Scotty Lago recently won a bronze medal for the U.S. on the halfpipe in snowboarding.

According to people.com, he used this medal as a prop in some risqué pictures that he posed for with a woman on a Vancouver street.

After the pictures hit the Internet, Lago apologized to the U.S. Olympic Committee and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association.  He then voluntarily left Vancouver.

In today’s world, it seems that athletes are continually making stupid choices and not thinking ahead about the possible consequences of their actions.

Now, Lago’s actions were not nearly as serious as athletes who commit actual crimes.  Nonetheless, it is somewhat sad that even the Olympics are tainted by such childish scandals and controversy.

Many young children look up to athletes, especially in a sport like snowboarding that is increasing in popularity.  Young athletes need to remember that they are role models.

I understand that the pictures were probably taken in good fun.  Lago was probably just out celebrating his success with friends.  Regardless, he made an irresponsible decision that he must now live with.

While Lago is an incredible athlete, his 2010 Olympics will now be forever blemished by his inappropriate behavior.

But nevertheless, Lago can be admired for his maturity after the incident, when he apologized and left of his own volition.

Caitie Beth Shauck can be reached for comment at [email protected]