I have a couple things to discuss. There have been some extreme samples of poor judgment in the sports world recently (What else is new?). However, there’s the perceived instance of what particular folks making exceptional blunders is, and then there’s what the real problem actually IS. I know this may sound a bit confusing, but to illustrate my point I’m going to cite three different examples. By the time I’m done, I think everyone will be picking up what I’m putting down.

OK, first there was the semi-outrageous, but still slightly funny story about former New Jersey Nets and current San Antonio Spurs star Richard Jefferson calling off his wedding at almost the 11^th hour to a Nets cheerleader/dancer. There are rumors that it was so last minute, people actually started showing up for the ceremony that wasn’t happening. Now, this is by no means an ideal situation. It’s always best to know well ahead of time whether one wants to get married or not. Subsequently, Jefferson was grilled a little in the press. However, let’s think about this. What would have been the ultimate transgression here? I think it would have been entering into a loveless marriage when Jefferson knew he didn’t want any part of it. I actually give the guy some props for being a man and stepping up to admit he made a mistake, no matter how late it was. Therefore…

Perceived Indiscretion: Leaving a would-be bride at the altar.

Real Indiscretion: Getting married when it’s not the right move.

Can I have everyone's attention please? Leave them girls alone.

Next, there’s the tragic event surrounding the murder of former boxing champion Arturo Gatti. The lightweight and welterweight pugilist was found strangled in a Brazilian hotel room a few weeks back. His wife, Amanda Rodrigues, is being charged with first degree homicide since Gatti’s blood was found on her purse strap, and since there was reportedly no one else to come into the room but her. It’s alleged that Rodrigues just could not explain why she didn’t notice Gatti was dead with her in the room for ten hours before someone else found him. Now, here’s a little background: It’s also alleged that the Gatti/Rodrigues union was a tumultuous one, punctuated by numerous domestic disturbances. Now, even though I’m a minor Gatti fan (I think his three fights with Micky Ward are among the best in boxing history), I can’t condone hitting a lady, if he did. That’s just not right. However, I’m not sure he deserved to be killed for it. See, Gatti’s wife was a former stripper. Now, that’s not necessarily a judgment across the board. After all, I love strippers. However, I think most folks can admit that many strippers (not all) have issues, especially with men. Gatti had to know what he was getting into. I know that everyone has issues and problems, and that love is blind, but shouldn’t it at least be safe? Therefore…

Perceived Indiscretion: Killing of a boxing legend.

Real Indiscretion: Marrying a crazy stripper.

Finally, we come to everyone’s favorite dog-walker, Michael Vick. It has just

Hey, where's my rape stand at?

recently been announced that the former Atlanta Falcons QB will be allowed to play this season (on week 6) if he can find a job. Of course, for anyone who has only been standing in a corner and drooling from the mouth for the last couple of years, this is after serving time in prison for running an illegal dog-fighting ring. Now, while I think Vick’s crime was despicable, indefensible, and just downright strange for a pro athlete to be involved in, I have no problem with Vick trying to get a job playing football if that’s what he wants. After all, he has paid his debt. Here’s the real problem: Why does anyone care about what Vick is doing? This guy absolutely stinks at his position. Yeah, he’s fast…big deal. While I can foresee this K-9 specialist actually getting a job somewhere because there are so many terrible quarterbacks in the NFL (Can anyone see this dude in a Titans uniform? I can.), this is essentially a non-story to me. Does anyone out there care what Dan Orlovsky is up to today? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Therefore…

Perceived Indiscretion: Running an illegal dog-fighting ring.

Real Indiscretion: Michael Vick playing anywhere but the California Penal League.

I think I’ve proved my point here.