Athletes and influence

“I’m not a role model. … Just because I can dunk a basketball doesn’t mean I should raise your kids.”

Charles Barkley, known for his bluntness and candor, famously said the above during his NBA playing days. And he was absolutely right—at least his sentiment was. His skill on the hardwood should make no difference as to how he is viewed as a person and should have no influence on anyone. He should be recognized for his playing ability and appreciated as such. It’s that simple.

Except that it’s not.

In reality, athletes (and all celebrities) carry great influence into many areas of life. They popularize fashions, normalize language, and exemplify ethical and moral standards. While we’d be wise to downplay this influence in our own lives there’s no denying its cultural power. But it does raise the question: Do athletes have a responsibility to use their position to change culture?

The short answer is “No,” at least not explicitly. Professional athletes are famous for their performance in competitions and are primarily focused on their work, just as you and I are focused on our vocations. Most people expect nothing more than that for them to be decent. But that does ignore the tacit influence they do hold. Just by being decent people, by wearing a pinstriped vest, or by playing certain music, they make a difference. No, celebrities do not have a responsibility to do or be any more than anyone else. But when they choose to do so, the impact is massive.

A.C. Green, a former NBA player, made as much of a name for himself by his stance on sexual abstinence as he did by rebounding and blocking shots. Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest boxers ever and turned the media on its head by conscientiously refusing to fight in the Vietnam War. Tim Tebow introduced more people to the name of Jesus than any player in the history of the NFL. And in the past few weeks we have seen St. Louis Rams’ players, Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, and LeBron James all make silent public statements about the events in Ferguson and New York City.

Such intentional, clear statements turn an athlete’s platform into a mighty tool. They reach more people with a message in less time than just about anyone. The media takes notice. Fans watch. And they raise awareness and kick-start conversations. The ripple effect is enormous.

Though none of us has the same influence as professional athletes or other celebrities, we should absorb the wisdom Andy Crouch shares in his excellent book Culture Making. He says that very few people can “change the world,” but we have influence in our world—with our family, friends, and co-workers. And we do have responsibility to them as emissaries of Jesus. Are we merely being decent, or are we intentionally and clearly sharing those convictions that shape us? We might never change the minds of millions, but we can change our world.