How do we get our young men to respect women when their heroes don't?

With the football season culminating yesterday in the most-watched sporting event in America, I started thinking about the Steelers' front-man, Ben Roethlisberger. We have all heard about the incident he was involved in last year. And yet, here stood a man in one of the most coveted positions in all of football who had committed a violent act against a young woman. Does he really deserve to be a hero to our young boys simply because he is a gifted athlete? What can we tell our boys about respecting women when a seemingly endless list of professional athletes and celebrities not only get away with disrespecting others, but are able to retain their fame and fortune in the process?

It was quite apropos then, that the following Huffington Post article showed up in my Facebook newsfeed this morning: "What to Say to Boys and Young Men About Big Ben." I think the article gives some great examples of ways to use this as a "teachable moment" and show our boys that "might does not make right."

In a world where heroes sometimes exhibit behavior that is decidedly unheroic, we need to make sure our young men understand that true strength comes from protecting and caring for those around us. At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland, we have partnered with the Rape Crisis Center to offer the Men of Strength program. Several of our Clubs have participated in this program that aims to teach our young men what it means to be a "strong man." The program is centered on prevention among a population of youth that are at a higher risk of not only experiencing domestic violence, but also going on to become a perpetrator themselves.

Another program aimed at prevention and education is Passport to Manhood. Young men ages 11 to 14 are taken on a personal journey of growth and maturation. Participants engage in service activities, are given leadership training, and have the opportunity to openly discuss any issue with trusted mentors.

I would encourage everyone to use this opportunity to have an open and honest discussion about the consequences Ben Roethlistberger's actions have had, not only on the reputation of his team, but also for the young woman that was his victim. Our sons need to understand that it is those men who respect those around them and use their talents to empower others that are truly deserving of our admiration. They are the real heroes!