Keeping it really real, for real

So I’ve read this column about three times now, and I’ve wanted to write a post about it for a couple of days.

It’s by Page 2’s LZ Granderson and it deals with — you guessed it — the current NFL conduct scandals.

The premise of the piece is that people like Pacman Jones (left) and Mike Vick, who come from underprivileged areas, feel more of a responsibility to pull their friends out of the slums.

Granderson bases his theory on first-hand experience gained growing up in not-so-nice Detroit.

I’ve read it over and over because I can’t decide if it’s a valid argument. Are Pacman and Vick really feeling more of an obligation to pull their friends out than anyone else?

I’m not from a poor community by any means, but I have had friends who made bad decisions and probably aren’t where they imagined they would be at this point in life. But doesn’t everyone?

And, even if I was extremely wealthy and felt obligated to pull my friends out of trouble, would I really let myself sink back into the behavior that I tried so hard to escape? Honestly, I guess it’s an impossible question for anyone (me) who hasn’t come from that situation to answer.

But I do think for Vick to say, “I set up this dog fighting club out on my private land to get my friends out of the ghetto,” is a lame excuse.

Granderson closes with:

Either way, it’s hard being the one in the ocean with the life jacket while your friends are drowning all around you. . . .Especially when you know you started off on the same sinking boat not too long ago.

But if these guys tried so hard to escape their old lives, and feel such an obligation to pull their friends out, why do they always seem to end the same trouble-inducing situations? Who exactly is that helping?

De-nied

Three prominent players were going for milestones last night. Ironically, the man who came the closest was the only one not accused of steroid use.

Tom Glavine couldn’t have been much better in trying for his 300th career win.

The veteran gave up just 2 hits and 1 run in 6 innings, but his bullpen couldn’t finish the job.

It was a particularly tough night for the Mets, whose 5 relievers blew Glavine’s shot at history.

On top of it all, Geoff Jenkins’ walk-off home run in the 13th spoiled the mood at Shea completely.

Mets 2, Brewers 4: Bill Hall tied the game in the 8th with a double before Jenkins’ walk-off shot. Dave Bush got the win for the Brewers after pitching a scoreless 13th. The Cubs are kicking themselves after not taking advantage of their chance to grab first in the Central, as the Brew Crew remains 1 game up. The Mets still cling to first in the East.

White Sox 3, Yankees 16: The Yanks played home run derby against Jose Contreras and the Sox non-existent bullpen, going yard 8 times. A-Rod, looking for his 500th dinger, was one of the only Bombers who couldn’t get in on the fun. Even Shelley Duncan went long. The Yanks are 7  back, the Sox…don’t ask.

Giants 3, Dodgers 1: Barry, who is just embarassing himself now, continued to suck against the Dodgers (he’s now hitting under .150 against L.A.). Despite a string of poor individual performances from Bonds, the Giants won their fifth game in six tries. Brad Penny, who came into the game with a 13-1 record, took the loss. With the loss, the Diamondbacks took over first in the N.L. West.

More scores…