Are Our Role Models Really Acting As Role Models Should?

Every day, we hear a new story about how this celebrity or that athlete has been arrested for this misdemeanor or that felony, but do those arrests really have any impact on them? It is starting to seem that if the charge is relatively small; our so-called "role models" merely get a slap on the wrist. After all, a small fine for a misdemeanor is no big deal to someone who gets paid millions upon millions of dollars. Does this fact make it so the celebrities and athletes are less scared of the law, being that they can pay off anyone or anything?

What happened to the dignity these sports figures used to have? Whether they like it or not, they are constantly in the public’s vision.  They know whatever they do, good or (more often than not) bad, will be broadcasted to the world. Do they not care what the public thinks of them? They should want to world to see them as respectable athletes who are always doing the right thing to lead the way for the young boys and girls out there who aspire to be just like them.

Miguel Cabrera, first baseman and slugger for the Detroit Tigers, was recently arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. His court date was just set for March 16^th in Florida. He has missed the beginning of team workouts and does not know when he will be able to join the club again for spring training.

From now on, Cabrera’s reputation is going to be tainted by the memory of his poor decision making and reckless behavior of one night. Was the DUI and public embarrassment wroth the fun he had that night? Even if he can make the situation go away with a little more money, that doesn’t change the way his admirers, young and old, look at him. That should be what these celebrities and athletes think about before they choose to make stupid decisions with the mindset that it will all go away with a little extra money or because of the fact that they are famous.