For me personally, I look up to many professional athletes as role models. At the same time I realize that they are human just as you and I are, and may make a mistake off the court that will hinder their image to millions of people across the world. Everybody makes mistakes, but the true sign of a good person is learning from past experiences, and making sure they dont make the same mistake again. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that professional athletes whether they are role models or not, they are still humans and it's ok for young kids to look up to them as long as they understand that they could make a mistake.