Should athletes be held to a higher moral standard?

The recent allegations against Pittsburg Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and subsequent media fallout has brought this very question to light. Just looking at headlines this year has shown a number of professional athletes falling short of the ethical standards set before them. So the question becomes, should professional athletes be held to this standard?


Some would argue that athletes are paid to be athletes, not role models, that their personal conduct is none of anybody else’s business. The fact of the matter is that athletes are role models, regardless if the individual wants to be or not. The culture we live in glorifies celebrities, places them up on a pedestal for all to admire and emulate their very actions. Although this may be a mistake as celebrities are really no different than anybody else, contrary to popular opinion, it remains a fact of the culture in which we reside. Athletes, especially, are looked up to by children as something to be admired. Thus the responsibility attached with their position.

In Roethlisberger’s case, this is an individual with a contract exceeding 100 million dollars and expected to be the face of the franchise. When tickets are sold, or commercials aired, whose face does the Steelers organization attach to their marketing strategy? Two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger.

This is also evident from the recent punishment handed down to the Steelers QB from National Football League Commissioner Rodger Goodell. Even though sexual assault allegations never lead to criminal charges Commissioner Goodell still suspended Roethlisberger for the first 6 games of the upcoming season. In a letter from Goodell to Roethlisberger the commissioner points out:

“I recognize that the allegations in Georgia were disputed and that they did not result in criminal charges being filed against you. My decision today is not based on a finding that you violated Georgia law, or on a conclusion that differs from that of the local prosecutor. That said, you are held to a higher standard as an NFL player, and there is nothing about your conduct in Milledgeville that can remotely be described as admirable, responsible, or consistent with either the values of the league or the expectations of our fans.”

I understand that some people are confused by the fact that ‘Big Ben’ was never charged with a crime and is still being suspended, but I am curious who also thinks he is completely innocent in this case? Many athletes live their day to day lives and never have any allegations come out against them. It is sad that one poor choice by one athlete overshadows the work of many others who give a substantial amount of time to community work or donate large sums of money to charitable organizations.

It seems to me that it is important to hold athletes to this strict standard. Their actions affect a great number of people, whether they like it or not. There are too many young children without positive role models in their lives to allow this type of conduct or to act as if it is perfectly normal. The consequences are significant if young influential minds begin to think some of the behavior they see their role models commit is morally justifiable.