The Violent Story of Fallen NFL Star Aaron Hernandez is Hurting The Values of Teen Boys

By: Mark Sampson | August 27, 2015

The violent story of Aaron Hernandez is going to have far reaching effects on the perception of athletes, which will affect teens and how they view their role models. It is unfortunate that a player who was formerly in such high regard and considered a top prospect at his position, could so blatantly tarnish the NFL's reputation along with his own. Teens are now exposed to the fact that an athlete on the greatest stage still participated in gang like behavior and was seriously involved with drugs. What kind of message is this sending to the youth of today? That it is okay to use drugs and carry a gun all the way to the NFL? That even if it is wrong you can get away with it?

A Professional Athlete Should Be a Role Model not an Infamous Cautionary Tale

Teens all over the country are being exposed to the negative situation Aaron Hernandez is a part of. The blatant disregard of right and wrong in this situation will directly affect teens and their behavior. It is not acceptable for any adult let alone a polarizing figure like Aaron Hernandez to expose the youth of America to this type of situation. Professional athletes should be held to a higher standard, and the actions of this one man will tarnish the perception of all athletes in general. Teens that formerly could use NFL athletes as an example of why to stay away from drugs and gang violence now have to realize that this behavior is everywhere. How many teens have been pushed further along this negative course of action thanks to the story of Aaron Hernandez?

Parents Must Find Positive Role Models For their Struggling Teen

Parents are now facing a dilemma, who can their son or daughter look up to? Positive role models are not easy to find anymore. Hopefully teen boys that are struggling to overcome drug use and violent behavior will take the story of Aaron Hernandez and see it for what it is; a tragic failure and waste of talent that ended violently with a death of another man.