They can be role models for hard work, and dedication to one's craft. However, I don't think they need to be automatically labelled as role models. Thye are public figures, there is a difference. A role model should be someone who does good for others. It can be a parent, a friend, hell a random guy who saves a kid from a burning building. Those are role models. If an athlete chooses to be a role model great, if not that's fine too. As long as they're not killing, raping and robbing, theya re entitled to their own personal choices. There is a responsability when being in the limelight, but they are paid to play, not paid to be shining examples of how to live one's life. Just my two cents