2008 Woodie Awards
Pilcher's Mound: A fat paycheck doesn't make you above the law
Erich Pilcher
Issue date: 4/26/07 Section: A&E
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"Professionalism is knowing how to do it, when to do it and doing it."- Frank Tyger
Currently in the world of sports there is a plague running rampant. This plague threatens the world of pro sports as we know it. It is called Athletes Gone Wild.
Some professional and college athletes feel they are above the law. They break the rules trying to get away with whatever they can all the while making themselves and their teams look bad. There is one pro athlete in particular that I would like to discuss.
Tennessee Titans Cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones was drafted in 2005 as the Titans sixth pick. Out of West Virginia University, Jones was highly touted as a premier shutdown corner with breathtaking speed and great hands.
Pacman earned his nickname for his knack for gobbling up footballs thrown in his general direction. However, this pacman could not avoid the yellow pellets of legal problems. It began in 2005 when he was arrested for felony vandalism and assault after a night club altercation.
Later in the year he was arrested for not making sufficient contact with his probation officer. In 2006 Jones once again ran into the law and was charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication. After that Jones was placed on probation for six months and advised to stay away from night clubs, advice he did not heed.
In 2006 after a game against the Oakland Raiders, Jones was accused of sucker punching fans. Jones' most recent run-in with the law occurred at this years' NBA All-Star game. At an adult entertainment club Jones was accused of striking an exotic dancer.
Jones threw $81,000 in one dollar bills in the air and became enraged when a dancer picked up the money. He then proceeded to grab her hair and slam her head on the stage. Later Jones and his entourage returned with one member carrying a gun. He proceeded to fire the gun, injuring two and paralyzing one.
Although Jones has not been formally indicted on any charges, NFL commissioner Roger Goddell suspended him for the entire 2007 season without pay. Many say this punishment was not justified. I say not only was it justified but it was long overdue.
One can hope that this will serve as a lesson to all pro athletes that these actions will not be tolerated. Pro athletes are role models and professionals. If you cannot handle the limelight then it is time to walk away, not act out in this destructive and irresponsible manner.
Currently in the world of sports there is a plague running rampant. This plague threatens the world of pro sports as we know it. It is called Athletes Gone Wild.
Some professional and college athletes feel they are above the law. They break the rules trying to get away with whatever they can all the while making themselves and their teams look bad. There is one pro athlete in particular that I would like to discuss.
Tennessee Titans Cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones was drafted in 2005 as the Titans sixth pick. Out of West Virginia University, Jones was highly touted as a premier shutdown corner with breathtaking speed and great hands.
Pacman earned his nickname for his knack for gobbling up footballs thrown in his general direction. However, this pacman could not avoid the yellow pellets of legal problems. It began in 2005 when he was arrested for felony vandalism and assault after a night club altercation.
Later in the year he was arrested for not making sufficient contact with his probation officer. In 2006 Jones once again ran into the law and was charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication. After that Jones was placed on probation for six months and advised to stay away from night clubs, advice he did not heed.
In 2006 after a game against the Oakland Raiders, Jones was accused of sucker punching fans. Jones' most recent run-in with the law occurred at this years' NBA All-Star game. At an adult entertainment club Jones was accused of striking an exotic dancer.
Jones threw $81,000 in one dollar bills in the air and became enraged when a dancer picked up the money. He then proceeded to grab her hair and slam her head on the stage. Later Jones and his entourage returned with one member carrying a gun. He proceeded to fire the gun, injuring two and paralyzing one.
Although Jones has not been formally indicted on any charges, NFL commissioner Roger Goddell suspended him for the entire 2007 season without pay. Many say this punishment was not justified. I say not only was it justified but it was long overdue.
One can hope that this will serve as a lesson to all pro athletes that these actions will not be tolerated. Pro athletes are role models and professionals. If you cannot handle the limelight then it is time to walk away, not act out in this destructive and irresponsible manner.
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