Aren't sportspeople supposed to be examples to our kids?

[Neil]

When are people going to get it, sportsmen and women are in it for themselves, nobody else, they don't care about anyone else above the fact that they in their capacity as a sports person are competitive, they want the top position simple as that.

Businesses that employ sports persons do so because they are a business, i.e. they make money with their employees and who said sports matches have to be public spectacles, for that is only in the employers interest, and in this modern world, their sponsors.

But this, I believe t was a government idea for young people to idolise sports persons and use them as a model for growth, was doomed from the start, because the government or whatever authority that came up with this notion does not pay the sports persons to be an idol for the young. That being, they had no business putting this idea on sports people, as what sports people are beyond their skill and competitivity, are people, people just like the rest of us, guilty of whatever we do good or bad.

But football, that den of filth, when are people going to realise, professional football is now a business, not a sport, in fact any professional sport is a business and business reigns supreme, far above any other ideal.

But then, we are all consumers, we are being trained to consume, that is forever have our hand in our pocket to enjoy life, for in order to enjoy life, we must have the latest offering from the sponsors of sport to feel complete.

But children, why is there a need for them to idolise anyone, can children not learn for themselves anymore, or is that not acceptable in our current business orientated world.

I hardly think it's accurate to lay the idolising of sports stars at the governments door - kids and people have been doing so for far longer than your take suggests, with, or without governments or authority encouraging them to do so.

 

[silverclaws]

However, was it not in the last government the then prime minister encouraged the act ?



But children, well, from my own perspective as a child, I never idolised anyone, certainly not sports people, as plainly, I had no interest in sport, in fact, I remember, I classed myself as an odd ball even then, because I could find no interest in sport, I still can't, but then perhaps I don't need to compete with others, I am comfortable in my existence.

 

[Neil]

However, was it not in the last government the then prime minister encouraged the act ?

I just don't get why you're attributing it to a government notion?

People didn't need telling or encouraging by government to idolise sporting (or other, for that matter) heroes - it's been going on practically, for millenia.

Celebrity culture may be (and probably is) a different thing, but then again, it's kinda hard to ascribe that to government influence, either - at least not directly.

 

[FMJ]

"I am not a role model." - Charles Barkley

 

[FMJ]

I just don't get why you're attributing it to a government notion?

Something about leopards and their spots I believe.

 

[highlandsflyer]

Is this the same Rio that 'forgot' a drugs test?? And who held his club to ransom over his salary?

He may have 'forgotten' a drugs test, but he has never been up for slapping his woman around. I have been to some parties where you could fail a drug test just after passive smoking. Rio might have worried about that.

He held United to ransom?

Anyway, I was only mentioning him in relation to the England captaincy versus the wanquer Terry.

Giggs is a living legend, nuff said.

 

[azaro]

I've been fortunate enough to meet Giggsy a couple of times and he's a really genuine, unassuming bloke. His loyalty to his club is to be admired as it's such a rarity these days. In my book, Paul Scoles and Gary Neville fall into the same category, although admittedly Gary Neville is a little more outspoken. However, I just admire his passion and leadership qualities - quite sad that he's retired.

I would agree with those that say Giggsy is a true role model - can't think of anyone else in the modern game who measures up.

As for John Terry - thick muppet (me being polite!)

 

[cyfa2809]

i was going to say paul scholes too

(i did like man u when i was younger)
but he can get a bit angry on the field, still a good role model

as are the neville brothers
cantona? bit angry but still


players even just a decade or two were generally more respectful of their positions

 

[clockworkgazz]

No.

x2

as john says why do people assume they have to be more than footballers?

If he was a member of the church telling us what we should and shouldn't do then I can see your point but not because he can hit a wee ball into a rectangular shape.

 

[clockworkgazz]

But children, why is there a need for them to idolise anyone, can children not learn for themselves anymore, or is that not acceptable in our current business orientated world.

I think it is very healthy for kids to idolize people. It would however be nice if society/media promoted a wider range of talented individuals not just sports and celeb culture bods and looked to the arts and science for amazing people we can all be proud of and inspired to try and emulate.