Athletes Society - Responsibilities of Athletes - Essay Example

When Reid tell him that he could have be at a greater risk than the other people that were also participating in the hunger strike he wonders, ‘Greater risk? He is an athlete, for crying out loud-he’s the only hunger striker whose blood pressure is not plummeting!’ (pp. 319). He wonders, ‘What should he do? Turn and lock his coaches’ door, the way Edwards did 51 years ago when his moment of truth came when he demanded the fair treating of black athletes? (pp. 319) He is at a loss and he does not know how to react to the situation.

            This is just an example of the dilemma that athletes are in. They are not sure what is expected of them by the society. But what is obvious is that they should take the bull by the horns and be in the fore front in the fighting for the issues that affect the society. They should ensure that the society is enlightened about various issues and also start campaigns that should be aimed at improving the lives of the people. Young Kim says, it is an inevitable entitlement,. When an athlete signs a contract to play on a professional team, there are certain expectations that are not written on the fine print. More than just producing numbers and out of the world statistics that can turn a mediocre team into a championship caliber force: an athlete is expected to live out their lives as a role model to the public (April 12, 2002, Web page).

They have the power to influence the younger generation to do the right things in the right way. They also have the power to advocate against the things they feel are wrong. Karl Malone, an NBA legend once put the challenge on the athletes by telling them ‘we don’t choose to be role models, we are chosen. Our only choice is to choose whether to be a good role model or a bad one.’ (Young, 2012)

In conclusion it is right to say that the athletes have a bigger responsibility as role models to set the way right for the people. They have to actively engage themselves in the lives of the people and make sure that they create an impact.