Just a few notes

Not having a computer for a few days can change your whole reality. I've watched the Mariners play baseball a few times this week. They don't suck. They're in contention for the AL West. They have a pretty good bullpen. J.J. Putz is scary good.

Watching baseball has led me to pay attention to some of the other sports news, as well. Professional wrestlers and professional football players are gradually becoming indistinguishable. Everybody accepts that pro wrestlers are juiced and the games are fixed, while pro football players also get busted for pot, drunk driving, and dog fighting.

I have always loved professional football; ever since I was a little kid watching the Raiders and Chiefs bench-clearing brawls twice every season. I've been a Seahawks fan since my Mom sent in an entry to name the team in 1974.

With that in mind, I'd like to send the following letter to the Commissioner of the NFL, but I won't. He'll have to find it here.

Dear Commissioner Goodell,

It doesn't make any difference how good a quarterback he is. It doesn't matter if he's guilty of actually promoting or participating in dog fights. If it is determined conclusively that Michael Vick's property was used for dog fighting, kick his butt out. Not suspended; done. If it's his property it's his responsibility what goes on there.

The same for any player that can't seem to act like a civilized human being for a few years while getting paid big bucks to play a game. DUIs, assault, prostitutes. Get them the hell out. It doesn't mean a rat's ass if they run a 3.5 40 in full pads. They're assholes who don't respect the game. Put them back on the street.

A player out behaving like a public jackass who says, "I'm not a role model" needs to be "not a professional athlete." Pro athletes who don't think they're role models are wrong. They only get to decide whether they are good or bad role models.

There are plenty of talented athletes out there in the world who would love to play professionally and would give the game its due.

That goes for baseball, too – and basketball, hockey, bowling, golf, and table tennis.

Thank you.

Rip Ragged

P.S. I assume, like everyone else, that Mike Vick is innocent until proven guilty. Pro football isn't the government, though. It's a business. Pro football should drop Mike Vick like a hot potato.

On an unrelated note. Apple stock is up again. Surprised?

Oops. Coffee's ready.