Recent misbehavior by athletes is sending kids the wrong message.

We idolize athletes and give them greater societal status than they deserve. Then, we publicly admonish their actions for all to see – to the detriment of the most impressionable segment of our society.

“Younger adolescents are more susceptible to see these media figures as role models,” said Paul Carpenter, chairman for kinesiology and physical education. “At 16 or 17, the peer group becomes a larger influence.”

Michael Vick’s apology on Monday could not overcome the damage his dogfighting charges did. Now that he is finally busted, he found Jesus. I didn’t know he was lost.

Monday’s incident, in which Lance Briggs’ abandoned car was found in Chicago after an overnight crash, may prove to be another football-player faux pas.

Despite the honorable attempt, new NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s policy of negative reinforcement by punishing reckless NFL players will not work.

“There is no research I know of that shows that policy will have an effect,” Carpenter said.

Carpenter told a story about how kids can be influenced by the games they’ve watched.

When Carpenter was in the United Kingdom several years ago, coaching nine-year-old soccer players, he witnessed the influence a soccer game had on his impressionable kids.

After a game where a French player karate-kicked a taunting fan, his kids demonstrated their observational learning, Carpenter said.

“They were jumping up into the air, karate-kicking,” Carpenter said.

Other than protecting our children from having false idols, we shouldn’t dwell on athletes’ conduct any more than we would judge any other entertainer’s.

I like Michael Vick. I appreciate his skill. He has talent. I don’t care what he does off the field. Why should I?

Terrell Owens is an obnoxious soul on and off the field, but I can appreciate his skill. His antics don’t change how I can appreciate his game – other than having to mute announcers.

When actors get into trouble, we don’t stop going to their movies or watching their TV shows.

Athletes are entertainers. We need to judge them as such and not make them larger than life. These famous gladiators are not worthy of the adoration our society gives them.

If we don’t give them so much love, maybe later, we won’t have to crush them with hate.