Cool topic. It seems to me that more and more the individual athlete not only has to have a polished "on the field" presence but they also have a persona to market to the masses. When ever this topic comes up I always think of Dennis Rodman and how he learned (from Madonna) to market himself on and off the court. He was always a great rebounder and defensive threat, but once he started dying the hair, etc. he immediatley became a media favorite and household name - love him or hate him.

The first thing that came to mind was of course was Michael Vick. I believe that your job and your personal life should be separated and should not effect each other. However, many sports stars are seen as celebrities because of their status. This same status sells tickets which fills arenas and is also a money maker of merchandise. Sports celebrities are seen as a role models rather they want to be or not. Unfortunately the price you pay is costly and non-private. They have the best and worst of everything...I could be a sports celebrity!!