You are missing the point, I think
Jim G.- While I agree with you about the behaviors that you mentioned are wrong, you are missing the point. Yes nearly everyone has done something wrong in their life, from breaking the speed limit when they are rushing to work, to looking at someones answers on a test, to crosssing the street outside of a crosswalk, etc, but people are responsible for their actions regardless of the actions of others. The excuses that \"he did it too\" or \"but he did this\" may have worked when you were five but as an adult you we should know better. I agree that Ma and Pa to this little tike are probably candidates for the next episode of Jerry Springer and that junior would probably be better raised by wolves, but in no way is this any sort of excuse for the wrong that was committed. Again each and every person has their own sins to atone for, and in no way does one person\'s shortcomings excuse anothers. And a s far as athletes go, I am my son\'s role model, not some overpaid, under educated, drug using, morally bankrupt jock whose only talent is throwing a ball in a hoop. I watch sport with my son, played both high school and college sports also, but I have taught my son that you can admire and enjoy someone\'s talent but that should be seperate from your admiration of the person unless that person earns your complete respect with his or her actions on and off the field of play. Lance Armstrong is one that comes to mind that exhibits class wherever he is while Kobe, A.I., Dennis Rodman, Randy Moss, John Rocker, Wade Boggs, The Portland Trailblazers,etc ( list WAY too long to continue) are the all too common rule that have talent on the court but off the field are an utter joke as a person.
Of course that is just my opinion, I could be wrong....