Those were the words that echoed through my mind when I heard the news.  Barbaro's euthanization brought a country (well most of it) together as it usually appeared to be a positive glimmer of hope in a world that's been devastated by tragic news.  Most of us saw the ill-fated Preakness Stakes in which "America's Hero" limped with his ankle in a grotesque position. 

We all heard that his prognosis was "grim" and that they would essentially have to use a gluestick to make his leg function somewhat properly.  Then we saw a day-by-day timeline in which it appeared that not all hope was lost and that hopefully, Barbaro may have a future as a stud.  Dr. Dean Richardson started looking less gaunt but was still aware that the fatal disease, laminitis, could strike and severly hurt Barbaro's chance at survival.  Sure enough, he was right.  In July, nearly two months after initally breaking his leg, Barbaro had his first significant setback.  Laminits had stricken. 

Hope was pretty much lost.  The sympathy cards were pouring in from all over the country and it appeared imminent that Barbaro would be euthanized.  But not-so-fast there.  Barbaro slowly trekked on, through the summer into the fall.  At this time, hearing a news story about Barbaro was rare which is always good news. 

Then around Christmas time, another update was given.  Richardson said that Barbaro could be released in the near-future.  The cast was replaced on his ill-fated right leg and his laminitis-stricken hoof was slowly growing back.  The feel-good story, may just have a feel-good ending to it.  We got an update that there was some small discomfort in the hoof but nothing that would be considered significant.  Then the worse came.

Richardson put Barbaro through a "risky" surgery to try and save him.  The next day, he had a small glimmer of hope as he looked "bright-eyed" but his condition deteriorated and he was put down.  It was a hit to the stomach.  The Barbaro-loving nation recoiled.  The story ended with a sorrow ending.  All of those surgeries and time put in was for naught. 

But why did we care?

This is a country that eagerly waited on YouTube to view the hanging of Saddam Hussein.  A country that turns sadistic as they search for the Joe Theismann, Napoleon McCallum, Clint Malarchuk and Moises Alou injury.  Hell, we even watch movies that depict people getting beheaded, burned to death and drowning.  But why did we recoil when we saw him limp?  What made us care about an animal so much?

I'm not a sensitive person, I'll be the first to admit.  Besides funerals at a young age, the only time I nearly cried was listening to the Rudy theme song after he made the sack.  For some reason, that nearly puts a tear to my eye.  But when I heard about Barbaro's euthanization it saddened me.  Perhaps it's because we don't think animals know any better and are helpless.  Barbaro didn't know he was a superstar but he probably didn't know that if he kept bearing weight on the other hooves, he would get a fatal illness.  Maybe it's just the human in some of this that sense.  Obviously, others are not profoundly impact in the least but that's their own choice.

Comments Appreciated.

I am going to do my Senior Bowl game review today, hopefully.  Besides that, this is my first real mock draft of the year and I think it's more of an exploratory thing. 1)-Oakland Raiders-JaMarcus Russell-QB
I personally think that Calvin Johnson is a strong possibility but at the #1 pick, I am giving the Raiders Russell. He's a big-armed, semi-mobile QB who can take his lumps early and improve himself in the future. I wouldn't count out a trade-down but I suck at making trades.

2)-Detroit Lions-Brady Quinn-QB
I am seriously considering giving them Thomas as I believe Backus can be transitioned to the RT position. But I just can't stray away from Quinn, I know picking a QB early is cliche', but you know the whole sit for a year theory.

3)-Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Calvin Johnson-WR
I see a lot of mocks with the Bucs behind the Browns so I'll mix things up here. Joey Galloway is a good WR at his age but unfortunately, he's bound to lose a step in the future. Michael Clayton has been an enigma thus far and who knows how he'll turn out, two years removed from an 82-reception season.

4)-Cleveland Browns-Alan Branch-DT
I want to make this draft somewhat realistic and this is a slightly surprising move. But Ted Washington is aging heavily and a future NT needs to be found for the 3-4 defense to be run successfully. The LB'ers, especially Andra Davis and Kamerion Wimbley, have done a darn good job as has the secondary at times. I wouldn't dismiss Peterson or Thomas but I think this could be an excellent pick for Cleveland.

5)-Arizona Cardinals-Joe Thomas-OT
Ho-hum, the Cards running offense has been as weak as it is due to the ineffectiveness of the OL. Duece Lutui in the interior and Joe Thomas on the outside gives Russ Grimm plenty to work with in improving the offensive line.

