Darrin Shapiro Arrested

I agree with you Eric on the above statement. I don't care for Pete Rose either but the point is he was a role model for many kids growing up and watching him. His antics off the field have banned him from the HOF. At least you threw out Two great ballplayers and there are many more who are HOF's that are great role models and many who aren't.

People admired (including myself) Mr.Shapiro because he was an inovater of the sport of wakeboarding. Many tricks that are thrown to this day he created and therefore he named. He was pure brute strength on the water and exciting to watch. Many wanted to be like him because of his No Fear mentality, autographed things for fans and not blow them off like other pro wakeboarders I've witnessed. That's what young riders see and want to emulate. It's too bad he got mixed up in the wrong crowd and ended up like this even if it was his family

eric lavine wrote: i dont know about you guy's but i dont ever remember looking up to an athlete as a role model, maybe the perception around these guys is because they can throw or can catch an inflatable ball that they are brillant....its a profession that doesnt even require a high school diploma

Well all know that your memory isn't as good as it used to be these days Eric so maybe it's more likely that you forgot who your role model was.

I think athletes as role models are fine as long as there antics off the field are just as great as on the field. IMHO I believe that it should be prerequsite for future Hall of Famer.

Micheal Irvin was a heck-of-a FB player but his higher than mighty attitude and antics off the field should keep him out of Canton. For me it's overall character. You gonna let a guy like that in then why not let Pete Rose in; what's the difference?

i dont know about you guy's but i dont ever remember looking up to an athlete as a role model, maybe the perception around these guys is because they can throw or can catch an inflatable ball that they are brillant....its a profession that doesnt even require a high school diploma

Hollywood wrote: If he was a role model solely for his ability to ride a wakeboard you should re-evaluate your role models. His videos are still fun to watch. He's still a 7 time world champion. What does that have to do with getting locked up for drug dealing?

he was arrested for money laundering and racketeering...

john b wrote: Yes, but does he prefer Dos Equis? And yes, most of us still like him even though he spent time in drug rehab for a Vicodin addiction, and liked sexting. It doesn't undo his accomplishments.

Undo his accomplishments.. heck some of his most impressive accomplishments were a direct result of sexting

role model:

How can you say a pro athlete is NOT a role model? Who the heck do you look up to? WNBA players? Wait, they're pros too...

I guess I look up to my dad mainly...but most kids will have multiple role models. I am one for example...a lot of little kids on the ski teams I'm on look up to the older skiers as heroes. But ya gotta pay the bills somehow I guess...

eric lavine wrote: you put these guys up on a pedastal (i dont ) their people like me and you, their human, look at Michael Vick, Mike tyson, Rothlesbugar, actually there was a all state high school football star up here in Ohio that just got 30 years for some sex charge. no different than me and you, were running out of role models

couldn't agree more eric..thats why I got my role models close by..







john

bhectus wrote: His new driver's name is Bubba....and he likes to "weight it down".

I wonder if Bubba uses a extended pylon?

His new driver's name is Bubba....and he likes to "weight it down".

at least the landings dont hurt

Wow, thats too bad. I remember seeing him compete in the mid 90's on the pro tour, including the year he was throwing the first double front flip off the double up. He was unstoppable back then.

Mike, I guess what I was saying is that when they are in the spotlight there's normally people there to protect them from being discovered or help them get on the right path. I see it all the time in basketball and football. Once the focus of being an athlete goes away, they resort to the easiest thing which in many cases is drug or alcohol related.

Sounds like his newest trick will be a "wiener to backside".

Spotlight goes away? Might be jumping to conclusions/stereotyping but I bet a lot of these guys are doin the dirty.