出版社：Richards College of Business, University of West Georgia
摘要：Mass media has helped to perpetuate the public’s infatuations with sport celebrities. For example, sport biographies for children remain popular. Written biographies tout professional athletes as role models through uplifting tales aboutof triumph over adversity,; the importance of a positive outlook,; and the value of a virtuous character. Classic Hollywood biopics about sport legends—such as Babe Ruth (starring William Bendix), Lou Gehrig (starring Gary Cooper), and Jim Thorpe (starring Burt Lancaster)—follow similar storylines. For children and adults, sport celebrities often are depicted as bigger than life. General Mills celebrates esteemed athletes on its Wheaties boxes; Fat Head sells lifesize decals of famous athletes; EA Sports ads and video games depict professional athletes as transcendent; news organizations refer to star athletes by a single name or nickname (Ichiro, Kobe, KG);, and star players represent entire leagues. Among adults, the continued proliferation of fantasy sports wagering further aggrandizes personal accomplishments over team success.
