, kind, and caring lifestyle. Long-time teammate and fellow star Karl Malone once said of Stockton that he didn’t talk about his faith much, but in everything he did he showed it.
As for myself, growing up as a national-level tennis player, I needed more than physical and technical training. I had to learn behavioural discipline, not just to help me win more, but because at every match I played there were people watching. I always needed to represent my family name and God positively.
Clearly the responsibility to show virtues to others lies not only with prominent athletes, but with each of us in our daily lives. Co-workers, especially those under your direction, will observe the virtues you live. Family members notice, even if they don’t say anything.
We all must do our best to live with the presence of God 24/7, to bring God into our regular daily activities. And when we make mistakes, it’s a great example in itself for us to acknowledge them.