Have you seen the front page of ESPN.com lately? The site reads like a court docket. The NFL, Michael Vick, and dog fighting. The MLB, Barry Bonds, and steroids. The NBA, Tim Donaghy, and gambling. The Tour De France, a plethora of bicyclists, and doping. I’d keep going, but I gather you get the point. So what the hell is going on? Do professional athletes believe they’re above the law, that they are too rich/powerful/smart to get caught? Are their egos, coupled with their “bling”, blinding them of their moral obligations to society? Well, whatever the reason, I say keep it up for ESPN’s sake.

ESPN, do I have an idea for you… Introducing a new cable television channel called “ESPN: The Slammer – where a squeeze play takes on a whole new meaning.” A cross between CourtTV, CNN and ESPN Classic, the channel would provide 24/7 coverage of athletes and their struggles with the law. Instant Classics would show footage of player’s on-field heroics or not (see Ron Artest vs. Piston Fans), followed by his or her off-field antics. The channel would offer shows like Cops: On Location – Paul Brown Stadium and Athletes Gone Wild: Assault and Battery. Like the certainty of death and taxes, the producers of “ESPN: The Slammer” would be guaranteed content day in, day out. According SportsIllustrated.com, in 2007 alone 18 players were arrested on charges ranging from felony coercion, soliciting prostitution, and battery, to drunk driving, weapons possession, and animal abuse. The content fodder grows as documented over at nbacriminals.com where they have cataloged 25 players and their altercations with the law. And when those story lines dry up, head over to fantasycriminal.com to check out an exhaustive list of criminal athletes. ESPN, act now! Don’t drop the ball on this opportunity! (No pun intended).

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