I hate when athletes/celebrities say this. You may not want to be a role model, but it comes with the territory. They have a a job that most people can only dream of. If they don't want to be a role model, there are plenty of other jobs for them and plenty of people who would love just an opportunity to be in the position they are in.
This is exactly how I feel as well.
Additionally, most of us here are adults and can differentiate between what is good and bad behavior and can filter accordingly. Unfortunately, children are very impressionable and have a harder time differentiating and picking the right role models. Even with the right upbringing, don't think for a second that they are not attracted to what the media portrays as being idols/role models/athletes, etc. Think of all the things that kids see out there and then we wonder why kids are out there robbing cigars from convenience stores and assaulting clerks.