Role Models.

Yesterday’s tennis match, perhaps the greatest one i’ve ever seen (Federer v Nadal in the Wimbledon final of 2008 comes close), showed not only what great athletes Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are, but what great people they are as well.

Contrast that to the news today that footballer Lee Hughes has been charged with sexual assault. Maybe his stupid goal celebration was not enough to charm this particular lady he was after. Add this to his 6 year prison sentence for killing a man through dangerous driving, and then running off afterwards, and you realise that this is not a man who kids should be idolising. He will probably be idolised by murderers in jail for his footballing ability, but who cares about that.

John Terry, the England captain, cheated on his wife with his mates ex-girlfriend. He’s also been involved in other misdemeanours, including the current racism trial he is embroiled in. In my opinion, this is not the sort of person children should be looking up to. Likewise, Ashley Cole. Someone who cheats on Cheryl Cole should not be appreciated by anyone, for they clearly have faulty judgement. There are many other footballers that can come into this category (and yes, there are good role model footballers too).

In rugby, the gentlemen’s game (where gentlemen beat each other up and stand on people when they are on the floor), Delon Armitage has today been arrested for assault. Earlier in the month, Danny Care was stopped by police for drink-driving. He will not be considered for selection for some time for the England squad, and his club side Harlequins have made him take part in community projects, as well as fining him. A punishment, but parents of children who idolise the Englishman must be distraught at the damage this has done.

It’s not straight forward; these sport stars do not ask to be role models. Before they became famous they were normal people (I assume), and normal people do bad things (I once forgot all about Mothers Day). Their roles however mean they perform in front of millions of people, and with roles come responsibilities (as i’ve been told numerous times in my life). Young children are so easily influenced by their idols, it is dangerous. Obviously many will grow up and realise that those they used to adore were idiots, but some will see their actions and believe it is ok to do such things. They will grow up drink driving, assaulting women, cheating on their partners, and killing people in car crashes (perhaps not all at once).

So, back to my opening paragraph, and back to a happier note. Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic (include Roger Federer in this as well if you like) are some of the top sporting stars in the world, and will go down in history as sporting greats. When was the last time you saw one of the three in the papers for doing something scandalous? They have devoted their lives to being the best at their sport, but win, lose, or draw, they are gracious, free of scandal, family orientated and respectful. Before they say anything about their usually incredible performances, they acknowledge the other player and their team.

At a young age Uncle Tony, Nadal’s coach (and Uncle!), installed into the Spaniard that it is more important to be a good person than a good tennis player. Evidence suggests he has done pretty well at both. Children that grow up with Nadal, Djokovic and Federer as their idols will stand a good chance of turning into decent human beings and play their sport in the correct way. Other sports stars (and me when playing FIFA) will do well to look at these three and try and conduct themselves in a similar manner.