Billy Crystal Speaks Out on Why Today’s Athletes Can’t Be Role Models

On Tuesday’s “Real Sports” on HBO, actor and comedian Billy Crystal explained in a monologue why today’s athletes can no longer be trusted to be role models, and how difficult it can be to explain to kids, who need heroes to look up to.

“The truth is, in this age of Instagram and Facebook and Snapchat, we know way too much about athletes – and it’s their fault. They push a button and they self destruct. I love Mickey Mantle. Would I have felt the same if I had known when I was eight years old what I know now? Can you imagine if Babe Ruth had had Twitter?”

Crystal later added, “Kids need heroes. They need that poster over their bed to stare at when they go to sleep.”

Follow Trent Baker on Twitter @MagnifiTrent