6)-Washington Redskins-Jamaal Anderson-DE
This is quickly becoming a consensus pick for the 'Skins. Andre Carter is effective but I doubt Phillip Daniels is the answer at RE for much longer. Anderson has all the skills you want at DE and it's plausible to think that the Redskins can be in a very good situation on defense.

7)-Minnesota Vikings-Gaines Adams-DE
I hate following up positions like this but Adams is the most likely fit for the Vikings. There receivers have been putrid but this is a deep class and I would think picking Jarrett here would be a minute reach and I was considering Bowe. Udeze has been a disappointment and I found out (via Team Needs section) that he did not record a single-sack this season. In order to get pressure off of the aerial attack; they need a DE to put pressure on the QB--hence the pick.

8-Houston Texans-Adrian Peterson-RB
I believe Samkon Gado will be out of Houston by the end of training camp and I have trouble finding Ron Dayne to be the long-term answer. While Domanick Williams (will have to get used to that) is still in the mix, can he become more than a backup as of now? Wali Lundy has been adequate at times but Peterson is a talent you can't pass on. Sure there are other needs but this is the most likely pick.

9)-Miami Dolphins-Adam Carriker-DE
I am stumped beyond belief here and this pick is pending on if Jason Taylor retires or not. I don't think any LB is worth this pick in this area but I need some help here.

10)-Atlanta Falcons-Reggie Nelson-FS
I think that Landry is the only other positional player who can go here as of now. The Falcons are incredibly weak at FS as Crocker has been a disappointment and may be a backup soon. They need someone nex to Milloy.

11)-San Francisco 49ers-Leon Hall-CB
Shawntae Spencer showed promise this season as a strong CB in the NFL and Walt Harris had a Pro Bowl season. But Harris is aging and behind them there really isn't anything at all so youth is needed. In Hall they got a good coverage CB who can line up next to Spencer in the near-future. I wouldn't discount Landry or Bowe.

12)-Buffalo Bills-Dwayne Bowe-WR
I was this close to picking Timmons or Willis here but decided that they would both be considered reaches. I still think Bowe can rise even more if he has a stellar combine. Lee Evans has been great in Buffalo and broke out in the second-half of the season but Peerless Price is simply not an adequate #2. In fact Bowe can be a #1 for this team as JP Losman continues to grow into a solid QB. If they address their OL, this is my sleeper pick for next season.

13)-St. Louis Rams-Amobi Okoye-DT
This is an interesting scenario for the Rams. They could address their porous secondary and grab Landry or their LB situation and grab Timmons/Willis. But this is the best pick for them right here. There run-defense is horrible and if it wasn't for the Colts, they would be the worst in the league. Okoye won't simply solve that problem but he's a major piece into that. If he can find himself around 295 around the season, then they should be good.

14)-Carolina Panthers-LaRon Landry-S
Mike Minter will be 32 years old when the next season begins and I think Landry would be a major upgrade over Shaun Williams. In Landry they get a youthful presence in the secondary with a high level of physicality.

15)-Pittsburgh Steelers-Levi Brown-OT
Max Starks, a free agent this offseason, was not the answer at RT. While Okobi may be the one who takes over for Hartings at C, there needs to be a rightside tackle to keep Roethlisberger on his feet as opposed to his back. Brown appears to be that guy for now.

16)-Green Bay Packers-Marshawn Lynch-RB
Michael Griffin would be a logical selection here as Marquand Manuel shouldn't be starting in the NFL anymore but Lynch is the clear-cut choice. While Green did have a decent season this year, he's on the wrongside of 30 and I'll be shocked if he's brought back in 2008. Vernand Morency is a good change-of-pace back and Herron has some potential but not enough to become a starter in the NFL.

17)-Jacksonville Jaguars-Michael Griffin-S
Donovin Darius has been injury-plagued the past two seasons and Deon Grant isn't a long-term option at FS. In Griffin the Jaguars get a physical and solid all-around safety who can help vastly improve the secondary. I wouldn't count out Revis, Moss, or a trade-down here.

18-Cincinnati Bengals-Jarvis Moss-DE/OLB
With Justin Smith likely on the outs and the future of David Pollack in doubt, this appears to be a logical pick for Cincy here. In Moss, the Bengals get a 'tweener who can make a huge presence against the pass for the Bengals and take pressure off of the secondary.

19)-Tennessee Titans-Dwayne Jarrett-WR
Drew Bennett is a free agent and the rest of the group is not too promising for the future. Jarrett may not be that fast but VY could use all the weapons he could get at his disposal and Jarrett is the best choice.

