Tiger Woods has been in the lime light as of late for a list of poor choices and indiscretions. I, like many who were impressed by him, have lost respect. He is however, like everyone I know, human and flawed. I can live with that. What I cannot live with is people saying it is okay to set this example. Whether Tiger likes it or not, he is an example for millions of people. As it came to a head, it was reported in last week’s New York Times that he invoked the “virtue of privacy” and asked that he be left alone. I can do that. What I have a hard time with however is the expectation that we have no expectations for him.

Anita Allen, a deputy dean and professor at University of Pennsylvanian wrote in response that, in contrast to a religious leader like Jesse Jackson Jr., there is no “character requirement” for professional athletes:

“But there is no character requirement for professional sports, the way there is thought to be for religious leaders and the public officials to whom we entrust our welfare and tax dollars. Tiger Woods is just a golfer, a superb and charming golfer with secrets some of his girlfriends and the new organized and informal media refuse now, to let him keep.”

Does this mean that we should not expect a great sports figure to have character? What about the person in the cubicle next to ours?  What about our neighbors?  Have we lowered our expectations of those around us that much?  Really?  I would feel the same disappointment about my neighbor if he crashed his car and it came to light that he was unfaithful. Just because Tiger is a super sport star doesn’t mean he should be free from reproach or be given an “I don’t need character” card. I can give him his privacy, but I will not give him or this line of thinking my respect.

I don’t expect perfection from stars, sports figures, and politicians. I do believe however that they need to recognize the responsibility implicit in their position. It is the same responsibility that comes with being a parent, a teacher, and a friend. While the superstar’s position might put them on a pedestal, I think it is important to remember that we each can model for each other on a daily basis. We each might end up on that pedestal whether we know it or not. The guy in line ahead of me who returns the extra $10 to the cash register instead of pocketing it is reminding me to do the right thing.

Who are you setting an example for?

Best, John