I have a lot of vices: I sleep in late, I procrastinate, I go to Vegas too often (or not enough, if you ask me), etc etc.

But I can take solace, because at least I don’t engage in dogfighting, officiate basketball games to my liking, take steroids, take steroids, or… I don’t know… take steroids.



Yes, it’s a very strange time in sports right now. The NFL is on its heels trying to rebuild an image that makes pro wrestling look pristine, the NBA is facing the music after years of whispers, steroids are apparently everywhere, and Barry Bonds just keeps on plugging away while he fold our arms and huff.



The last few weeks of headlines have raised the issue of morality in sports – as if it ever existed in the first place. Black Sox, anyone? I can go on. Let us not forget that athletes have never exactly been clerics of purity.



Not to say that those who break rules should be given a pass – they should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law; though in L.A. County that means three days in jail and an ankle bracelet.



Again, it’s a very strange time. We could all use a laugh. Thankfully, we have the The Long Beach Armada of Los Angeles of California of North America including Barrow Alaska, who will be hosting the Michael Vick Dog Appreciation Day this Sunday in a 2pm game. I couldn’t make this up if I tried. The game will (honestly) feature the following:

- Free tickets to fans bringing Mike Vick t-shirts and/or jerseys
- Mike Vick t-shirts and jerseys to be used as pooper-scoopers
- Specially designated dog section for any ticket-holding fan to sit with his/her pooch



Sadly, the Mike Vick jersey bonfire had to be cancelled due to “logistic issues at Blair Field.”

Mature? No. But we need to laugh and have fun with sports, especially in light of recent events. We need to remember how much fun it is to sit in the grass and take in a game, or just simply enjoy the beauty of competition without wondering which player is going to be arrested next.



Let’s remember that these are just people who play a game, games that will exist with or without them. If they stop competing, the games will continue, and we’ll all continue to watch. These things are difficult to stomach, but they’ll pass. Scandals pass. And we’ll still watch. And play.