In today's society professional athletes are not just looked at how they play, but how they live their lives. The people want to know everything about their favorite player, especially young kids. These athletes are not just being in the game and living the way they want to. They are role models and when something goes wrong and it affects their image, the media is all over it.
By doing the endorsements the athlete is going to be in the "lime-light" and is going to eventually develop that "celebrity status". With that comes more responsibility, which some athletes are not taking seriously. By doing the endorsements it's just a way to make more money and get noticed. You are also in the spotlight more and your name becomes more known than other athletes. Like I said before some athletes are just in it for the money and when something goes wrong their image is ruined and they can say by to endorsements.
It seems like these athletes are losing what is important. Once they start bringing in the money they start caring less of what people think and they forget the ones that helped them and probably inspired them in the first place which was the fans. You are an athlete for a reason and it's because you loved playing the sport, thats what the true fans want to continue to see.

Youtube killing the record label?? Think again. The internet is a new way for people to market themselves and get there name out there. If you're good, like new teen sensation Justin Beiber, you're going to get attention and eventually get signed. Today there not only is youtube but myspace as well. Colbie Caillat, another rising internet star, placed her music online and got thousands of views. The record company's can clearly tell the difference between talent and money and someone just wanting attention.
On the other hand radio stations are still going to play the music, but they don't have the upper hand. Before you could have a well known agent come in to promote his client and play their music more. Instead of playing favorites now the artist gets their music out there and when people like it there going to want to hear it and the stations are forced to play the popular music.
Like these two artists and many others who have made it famous from the internet I feel like it is a good and positive thing. These artist are talented and hardworking and love what they do and I personally respect them for it. The internet gave them a chance to do what they love and since most of them don't belong to a rich family this evens out the playing feild.
Overall the record company's are still going to exist, however now they have a new source of marketing and a good way to come across new talent!