Sportsmanship

As the 64 game was being played a question of athletic sportsmanship came up. Soccer is not the first sport which was initially known for its character building and grace which has turned nasty. Sports such as basketball, football, hockey, have all had their dark days. What is it that makes these otherwise nice human beings get so ticked off that they headbut, elbow, take a punch at an opponent? Children already have few good role models is the world of sports also ditching them? Can we no longer have athletes as our role model?