Who says Athletes Can't Set a Good Example

Former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Dan Hampton won't be attending the team's visit to the White House next month. The Hall of Famer told WLS-890 in Chicago that his decision is based on a "personal choice."

President Obama invited the 1985 Super Bowl championship team to visit Washington, D.C., earlier this month. The Bears had been scheduled to meet with President Reagan in January of 1986, but the Challenger disaster forced the White House to cancel the planned meeting.

Hampton gave three reasons for not attending:

1. Wives and children of the players weren't invited.

That does seem like an oversight by whoever planned the meeting. Granted, children of the players are most likely adults by now so it's not like a 5-year-old is getting snubbed, but surely the White House could have pulled out some more folding chairs for the event.

2. He says he's "not a fan of the guy in the White House."

A frequent reason given by those who decline White House invites, whether it be for Obama or any president who came before him. This sounds lame and takes a tremendous lack of perspective. Declining an opportunity to go to the White House and shake hands with the President of the United States because you don't like the guy's opinion on health care seems petty. Does Hampton not have any friends who are Democrats?

3. "It was 25 years ago. Let it go."

I'm sort of on Hampton's side on this one (though not enough to make it a valid excuse for declining). It's not like every Super Bowl team was going to the White House back then; the Bears were only the second team to get the invite. The 25-year-old canceled visit is a thinly veiled excuse to invite the team from Obama's adopted hometown for a visit. What about other championship squads? Where's John Riggins' and The Hogs' invite? The 1974 Dolphins can't get any love?! (And Florida's a swing state, Barack!)[u]

Some athletes can set a good example However if were able to make the choice (and, please understand, sometimes many suffer because of the few) Believe me when I say I would love to have the choice, I would suspend both pro baseball and football for one entire season.

Once the games were allowed to resume I would have requirments in place to insure there were no more drug addicts or crinimals AT ALL left.

Years ago pro ball players were examples to children and they still are but the example stands as...You can beat your wife/girlfriend, do drugs and commit various other crimes and still have a job of such a great responsibility as to be and example for children.

The children of America deserve better than that. Bash me if you like (and I know some will) but there is no excuse for this kind of activity to be tolerated. Period...rick152

Valid points.

I was applauding the fact that he was passing up a trip to the White House because he wasn't interested in spending time with it's current occupant

I know what you were trying to get across But I have been waiting for a chance to get this point across also. Thanks for bringing the subject...And bully for him for standing up to his principles.It is about time some do...rick152

Back to your point...You are so right. The mentality is that the big money (owners, players, etc) can't be touched and they are ENTITLED to treat everyone else poorly.

It's not just athletes. And it certainly isn't limited to the two sports you mention. I have lost a lot of interest in professional sports because of this.

I've also lost interest in college sports. The players do things against the rules and the coaches, team mates, players that attend the school AFTER the incidents are left with the bad reputation, the fines, penalties and such while the offenders shrug their shoulders and go Pro. Oh well..

Then again we see it in our politicians, our school systems, businesses (has anyone noticed the downhill decline of customer service lately?), and even your very own neighborhood.

It will take a miracle to turn things around.

However, if each person becomes responsible for themselves - this doesn't mean that you spend your time justifying your actions and words because of your past or how someone treated you.

Your changes will be noticed and appreciated by people close to you.

The best leaders are able to lead by example...