Palo Alto High School's sports news magazine

Viking Magazine

Palo Alto High School's sports news magazine

Viking Magazine

Palo Alto High School's sports news magazine

Viking Magazine

Photo from paly.softball.varsity on instagram.
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Role models in the athletic world

All professional athletes, whether it is fair or not, have a choice to make when they enter the public eye: be a role model or keep to themselves. A role model, by definition, is someone who sets an example that can be emulated by others. Taking it one step further, a positive athletic role model demonstrates qualities such as leadership and commitment. But not all professional athletes are role models. Here are a few who should be emulated and a few who, well, should not.

Negative Role Models

Michael Vick, Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles

From day one controversy has surrounded Michael Vick’s career. In April of 2007 Vick was convicted of operating a dog fighting ring called “Bad Newz Kennels” in the woods behind his property in Smithfield, Va. Vick funded the operation and assisted in the fighting and killing of countless dogs. In addition, Vick has been investigated on accounts of possession of marijuana and theft. Just before Vick was arrested for dog fighting, he was scheduled to lobby on Capitol Hill for increases in funding for after school programs. However, he missed his flight. When a second flight was scheduled for him later that day, Vick could not be contacted and he failed to make the appearance. His mother had to step in for him.

Ron Artest, Forward, Los Angeles Lakers

Few players bear Ron Artest’s reputation. Notorious for his role in the 2004 Pacers-Pistons brawl in which, after being hit by a cup of beer, he climbed into the stands and punched a Pistons fan. In a December 2009 Sporting News article, Artest admitted to drinking cognac during halftime while playing for the Chicago Bulls earlier in his career. Also, Artest has been arrested for domestic abuse. Although Artest does bring a strong physical element that helps his team, he fails to stay within the limits of the game. While Artest has consistently proven to be a productive player, he may never outgrow his off-court reputation.

Sean Avery, Left Wing, NY Rangers

In a recent poll, 68.4 percent of NHL players cited Avery as “the least liked player in hockey.” In 2008 Avery made offensive remarks directed to NHL players Dion Pahneuf and Jarret Stoll, who were dating two of Avery’s ex-girlfriends. Avery has consistently made comments like these, which present a level of selfishness that is anything but welcome in the NHL. Also, in a 2008 playoff game, Avery turned his back to the play and blatantly screened New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur. The next day, the NHL altered its unsportsmanlike conduct rule to include Avery’s actions. Players and fans alike question Avery’s focus on hockey as he has become better known for his off ice antics than his game time performance.

John Daly, Professional Golfer

Throughout Daly’s career the only consistent element about him has been his troubled personal life. Since going professional in 1987, Daly has battled alcoholism, health issues, gambling, and divorces. While stability has not been Daly’s strength away from golf, he has not faired much better competitively. Despite winning the Open championship in 1991 and the PGA championship in 1995, Daly has since struggled to maintain his place on the PGA tour. His distinct style and personal trouble has repeatedly thrown him off during his multiple attempted comebacks. While known for his potential, Daly’s off-course mishaps have overshadowed his few successes.

Positive Role Models

Lance Armstrong, Professional Cyclist, Team Radioshack

Few people, let alone athletes, have faced and overcome the challenges that Armstrong has dealt with throughout his life. In 1996 Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Doctors told him that his chances of survival were less than 40 percent. After battling through cancer, Armstrong went on to win the Tour de France a record setting seven times. However, what makes Armstrong exceptional is the fact that he represents a cause far greater than his own personal success. In 1997 Armstrong founded the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which raises money for cancer research and provides resources for cancer patients and their families. Through his example and work, Armstrong has become a source of hope and inspiration for cancer patients and their families.

Drew Brees, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints

Over the past four seasons Brees has steadily established himself as a leader for both his team and his community. Drew and his wife Brittany run a program called the Brees Dream foundation, which works to revitalize Katrina-ravaged New Orleans neighborhoods. Brees also works to restore academic and athletic facilities in and around New Orleans. The ability to overcome adversity has been a strength for Brees throughout his football career as well as in his personal life. In 2004, Brees won the NFL comeback player of the year award after being almost entirely ruled out of competition for the starting quarterback job with the Chargers. Perhaps the greatest measure of Brees’ character has come this past year. After his mother committed suicide in August of last year, Brees has led the Saints to a 13-3 record and a Super Bowl victory.

Jimmy Rollins, Shortstop, Philadelphia Phillies

Through his energetic playing style and his guarantees for victory, Rollins has become one of the most respected players in baseball. In a city where popularity is hard-earned, fans love Rollins, and for good reason. Along with leading the Phillies on the field, Rollins has made exceptional efforts to work with different communities within Philadelphia. His literacy program, “J-Rolls Readers Club” recognizes the strongest young readers in the Philadelphia area and invites them to Citizens Bank Park for a ceremony recognizing their efforts. Also, Rollins holds an annual charity event to help raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He is active in a program called RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) as well.

Misty May-Treanor & Kerri Walsh, Professional Beach Volleyball Players

Over the past decade, May-Treanor and Walsh have dominated beach volleyball. Along with two gold medals and three world championships, the duo has earned recognition as one of the most dominant tandems in all of sports. Although the two gold medals and the 112 game winning streak are outsanding, what makes them truly exceptional is their teamwork and communication. Walsh and May-Treanor epitomize the concept of teamwork which is frequently set aside in a sports culture that tends to favor individual achievement. Although beach volleyball may be a bit off the average sports fans radar, Walsh and May-Treanor cannot be ignored.

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About the Contributor
Alistair Thompson, Features Editor
Alistair is a senior at Paly and serves as one of the two features editors on the Viking staff. For the past four years Alistair has played football for the Vikings, most recently as a wide receiver for the California Division I State Championship team. Although born in Cincinnati, Alistair grew up in the Boston area and roots for the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots like his life depends on it. Some of his favorite athletes include Larry Fitzgerald, Ray Allen and Dustin Predroia. In his free time Alistair likes to hang out with his family especially when he has the chance to throw the football with any of his three brothers. In addition, Alistair trains pit bull terriers at the Peninsula Humane Society in San Mateo. At home, he has two pit bulls and a pet gecko.

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