In light of LeBron James' antics following his Cavaliers' recent loss in the NBA's Eastern Conference final and the beanball incident last night at Yankee Stadium, I've been thinking a lot about sportsmanship.

As a local reporter/sports editor the past 20 years who has also done a little bit of coaching as well, I know how important sportsmanship is on a local level. So important that the very few times I've seen someone display poor sportsmanship -- whether it be when I'm reporting at a game or coaching -- it sticks out like a sore thumb.

But then our kids see someone they look up to like LeBron James not shake an opponent's hand, or a Rangers' pitcher intentionally throw at a Yankee hitter -- not once, but twice, and you start to wonder why any of these pro athletes can be called role models.

Maybe the pros need to take their cues from the kids sometimes.

Just a thought.