20)-New York Giants-Lawrence Timmons-LB
While Pierce is a solid LB'er, Aarington has injury concerns and Emmons is not a long-term answer. While Gerris Wilkinson may have a future starting, I see Timmons as a much better prospect who may end up going higher.

21)-Denver Broncos-Charles Johnson-DE
While he's not the tallest DE out there, Charles Johnson can quickly become an upgrade over Courtney Brown in Denver. Johnson has good agility which should help him out on the next level.

22)-Dallas Cowboys-DeMarcus "Tank" Tyler-DT
While their DL isn't anywhere close to being one of the worst in the NFL, DeMarcus Tyler provides a huge upgrade. With so much being depended on the Linebackers, the addition of Tyler essentially gives the Cowboys a big player to stuff up the middle in run downs.

23)-Kansas City Chiefs-Ted Ginn Jr.-WR
While he does lack the ability to run routes and his hands are in question, Ted Ginn is still an interesting prospect. With his great speed, Ginn Jr. can essentially become a decoy this year much like Reggie Bush, and then work his way into the NFL on a starting role. The offense does not have much youth and the addition of Ginn can change that.

24)-New England Patriots (f/SEA)-Robert Meachem-WR
As evident by the major drop from Reche' Caldwell in the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts, the Patriots could use a #1 WR. In Meachem, the Patriots get a fast yet rangy WR that can become an elite player at the next level with Tom Brady at the helm. Meachem instantly gives the Patriots a great WR tandem in the future with Chad Jackson in the fray as well.

25)-New York Jets-Darrelle Revis-CB
This could be an interesting steal for the New York Jets. Revis is a solid coverage CB and while Andre Dyson isn't too bad, Justin Miller should probably stick to fielding kickoffs and being a nickleback. They could consider Spencer and Moses here.

26)-Philadelphia Eagles-Eric Weddle-FS
While Brian Dawkins is still playing at a Pro-Bowl level, I think it's safe to assume that Sean Considine is nothing more than a situational player. In Weddle, the Eagles get a good safety who should excel due to his athleticism.

27)-New Orleans Saints-Jon Beason-LB
Jon Beason will probably continue the Miami Hurricane draft tradition of always having a first-round pick but the Saints need this. CB is a great need, yes, but while the LB'ers did fine, they could use an upgrade with Beason.

28-New England Patriots-Patrick Willis-LB
With the grumblings of a possible retirement in the future by Tedy Bruschi, the Patriots get his heir apparent in Patrick Willis from Ole Miss. Willis' stock has been on a roller-coaster ride all season long and don't expect that to stop right now. Willis has the range and physicality to be a special LB in the league.

29)-Baltimore Ravens-Tony Ugoh-OT
Once Ogden retires, they have found a solid backup in Terry. With Ugoh, he can instantly jump in and replace either Ogden or Pashos should his production slip. Ugoh seems to be the logical pick here.

30)-San Diego Chargers-Sidney Rice-WR
While Keenan McCardell finally starts to see Father Time catch him ever so slowly, Eric Parker is just adequate and nothing less or more, and Vincent Jackson has a solid future; they need more depth and talent at the WR position. In Sidney Rice they get a good WR who has decent speed but solid hands and athleticism. Could be a minor steal here.

31)-Chicago Bears-Arron Sears-OT
While Tait has been solid, Miller is aging and the fact is that youth and talent should be brought in to help keep up the Bears level of dominance in the NFC. Sears is a punishing tackle who has the ability to play guard inside as well.

32)-Indianapolis Colts-Paul Posluszny-LB
I personally doubt that Posluszny could fit in the Cover-Two as a SAM, but really who else would fit here is the pressing question. Posluszny is a hard-working, blue-collar LB who like Rob Morris; is good against the run but is also not too shabby in coverage. Did you expect me to have the Bears at 32?

