Parents: You Can Do Something About Professional Sports Ethics

Most of us can agree that there is a lack of ethics standards within professional sports today. The fact that many of today's sports heroes are ethical is a stroke of luck. The fact is - many sports superstars are good people, but what about the "bad apples" that shame their sport, teammates, communities, fans, and team owners?

Many children look up to professional players as role models. They copy the actions of their "super heroes," even down to drug abuse, trash talking, steroid use, bad attitudes, and getting away with crimes.

Some sports heroes don't like to sign autographs, disrespect the fans, and do not feel it is part of their job to be a good role model. They were born with "God given" talent and take everything for granted. Even better, whatever they get is not good enough. So, your child is looking in admiration at a "spoiled child."

What's the average parent to do? You struggle with paying your bills, and get to listen to a millionaire complain that he is not making enough. Possibly, he is having trouble making his child support payments that are a result of one of his many casual relationships.

Do you want to have your child look up to somebody who says six, ten, or forty-nine million dollars is not enough? Meanwhile, you are figuring out if you have to work an extra job, or cutback on your groceries, in order to pay this month's rent.

If you want to take control of society, it starts with a single act. The act is for each of us to write the owners of local sports teams, and local legislators, insisting on a player's ethics agreement. This would require them to behave as a role model on, and off, the field. Otherwise, they would be banned from the sport. It might be nice to see a complaining millionaire bagging groceries in your local supermarket. A little humility could go a long way in life.

You might think, this is impossible - the team owners are motivated by profit. Yes, they are, and profits come from your pocket. Write them enough and they will take action. Look at all the corporate sponsors for help. They pay millions in advertising for these teams and don't want to risk a consumer boycott.

Let's look back into recent history. The NFL owners came to an agreement about salary caps for players. The owners came together for financial survival. Team owners can also react when there is a public outcry for action. For example: Instant replay, steroid abuse investigations, and rules committees, happened in response to public outcries.

The sports team owners can band together, when needed, and the player's unions will respond to consumers, as well. In fact, the player's unions will react to mass mail. So, take action while you can. Our children are impressionable, and all we ask is that sports teams have good role models on their rosters, for children to look up to. The end result will be less crime and a lot more respect.

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html