Sports build character, you know. You have heard the mantra. What the American obsession with sports does is single out very gifted young men at and early age for privilege, money,and power. These young men are spoiled and coddled, rules don't apply to them, and their crimes and misdemeanors are covered up, for the sake of fame and money. It begins in grade school, continues through high school, intensifies in the high profile colleges, and blazes white hot for the few who make it to the pro's. The machine runs, and everyone knows how it runs, but everyone plays the pimp and gets his share of the money. It is a national scandal. The whole system from the top of the head to the soles of the feet is wounded and bruised. These young men are treated like gods, and it is no wonder that they think they can punch fans, choke coaches, assault old men, and spit in their oppenent's faces. I have always enjoyed sports, but I am getting turned off of the NBA in particular. The coaches and schools tolerate such because they pimp for the athletes, slap them on the wrist [in the name of redeeming them, of course. Or perhaps they "do not want to punish their teammates" who will miss the gifted athlete. Or__________] The fans excuse their own teams, of course, because they are fans, afterall, and behavior that they would not allow in their front yard or churches is excused on the playing field of their respective idolatries. Click on the following link:

Inside the NBA: Author Says Sex Assault Common: "Every year an estimated 250 professional athletes appear in American courts charged with crimes ranging from possession of marijuana to murder. Some 100 athletes per year -- both college and pro -- face charges of violence against women, according to the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports. The Portland Trailblazers of the NBA have even earned the unfortunate nickname of the Portland 'Jailblazers.'"