Is it time we stopped trying to make our sporting heroes role models? Ever since England were consigned to an Ashes series defeat, pundits, players and observers of the game have been unanimous in their lament for the loss of Ben Stokes. Not just for his cricketing skills though, but, perhaps more importantly, for the absence of his charisma, his attitude and what his mere presence brings to the England cricket team.
Paul Nixon, the former England wicket-keeper, wrote that it was “that roll-up-your-sleeve and make something happen kind of mentality.” The Daily Mirror described i...