A few U.S. players from the 2009 A&G National Pride insert set:
Reportedly tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. His only statement (other than the automatically dismissed "official statement") is that the result is "BS."
Admitted to steroid use after previously denying it.
Reportedly drank beer and ate fried chicken in the clubhouse during games. Also reportedly filed for divorce from his wife who is battling breast cancer.
His near nude photos sent to his girlfriend were publicized when her email account was hacked.
His relapse resulted in the publication of photos in which he is seen licking whipped cream off the body of young woman who is not his wife.
Owned an assault rifle. It was stolen.
Dropped an f-bomb in front of an enormous crowd of people and a large television audience.
Known for his volatile temper tantrums, over-the-top celebrations, and rift with his father.
Arrested for DUI.
Had an 18-month affair with a Hooters waitress.
Fortunately, I wasn't able to find much on these nine players, although there is lots of rumor about the guy in the middle on the top row.
So ...
There are a few ways you can take this.
You can say some of it wasn't their fault.
You can say it's no big deal. It's people who are young and famous just being young and famous.
You can say players did this stuff 50 years ago, it just wasn't publicized.
You can say it's the product of our current obsession with information and celebrity.
You can say it's what happens when people get rich and famous. They're not like us.
You can say it's a high-profile symptom of our increasingly crass culture.
You can say it's a combination of all of the above.
I just know one thing.
None of it says "National Pride" to me.
It also makes me do things like this.
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