33)-Oakland Raiders-Justin Blalock-OT/OG
34)-Detroit Lions-Victor Abiamiri-DE
35)-Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Chris Houston-CB
36)-Cleveland Browns-Marcus McCauley-CB
37)-Arizona Cardinals-Anthony Spencer-LB
38-New York Jets-Brian Leonard-RB/FB
39)-Minnesota Vikings-Josh Beekman-OG
40)-Houston Texans-Aaron Rouse-S
41)-Miami Dolphins-Daymeion Hughes-CB
42)-Atlanta Falcons-Quentin Moses-LB (this pick will probably change but I'm doing this Mock fast).
43)-San Francisco 49ers-Craig Davis-WR
44)-Buffalo Bills-Rufus Alexander-LB
45)-St. Louis Rams-Aaron Ross-CB
46)-Carolina Panthers-Zach Miller-TE
47)-Pittsburgh Steelers-Paul Williams-WR
48-Green Bay Packers-Brandon Meriweather-S
49)-Jacksonville Jaguars-Stewart Bradley-LB
50)-Cincinnati Bengals-David Irons-CB
51)-Tennessee Titans-LaMar Woodley-LB
52)-New York Giants-Joe Staley-OT
53)-Denver Broncos-Josh Wilson-CB
54)-Dallas Cowboys-Michael Johnson-S
55)-Kansas City Chiefs-Earl Everett-LB
56)-Seattle Seahawks-Ryan Kalil-OC They move Spencer to OG and thus draft Kalil 
57)-New York Jets-Ben Grubbs-OG
58-Philadelphia Eagles-Fred Bennett-CB
59)-New Orleans Saints-Quinn Pitcock-DT (another pick that will probably be changed in the future)
60)-New England Patriots-John Wendling-S
61)-Baltimore Ravens-Buster Davis-LB
62)-San Diego Chargers-Tony Taylor-LB
63)-Chicago Bears-Marshal Yanda-OG
64)-Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Justin Durant-LB

When it comes to being late on the uptake, I would say that this blog entry would most likely take the cake.  But as a Colts fan, I've finally sobered up from the dramatic AFC Championship game between the Colts and arch-rival New England Patriots.  This is pretty much a documentation, in chronological order, the emotions that went through me from pre-game kickoff to postgame party!

I'm a Colts fan.  Those four words strung together to form a sentence have plagued me for quite some time.  I have lived in NJ my whole life, that is correct, but in my eyes; I'm a proud, blue Colts fan.  My great-Uncle (mother's side) lived in Richmond, Indiana and was pretty much on his deathbed due to complications from leukemia.  This was my mother's last opportunity to see him alive and she was 8.75 months pregnant.  She had to see him one last time and took the long trek from South Jersey to Richmond and did in fact see my great-Uncle right before his tragic death.  But right before he died (about two days before), I decided to stretch my legs and sparing you from the details that we all learned in 7th grade, I was born in Indiana. 

That's a good story and all, but while I consider the Colts my team, I still have lived in Eagles country my whole life.  In fact, my top claim to fame is being from the same high school as Franco Harris, Irving Fryar and Alonzo Spellman.  But that's not why I'm typing this probably insanely boring piece. 

The pregame show on CBS pretty much felt like my own last meal.  I ate my ritual KFC Chicken Bowl and watched Boomer "Bill" Esiason, with the hoodie, discuss why the Patriots will win easily.  That knot in my stomach was as tight as humanly possible and I couldn't finish my bowl, something I would regret at around 11:30 ET, and I prepared for the game. 

As Phil Simms and Jim Nantz previewed the game, many thoughts raced through my head. 

"I bet the Colts get out early with a Manning-to-Harrison strike"

"The Patriots will probably run down the Colts throats and go ahead easily and stay there"

"I wonder whatever happened to Darko Milicic?"

Anyway, as Phil Simms went through one of his many "Simms Spotlights", I felt like I was about to play in the game.  I did a few stretches, downed a glass of water and even did a little impromptu jog-in-place exercise.  I considered running down the length of my house acting like I was on the Special Teams unit before the game even began!  As Manning nearly missed Joseph Addai in what could have lead up to be a quick score from the Colts, I shouted my first grunt of disapproval.  Now, I turned into a GEICO caveman and sat through the predictable Manning MasterCard commercials. 

Next thing I realize, Asante Samuel has just returned a Pick Six off of Manning.  The score?  21-3.  I literally just screamed in frustration, keep in mind that my 6th-month old nephew was there, raced up the stairs and just leaned against my bed.  I'm 15 years old, that's correct but instead of crying like I did when I was a lot younger, I felt just emotionless.  Perhaps the worst feeling in the world.  I punched the pillow a couple times and vented off using my favorite insults:

"I guess Dungy and Peyton are both cursed"

"Why can Peyton Manning read Ellis Hobbs and Samuel earlier in the season, at Foxboro nonetheless, but not at home"

"Playoffs?  Your talking about playoffs?!?!?"

