you express so many sentiments that i have as well.
The media have alot to account for in the manner which they prop up these guys. And the way they try to represent these guys.
No disputing that they are good sportsman, but 'role models'??? The media are kidding themselves.
Maybe its the majority of the media that are in awe of these guys??
A number of us middle aged ex-sportsman 'has beens' (and yes there are a few has beens and some never was beens) have discussed this amongst ourselves as to the perception that we had as kids of 'our sports heroes'.
All the guys agreed that you view a sports person for what they are. And that is, 'A SPORTS PERSON'.
You accept the skill that they have and maybe are in 'awe' of that skill set, but thats where alot of it finishes.
These behavioural issues are issues that each individual human faces regardless of your position or status within society.
Just because Ben Cousins is a star footballer doesnt make him any better or worse than me or you.
Kids aspire to be a 'ben cousins' the footballer and not whatever he does in the rest of his life.
If the media were so considerate of the 'role model' position in society do you really think that they would throw this out there for all the kids to see, knowing that this is going to affect thousands of kids.
That just shows how pathetic the media can be.
I wonder how many kids will turn into druggies in 15 years because of the idolising and reporting of Ben Cousins by the media???
I Hope the man ends up fit well healthy and leads a good quality of life.
