They’re Not All Bad Guys

Let’s add The New England Patriots, and specifically their coach Bill Belichick, to the rapidly expanding list of cheaters/criminals in major sports. By the end of the week we should know the punishment they will receive for videotaping the New York Jets’ defensive coaching staff sending in their signals during last week’s game.

Checking the scorecard we show….

NFL Quarterback Michael Vick plea bargains to felony charges related to dog-fighting.

NBA referee Tim Donaghy plea bargains to felony conspiracy charges related to illegal betting on basketball.

Current and former MLB players suspected of steroid abuse include Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmiero, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco, Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield and Ken Caminiti (deceased).

Like all celebrities, athletes should not be considered inherently ethical, moral, generous, or even good sports. The fact that they make more in a year then most of us will in a lifetime actually makes them more susceptible to the vices that Joe Lunchbucket can’t afford.

I’d much rather focus my attention on the “good guys” like, like….. ummm… ahhhh… hmmmmm, well I can think of one at least…Poker player Barry Greenstein. That’s right, a poker player. Here’s a guy that pays his way into tournaments, risks his own money and then, gives all his winnings to charity!

Just consider that for a moment. The guy DONATES 100% OF HIS TOURNAMENT WINNINGS to charity! And that total is in the millions.

Quiet and unassuming, Barry is the epitome of a guy under control, playing in a game that tests the tilt factor of every player. Most can’t stand the heat or the bad beats.

And to my knowledge he’s never been caught… taking steroids, making illegal bets on dog-fighting, obtaining inside info from NBA refs, or videotaping Phil Helmuth from the rail.

shuffle up and deal…….                             

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