Then I started thinking of drastic things that could happen in a football game.  Soon, I was still pretty damn frustrated but there was a small, minute ball of hope in my stomach, if the Colts could score a TD by the end of the half, we have a 21-10 game and Colts get ball first.  I felt that ball of hope slightly expand as Manning, with all of the pressure off and everyone counting him out, started finding guys like Aaron Moorehead, Ben Utecht and Dallas Clark for first downs.  Then, almost anti-climatically, the Colts drive stalled and they had to settle for a field goal.  I was still mad beyond belief as I slowly trekked down the stairs and sat in front of the TV; but as I heard Nantz saying "There's a still a possibility, right?"; I felt that I should at least have some minor hope.  They are in the AFC Championship game for a reason and were undefeated for a good portion of the year.  But as much as I hate Brady's nearly-pompous dropback and Belichick's self-gratifying hoodie pull, how the hell could they possibly screw up?  Brady is perfect in the playoffs, he can throw a football from a grassy knoll and through two human beings, without a scratch, while signing an autograph for Abraham Zapruder.

The second half started and I slowly started chanting "Fly Eagles Fly" for reasons that I even I can't explain to you.  I told myself repeatedly that I can never give up on this team.  I went through so many playoff disappointments though, that it just hurt to watch.  There was the 13-0 start last season, the 49-TD season two years back, the AFC Championship game where the Patriots were "ripe for the pickin'" and all of the losses predecessing that.  How can a team who's been so dominant in the regular season, not even MAKE a SB run in their decade or so of legacy.  It's mind-boggling but it goes to show you how different the playoffs are then the regular season. 

Then something miraculous happened.  Manning was calm, cool and collected in the pocket, WRs were getting open!  Addai and Rhodes, who for some reason has been a beast in the playoffs, were finding lanes to run in!  Nantz brought up the flu bug, which is a horrible thing to have and you have to give credit to Bruschi and the others for playing, and how fatigued one gets.  Almost methodically, Peyton just kept finding weaknesses in the Pats secondary (coughs: James Sanders :coughs) and as he barreled through for a QB sneak TD, I jumped for joy.  But here was the daunting task.  The Colts D had to contain the Patriots offense.  The most antagonizing thing is to see Brady check down all of his receivers and find Reche' Caldwell, of all people, wide open for a 25-yard gain.  But somehow, they did it.  My frustration was slowly turning into hope.  Then next thing I notice, Dan Klecko of all people, catches a 1-yard TD and Harrison gets the 2-point converstion to tie the game at 21!  That's when I thought, we are in for one of those, ESPN Classic games.  The ones that always dominate the more-important game (see Boise State vs. Oklahoma) and you remember more. 

Now, I'm going to bypass the rest of the quarter and go back to the "drive".  I will now mend an article I wrote specifically for the Colts drive (by the way, check out the site I write for http://coltsnews.com ) . 

They say that you can define yourself with just one big play, block, pass, run or drive. Peyton Manning may have just done that. Let's give you the Hollywood backdrop storyline that will be used when describing the 2007 AFC Championship game between the Colts and New England Patriots.

2:17

That time will go down in Colts history as their own version of "The Drive". Peyton Manning, coming off a thumb injury sustained about 5 minutes ago, slowly marches down the field. He takes a look at the formation the fatigued Patriots threw at him and calmly asks for the snap from Jeff Saturday. He looks across the middle, nothing is seen. Then he sees Reggie Wayne about 11 yards away and throws a pinpoint pass to him as Wayne drags his feet in-bounds. There is time left, but still a monument to pass through. Peyton Manning goes through a minor amount of gyrations and gets the snap, after a couple of seconds of anticipation he throws the ball out of bounds.

WAIT! He didn't throw the ball out of bounds, he threw it to 3rd-string TE Bryan Fletcher who is wide open on the sideline. Fletcher runs out-of-bounds and the Colts are in Patriots territory. Then, Manning gets the Colts back on the line of scrimmage, receives the snaps and hits Wayne on a short slant route that all-of-a-sudden breaks into a huge run! Wayne then gets hit by James Sanders and OH NO, THE BALL IS IN THE AIR! The ball gracefully falls into Wayne's hands and Colts fans heave a side of relief. Tony Romo, probably thinking that he may not go down as the biggest GOAT in the playoffs, cries as he bobbles the tissue used to blow his nose.

But as the Colts fans heartbeat considers returning to normal, a flag is on the play. I don't know about you, but I was thinking that Glenn decided to hold someone at an inopportune time. But I see Manning with a look of triumph on his face and the call is a Roughing the Passer call for an additional 15 yards! The Colts are now suddenly at the Patriots 12 yard line and past the two-minute warning! Then, methodically, the Colts eat away time, with a small run by Addai that gets them within the 10.

