as to how our children look at professional athletes...we as parents have waaay more impact on our children and their mores than do professional athletes. My 14yo son who IS an athlete and IS a great student has no illusions about professional sports figures. We have sadly and certainly had many, many, many teaching moments where we could show our kids that all that glitters is not gold and therefore these athletes should have our respect and admiration ONLY when they earn and deserve it. In our house we say it's ok to appreciate the talent but maybe not the man or woman.