Do you think that professional athletes should have donate money to charity or be good role models?

I don't think by any means that they should have to. Just becuase you are a professional athletes why should you have to donate money and not be able to do things that any other adult can. There are people who make a lot more money than anthletes that do not donate a dime. Athletes should NOT be expected to do this in my opinion.

Do you think that professional athletes should have donate money to charity or be good role models?
I am not sure that most athletes ask to be or want to be role models. That is something some people assign to them. They have no moral obligation because they are athletes to give money away. That is up to individual conscience and not for others to decide. The owe the best effort on the playing field, and nothing more. The same can be asked of every individual whose collective donations can add up to billions if donating to charity is necessary to be a good citizen.
Reply:When you hear about an athlete supporting or donating to a charity you know that their press agent is milking the media cow for them. The big stars do it to get the publicity. But there are other athletes out on the field who don't make as much and get little or no attention and they do a lot of charity work and donating and don't like to talk about it at all.





I watched a golf program about some pro golfers and their lives. One is a rich older pro who has developed all kinds of business concerns and has yachts and planes. One was a young guy and he spent his interview with him and his wife going thru their brand new huge house pointing out all the toys and new fangled devices they had, opening walkin closets stuffed with designer clothes and garages full of cars. They were expecting and showed off more new baby clothes than are probably in all of Darfur.





But the last guy, Mike Weir, spent his interview time talking about all the wonderful things that had happened to him because he became a pro golfer, he got to meet Wayne Gretzky (every young Canadian boy's dream!) and he showed a street sign by the golf course where he used to play in Sarnia that they renamed after him. It brought tears to my eyes to watch him recount all the things that had touched and thrilled him by having his career.





I am sure tha he donates both time and money to as much charity as he can. But you know, he would probably do the same thing if he were a mail man. And for sure he would be just as wonderful of a role model, regardless of his occupation.
Reply:I've never seen any thing that says they HAVE to. Many do because it wasn't so long ago that they were poor themselves. The highest percentage of giving (by income) comes from people nearest the poverty line. It didn't take them 15 or 40 years to go from rags to riches either--the way it did Bill Gates (well, from middle class to richest man). Those years of hard work and having to say no to yourself and others can make those who worked longer and are older less likely to give.





Most poor people are used to giving what they have away--lots of reasons for that. Read Ruby Payne if you want to know. Most athletes know, too, that however hard they work, there are people working lots harder making lots less money (probably in their families) so they feel some guilt and guilty money gets spent. Better they should give it to some worthy cause than spend it on bling and blood diamonds.
Reply:You seem to have answered your own question.





I don't really think anyone should be made to do anything. As far as professional athletes go.... they earned the money and they can do what they want with it. People expect too much of others. Just because they are in the public eye does not mean that they are any different. There shouldn't be any pressure for them to be "role models". They are just as human and fallible as anyone else.
Reply:I think that, on a side note, professional athletes are yet another indicator of a misplaced societal compass.





We really PAY people to PLAY a game?





More, we pay them MORE than we pay educators?





And doctors and firefighters and police and nurses and [insert almost ANY service job vital to perpetuating our flagging civilization here]?





I don't blame athletes for the abovementioned gripe and if someone's going to pay them a ridiculous sum for performing a useless service, they should take full advantage of it (us). And they should be no more expected to be a role model than parents should be expected to win the Superbowl, World Series or any other pro sports championship. If parents did their jobs (e.g., role-modeled), we wouldn't expect athlete icons to do it for them.





Phew.
Reply:i think professional athletes are good role models just for their accomplishments. It requires tons of dedication and motivation to be where they are now. so it shows kids that if they are dedicated and motivated enough, they can accomplish great things. plus, athletes stay away from drugs. what else could you want in a role model?
Reply:Donating money is their choice, as far as role models are concerned, let your parents, and other family members be your role models
Reply:if they feel forced to donate then it takes the power out of it and defeats the purpose. I think athletes and 'stars' should donate and help out ...they should use their 'status' to their advantage this way
Reply:Agreed.





The ones who complain the most are the ones who pay their salary.
Reply:up to them, being famous or rich doesnt make them any different then a normal person. If they have to why wouldnt everyone
Reply:i wish they would do it because they are nice. But they all do it for publicity and a good image.
Reply:I agree with you...They should not have to.