The American Spectator

p> GANGSTA BALL br> Re: Paul Beston’s Felon Ball : /p>

A group of friends and I were leaving a bar recently, when a young woman who said she worked for the local NBA franchise walked up and offered us free tickets to an upcoming game. To a man, we laughed and walked away.

Not one of us even considered her offer. Talking about it later, every single one of us indicated that our reaction would have been the same had we been offered NFL tickets, brand new $500M stadium or not. In fact, none of the group has ever been inside that new stadium, nor are we likely to be any time soon.

p>Why? The poor quality of play, and the hoodlum atmosphere surrounding the leagues, which choose to deny any responsibility. Personally, I’d like very much to see a few dozen lifetime expulsions from both leagues. I guarantee the gangster crap would stop. br> — Steve Junor br> Bellevue, Washington /p>

I strongly agree with what Paul Beston’s view about the element of criminality in two of the so-called “Big 3” sports in America. I have always found professional basketball nearly unwatchable, although more for “purity of the game”’ reasons (when was the last time you saw anyone called for traveling, palming or charging in the pros?), and while I still enjoy football (go Bears!) the increasing “thuggishness” is demeaning to the history of the game and a turn-off to fans.

May I suggest the NHL as a model of exemplary player behavior? True, there have been a few on-the-rink assaults (why Todd Bertuzzi wasn’t kicked out of the league is an unanswered question). But for the most part the players have a strong sense of right vs. wrong, and it is enforced largely by the veterans. In terms of major sports in America (and Canada) I put forth professional hockey players as inspiring role models and upright citizens.