The NFL Rogue's Gallery

Skins players have avoided the rogue's gallery of 2006, which has been a horrible, if not record, year for NFL players being arrested. The Wa Post had a great summary of the year at the police station and courtroom for NFL players. Some teams, especially the Bengals, seem to be fielding a prison team. Kudos to the Redskins for avoiding this list.

What I find notable is that so many of the infractions are DWI-related. These guys make big money, so can't they afford taxis or hired cars? My solution to players: get a driver or pay for a taxi if you want to party.

Then they consort with pals who carry guns and they party at nightclubs where they are sure to bring attention. Jealous men in clubs who challenge you + friends with handguns = disaster. My solution to players: party in less scene-y places and make sure your friends aren't packing. You are not the President and don't need your own personal security force. You have an amazing house, so have a party there.

Lastly are the domestic violence cases. My solution to players: leave the game on the field and treat women with respect. If you lift a hand to them you will, and should be, thrown in jail.

With the money and ability to play for the NFL so compelling I wonder why these guys are so dumb, like the Bears' player who was arrested two years ago for a gun charge and when the cops checked out his house this year he had a complete unregistered arsenal there and is in big trouble again.