If Sosa were in fact to eat Big Macs frequently, as the commercial implies, he would not be in the shape that he is. In fact, professional athletes have a fairly strict diet and often give up eating certain foods during season. McDonald's uses Sosa to reach a large group of consumers. These commercials are sending a bad message to young athletes of America. Training and physical fitness are important components to make a good athlete.
Young athletes look up to the stars of today's professional sports.
The commercials that children see encourage them to eat foods that are not healthy for them. Usually, the advertisements do not come right out and say that the athlete eats that product. It is implied, though. This subtle implication has a huge impact on the viewer, especially when the viewer is a child. Children idolize professional athletes, and picture themselves as future stars.