Now, the Colts fans, alumni and players (especially Addai) will remember this moment forever. In fact, I don't even want to repeat it, rather savor the memory. All you need to know is Addai runs up the middle for a TD and makes the score 38-34 with 1:00 left.

But apprehension is setting in. There is only a minute left but the Patriots have two timeouts left and oh by the way, Tom Brady at the helm. As Ellis Hobbs gets a marginal return, I'm receiving fleeting images of Ben Watson. I don't know why it was him, but I thought it was one of those weird thoughts you get before something unfortunate happens. As Jim Nantz and Phil Simms brag about the "clutch" drives of Brady and Belichick, I'm near heart-attack mode at age 15.

Brady calmly walks up to the shotgun and receives the snap, he drops back and sees Caldwell open and NO, he actually misses! Nantz remarks that Watson was supposed to pick up the route as Simms babbles on about one of his Spotlights. Anyway, Brady drops back and completes a pass to Daniel Graham to around the Colts 40. Still, as Brady lets time slowly tick away down to around :30 that they still have 60 yards to go. Then in Brady form, he finds the most random of all, Heath Evans, for a 12-yard gain and procedes to burn a timeout.

There is :25 seconds remaining. There is an awkward silence in the booth, as Brady drops back to pass and in a heartbeat, I see Marlin Jackson sliding with the BALL IN HIS HANDS!

I don't need to tell you about the kneel down but you are probably either reliving the game or celebrating and thinking only 9 more long days!

As Jim Irsay said, there's still ONE MORE GAME LEFT! No matter what the outcome is, how great was this? Think of the circumstances. Think of the 21-6 thumping in the first half. Is this storybook or do you believe in miracles? Cliche' yes, but I am proud to be a Colts fan!

Comments Appreciated.

http://www.nflfans.com/colts/

http://z14.invisionfree.com/Sports_Net/index.php

We've heard the same ole' story plenty of times before, in fact most infamously from former NBA player, Charles Barkley.  Barkley said "I'm not a role model" and the media went into a firestorm.  While Barkley has humbled down since his playing days ended, it appears all athletes are following his lead. 

Throughout the NFL, NBA, MLB and even the obscure sports such as swimming; we always hear of the latest DUI, DWI, taser incident or the possession of drugs that's currently the biggest issue in sports, after HGH. 

The latest incident is not an arrest but more of a statement.  Allen Iverson, point guard and All-Star for the Philadelphia 76ers, recently skipped a "mandatory" team function and will be "fined accordingly", from head coach Maurice Cheeks mouth.  Iverson has been through these incidents, including a 2001 arrest from gun charges and the famous "we talkin' 'bout practice!" press conference. Now, of course, we do not know the full story surronding this so we should be waiting to hear Iverson's statement but by judging the reaction of Cheeks, I'm not willing to bet this was from oral surgery complications.

What have we witnessed just these last few months for instance?  The "betting ring" that involved former NHL player Rick Tocchet as well as Wayne Gretzky's wife, Janet Jones (that was in my county).  The DUI arrest and season-long suspension of former Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings WR, Koren Robinson.  How about even taking this a step deeper and looking at the arrest of pitcher Ugueth Urbina, in Venezuela, for get this; allegedly slicing someone with a knife and pouring gasoline on him!  That's beyond barbaric, that's attempted murder!

Now, in my humble opinion, we can NOT expect all athletes to be great role models, or even sufficient ones at best.  They are not above the law, and it's at least satisfying to see them pay the consequences as well (some of the time) like the regular folk.  But, even if they are drunk or sober, should we at least expect some decent conduct in their spare time.  These guys are doing what some of us hope or used to hope, happen to us.  That is to get the opportunity to make a great salary doing something we love for a portion of the year!  But then we see the actions of the college levels that include the brawl between Miami and Florida International as well as Dartmouth and Holy Cross.  Also the many sagas of Marcus Vick and the infamous Duke LAX scandal (though I'm not certain on anything there). 

The point is, they do feel like they are either above the law or are average folk and should be treated as such when they do crimes such as this.  But is it wrong to expect some good out of today's world?  Why can't there be more athletes like Warrick Dunn, LaDainian Tomlinson, D-Wade, David Dellucci or Mike Richards? 

But I would guess that some of them have the same thought process:

"I'm Not a Role Model".

Comments Appreciated.