Pro athletes in a modern day society should be role models not only for little kids to look up to but also for teenagers. Instead of this being the case, many of these athletes are committing crimes like sexual harassment or assualt and getting away with it. This privilege starts from a young age when these athletes are seen as perfect and above other people because they’re good at sports. When they are treated like this, they get to do things without any consequences that can get them to the point of committing these crimes.
This deeply affects the victims not only of the abuse they were given, but also the praise athletes are still given following their accusal.
“You’re not popular, you’re not held in high regard, so you’re the one that has to come out and say what happened,” said JV girls soccer coach Ashley Kopecky.
Cases like this not only negatively affect the victim of this crime, it also affects the athlete’s teammates and sends a message to teenagers who play sports.
”I think it makes younger athletes think they’re going to get away with everything, and they’re more likely to commit these crimes,” said varsity cross country athlete Brooke Davies.
This may influence the rise of these crimes when future pro athletes begin their career.
Freshman varsity basketball player Peyton Gerdes speaks about how club and school sports should teach teens about this topic and advocate for people suffering after these crimes.
“I do think there should be some conversation about it amongst players and coaches, and coaches should push the subject of real problems in the world that are not okay. They should also teach the kids humbleness,” Gerdes said.
Gerdes also spoke about how the influence from other people when athletes are young can really affect them.
“I think that it depends on the way you’re taught to be humble or to not be humble. Young players are taught to show off everything they can do for satisfactory reasons grow up not realizing the consequences of their actions. Humble athletes might take more things into consideration before carrying out the action,” Gerdes said.
These famous athletes that do commit these crimes are still seen as favorite players for not only kids but adults.
“It’s like Addison Russel on the Chicago Cubs. Even if he does make amends, it doesn’t take away from the fact that he still did something that is a crime. He used to be my favorite baseball player, but now he isn’t even a thought,” Kopecky said.
Until more people see this as a problem fans, other athletes, and coaches will continue to back these athletes up after they commit these crimes.