Some records are meant to be broken, others are not. The playing conditions, players' equipment, athletic development with today's steroids — all affect the outcome of my sports goals.

Do these new records and the athlete of 2000 to 2008 set a good example or role model for our young and aspiring student athletes? Should Babe Ruth's home run record stand? Ever notice Barry Bonds's baseball that broke the Babe's record? It has an asterisk on this record-shattering ball. Get the message?

Pete Rose was a good baseball player with a gambling problem. He finally admitted this problem in hopes of getting in the Baseball Hall of Fame or in his case, the Baseball Hall of Shame. Look at John Daly, a great golfer with several problems. Can't feel sorry for him.

Many good athletes break records and are excellent role models for our younger athletes. Look at Dara Torres, silver medal winner in this year's swimming Olympics for women. She won a gold medal as a teenager. In this year's Olympics, she won three silver medals at the age of 41.

Tiger Woods and Mike Phelps, gentlemen on or off their respective sports venues. They have the desire and drive to play hard, and they win most of the time.

There is too much cheating in today's sports which can only create a bad and disturbing influence on our upcoming athletes. Anyone watching the female Chinese gymnasts — were they 16 years of age or perhaps younger?

Today's athletes need to stay in school and complete their formal education first. Then they can play sports later. Unfortunately, money and incentives speak louder than our teachers. Why stay in school when one can get millions for playing professional sports? Then, what happens if you become injured or your career doesn't last?

Douglas C. Eberhart

Clayton