A Privilege, Not a Right

As I was driving home yesterday, the local sports radio station was discussing the incident that happened Sunday night of NBA All Star Weekend in Vegas. While the details of the incident are still in the process of coming out, I will provide the version that has been provided, unofficially, by "witnesses". Basically, Pacman Jones (of the Tennessee Titans) was out at the Minxx Club in Vegas. The story goes that he was trying to impress Nelly (rapper) by throwing about $3500 on stage. The intention was not for the stripper to pick up the cash, but just to throw it there and pick it up later. Apparently, one of the strippers tried to grab some of the cash and Pacman proceeded to bask her head into the stage. When the bouncer came over and kicked Pacman and his crew out witnesses say that he yelled out to the bouncer "You're a dead man" or something to that effect. Sure enough an hour or so later, a man (one of the men Pacman was with earlier) entered the club and proceeded to shoot the aforementioned bouncer and a couple other people. One of the people shot had just entered the club on a shift change and was not even at the club when the earlier skirmish occurred. This man has not suffered a severed spine and his best case prognosis is that he will be paralyzed from the belly button down.

At this point there is an investigation going on by the LVPD. The stories coming out of Vegas right now are that the LVPD is doing a poor job so far. With the media attention that is beginning to grow out of this incident, I am sure that all of the facts will be brought out to the public. If Pacman was involved, or whomever else, we will soon find out and the culprits will have their day in court. That is not what disturbs me. What disturbs me is professional sports and specifically the NFL.

I know that players are people just like any of us and it is not up to the coach or owner to police all of their behavior. There is only a certain amount that a coach, GM, or even an owner can to to keep the players out of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. What bothers me though is that there is not nearly a strong enough penalty for wrongdoers, whether it is in the NFL, or other sports. The common response from a league official is that they will let the proceedings play out in a court of law first. I am sorry, but when a guy like Pacman Jones continues to be able to collect is NFL check every month after being arrested or questioned by the police nine times then I have a major problem. Can the NFL for once make a point here? I am not saying Pacman should be thrown in jail just for being accused, but the NFL needs to come up with a better policy to police players. I would love to see some sort of a summit between the major sports organizations and then bring it to the players unions.

I know that at the moment there is a "three strike" policy being discussed as a result of the Pacman incident in Vegas. What will constitute a strike though? There are so many "grey areas." They need to get this right though, because it is a long time coming. I know that if I was a Titans fan I would not want Pacman still on my team. It is a tough situation, in that Pacman or any other player deserves their day in court, but why does the NFL just stand by and not act? Make players responsible for their off the field actions. Right now, the league is allowing its players to walk all over them and in the process walk all over society and the fans that pay their salaries.

Other Notes...

• Will the Knicks ever win more than two in a row the rest of the season?
• Rumors flying that Michael Strahan wants more money and may ask for a trade if the Giants don't want to give it to him....
• Lastings Milledge has looked great in camp so far. I still feel that he starts the season in AAA, but won't be there for long.
• The Heat battled hard last night without Wade. I think that they will still make the playoffs, but will be an easy exit once they get there.

STKAFI