02 August, 2008

Defending Pacman

Living in Tennessee these past 2 1/2 years, I've become quite a big Titans fan. I've enjoyed seeing a team that was lousy when I got there become good enough in 2 short years to make the playoffs at the end of last season. The only aspect of the team I did not like was cornerback/kick-returner/malcontent Adam "Pacman" Jones. Although he is a talented, exciting player his off field fiascoes far outweighed any benefits he brought to the team (at least in my mind). I am not one of those fans who believe in win at all costs. I like to see things done the right way and with players that you are not ashamed to cheer for. Granted, it is becoming increasingly rare in this day and time, but it is still possible. Anyways, Pacman is the guy who got suspended for the year by the NFL last season for running afoul of the law a number of times, mostly for being in strip clubs and behaving badly. It didn't bother me that he got suspended even though he was never actually charged or convicted of anything. He was clearly a nuisance to society and got what he deserved. At least that's what I thought at the time. However, in the last couple of weeks I've seen little blurbs at the bottom of the screen during SportsCenter referring to players who have been convicted of crimes (in some cases doing time) not receiving any fines or further punishment from the NFL. What the hell? Where is the justice in that? A man who has never even been in court for his behavior gets suspended for the year while others who get convicted don't have anything happen to them? Yes, I realize jail time is a punishment but you try and get arrested and see if you're still employed with the same company. Furthermore, Ahmad Bradshaw, a running back for the New York Giants won't even have to serve his six months in jail until after the season is over. You go ahead and go get yourself arrested and convicted then see if you can get them to delay your time served six months or so and still have your same job when you get back. Go ahead, let me know how it works out for you. I never thought I would defend Pacman Jones but I really believe now he got a bum deal from the NFL.