The sports world is in turmoil. Two of its prominent figures, Michael Vick and Barry Bonds, are facing moral dilemmas. Michael Vick has pleaded guilty to a heinous dog fighting crime while Barry Bonds broke the all-time homerun record while suspicions of tainted bats and steroids loom around him. What are the moral values of pro-athletes these days? What image does this put in young fans' minds?

The message is mixed. Barry Bonds and Michael Vick have good and bad qualities. When Michael Vick was first approached about the dog fighting, he claimed he had nothing to do with it, but later pleaded guilty. This in turn, had a negative impact on Vick fans especially high school students. Many people lost hope in his moral fortitude and fan numbers decreased. Barry Bonds is in a similar situation. “Rumors” of steroid and tainted bats has left his fan base crumbly. Many feel that he does not deserve the Hall of Fame because it would send a message to high school athletes that cheating is okay if you do not get caught.

There are some positive points that have come from all this drama. Michael Vick has carried his team to several playoff games and pro bowl and Barry Bonds did make the impossible, possible. He beat Hank Aarons all-time homerun record. And both, of course, are extremely dedicated and hardworking athletes.

Principal Dowling once said, “Perception is 90 percent of the truth.” So, in the sports world and life, everything that is said makes an impact. Sports fans have been affected by these awesome athletes in a not some awesome way. The two famous athletes have disappointed and negatively influenced fans by their horrendous actions that have altered sports history