The world of athletics has long been a playground for newsworthy antics and law-breaking scenarios.

With the recent murder charges brought against two NFL players and the suspension of Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker for offensive comments, the nation’s eye once again has turned to the athletes who make the headlines.

The unwritten status of athletes as both entertainers and role models has caused the formation of a controversial line that causes confusion and uncertainty for athletes and fans alike. This pressure is realized by both ISU student-athletes and their coaches.

“Every time you step up on stage, a field or a classroom, you are assuming a position where people pay attention to you,” said Lyle Smith, head coach of the ISU baseball team. “You have a responsibility to act in a responsible and professional manner.”

Some ISU students who don’t compete in collegiate sports believe that student-athletes are regarded as role models by the university community and should behave in an appropriate manner.

“I think that athletes are human like everyone else on campus and should be able to make mistakes like everyone else,” said Kelly Johnson, senior in child and family services. “But being a public figure, they need to think about how they are perceived by others and that the image that they portray is how others view them.”

Amy Pyle, ISU gymnastics head coach, said there is a large burden placed on student-athletes.

“I think the public expects more of them,” she said. “They are there to represent ISU. They are allowed to do no wrong.”

The ISU Athletic Department tries to ease the adjustment of student-athletes into these roles through mentor programs, tutoring and support from the coaching staff, said Marc Timmons, member of the ISU football team.

Tom Kroeschell, assistant athletics director for Media Relations, said the Athletic Department tries to help out student-athletes.

“We do work with our student-athletes in a variety of different programs to help them deal with the limelight that they are in,” he said, “but it’s something you have to be conscious of all the time.”

Even before they are able to be formally presented to the campus and its students, Timmons said athletes know they will be scrutinized.

“From day one, when you step on the campus, you’re marked,” he said. “[The students] already think that you think you’re ‘all that’ because you have your education paid for. They are a little bit harder on you than a regular student.”

Some members of the public also believe professional athletes should be role models.

Rocker’s suspension from baseball until May 1 grabbed its share of headlines. His punishment stems from statements he made in the December issue of Sports Illustrated, in which he insulted foreigners, homosexuals and other minorities.

Some people in the ISU community are torn over Rocker’s comments and how they should be evaluated.

Smith said too much publicity has already been given to the outspoken athlete’s case.

“I think the whole thing is ridiculous. When you see what some of the things other professional athletes have done, the amount of attention that this has warranted is ridiculous,” he said. “It was an unintelligent thing to do. But to dwell on it when there are other problems out there is overblown.”

However, Timmons, freshman in psychology, said Rocker’s behavior was irresponsible.

“To hear him say [racist comments like] that shows me we’re not as far as I thought we were,” he said. “I think his punishment is well-deserved.”

Johnson said the job of a professional athlete is foremost to entertain.

“When you are put in that position, when people look up to you, you’re a role model whether you want to be or not. Rocker’s comments don’t make him a very positive role model,” she said.

Even though the role-model status may cause problems for some athletes, others feel a sense of pride knowing that they can impact others, said Hiawatha Rutland, member of the ISU football team.

“Athletes give people a sense of hope,” said Rutland, freshman in psychology. “We should try to do the right thing because more eyes are on us.”