Kobe Bryant is accused of rape. Sammy Sosa is caught cheating. Tanya Harding tries to kill Nancy Kereagan. Despite the way athletes are often portrayed through modern media, they can be and are positive role models. Modeling commendable behavior, athletes often beat the odds and achieve astounding goals. The act of making it to the professional level, in and of itself is quite an accomplishment. Athletes have to overcome physical as well as mental weaknesses …showed first 75 words of 509 total…

…showed last 75 words of 509 total…seek the good in society. It is only when the media infiltrates negativity into society that children negatively respond. The actual messages put forth by most athletes is pro education and anti drugs. Foregoing many of the things they were raised with, athletes truly are examples of accomplishment. To rise above temptation and accomplish their athletic goals is amazing enough but to endure the scrutiny they do is truly wondrous. Athletes truly are role models.