Talent vs. Character

Recently, the New York Jets traded draft picks with the San Diego Chargers for their extremely talented cornerback, Antonio Cromartie. One of the reasons San Diego parted ways with Cromartie was because of his off-the-field issues.
In case you hadn't heard, let me refresh your memory. He has, get this, seven children from six different women in five different states. I don't think I've BEEN to five different states in my life. This guy has planted his seed in five. Not to mention, he's only 25 years old. And currently, he's been named in five paternity suits in the past two years. In short, he's denying at least five of his children. Classy.
When the Jets acquired Cromartie, they fronted him $500,000 to take care of said suits.
So the question remains, would you sacrifice the the "character" of your team in an effort to improve on the field? Now granted, Cromartie did not commit a crime (yet) and isn't exactly a bad guy. He's just stupid. But where do you draw the line as to who you will get to acquire talent?
Listening to sports talk radio in New York, it seems that Jet fans are split 50-50 regarding the trade. On the one hand, some believe that getting Cromartie vastly improves the Jets secondary and he bookends nicely with All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis (no children). Although they don't condone his behavior, talent is talent and it shouldn't be a problem if it doesn't affect his performance.
The opposition feels much differently. They feel that the Jets are a class organization and bringing on Cromartie compromises the character of the franchise and his talent does not make up for that.
Each side makes fine points. But personally, I agree with the former. Look, it's clear that Mr. Cromartie has a vendetta against all types of birth control and has become the deadbeat dad version of Johnny Appleseed, but many have done far worse. The Jets acquired him to cover wide receivers, not mentor inner-city kids. It's not as if his children take up seven more roster spots.
People need to stop acting holier-than-thou when it comes to their favorite teams. In the end, Cromartie is just an idiot. Someone who didn't think past his dick's needs. But just remember this, if he picks off Tom Brady in Week Whatever to win the game, all will be forgiven. Fans care about wins. Not character.
Wide Left! It’s Short! Wide Right!

Shayne Graham and Nate Kaeding have a lot in common. Good times for us Jet fans.
Headlines

Yankees take lead early, sweep Orioles
I'm the type of fan who is never satisfied. The Yankees are on a 9-game winning streak. They are playing the best baseball I have seen in over two years. The offense is clicking, the starting pitching is stellar, and even the bullpen couldn't blow the game yesterday. Yet, if they lose tonight, I'll piss and moan and curse them for being "typical". It's a short-sightedness I have to deal with on a daily basis. I want and expect the Yankees to go 162-0 and sweep through the playoffs. I expect them to have a ticker-tape parade every October. I expect them to fulfill MY sports needs. And right now, they are doing it. But I am dreading the day when the offense sputters and they lose a few games in a row. I'll pace in my basement, curse at the TV, toss and turn in my bed and refuse to eat until they win (Well, not really). Bottomline: Don't lose!
Denver steal one from Lakers, series tied 1-1
I remember when I played basketball for the Police Athletic League (PAL) when I was 11 years old. The team consisted of me and a lot of my friends from school. We all had a great time. Of the three years I played in the league, there was one memory that sticks out the most. And that was how bad the officiating was. Even at the tender age of 11 I was able to differentiate between good officiating and bad officiating. There were times I would be called for fouls when I was on the other side of the court. Last night reminded me of PAL. It is kind of amazing how there are individuals who are paid (rather well) to essentially be invisible on the court and inevitably become the center of attention. They are like reporters who want to become the story rather than report it. Of the four major sports, basketball has the most controversial of officiating. I understand that it is the fastest moving and doesn't allow borderline assault like hockey does, but something needs to be done to fix this problem. Players should decide games, not Bennett Salvatore.
Former Chargers quarterback Ryan Leaf indicted on drug and burglary charges
Can you believe this guy is 33 years old?! He has got to be the oldest 33 year old of all time. Since he was drafted in 1998 by the San Diego Chargers, he has periodically been in the news, and it's all for the wrong reasons. He was arguably the biggest bust in NFL history and was compared to Peyton Manning coming out of college. In fact, the Indianapolis Colts mused on actually taking Leaf number 1 in the draft. Entire Colts fan base wipes brow. Whew! Imagine if they did? No Peyton Manning. Probably no Marvin Harrison. No 2006 Super Bowl. Just a bust who couldn't handle the pressure. Say, I wonder what Vince Young is up to.
NFL Divisional Playoffs
I am going to keep my picks short and sweet. Everything that needs to be said about these games has already been said, heard, criticized, and reworded. Should be a fun weekend of sitting, watching, eating, more sitting, yelling at the TV, yelling at family members for standing in front of the TV, more eating, occasional napping, and maybe some eating.
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