American Athletics in General

At this point i think the only conclusion you can come to is that athletes in America can do virtually anything without consequences.Break records thanks to doping? Sure, no problem, just look at baseball. People claim that Bonds is now a pariah...yeah, but the record is still his, isn't it? College athletes? Most recently it's been the Cam Newton saga, not only did he receive illegal benefits according to NCAA rules, but he was also involved in theft of a laptop that he PAINTED black to hide. No sanctions, no penalty and a guaranteed NFL payday. And now of course we have the OSU scandal. If reports are to be believed, virtually the entire program was involved in something that got players added benefits just for being on the squad.

So what is it in the American psyche that so idolizes athletes that we basically overlook all but the most heinous offense? I don't think we'll ever know.

You know who are the athletes that I respect? (not taking into account the ones that have a pristine record)

The ones that paid. The ones that broke the rules and paid for it.

Someone like Michael Vick. What he did was terrible, his excuses even worse (he didn't know it was happening in his own backyard?). But. He was convicted and did his time. He paid his due to society and has returned to the NFL in spectacular form. He deserves every cent he makes because of his skill. And don't misunderstand that I don't like athletes getting paid. They generally have a skill that most others don't and that will always command a high price. What I don't agree with is when they live above the law and the rules.Vick paid the price that the law dictated and now as far as I'm concerned he's clean.

Titletown Brewing Tour

Canadeo Gold
Think Spotted Cow.
400 Honey Ale
Sweet and tart.
Railyard Ale
I desperately wanted it to be good. Hopasaurus Rex See title. Johnny Blood Typical Irish red (unremarkable). Bride Out Stout Fantastically smooth and smoky. Ardennes Express Meh. Thought it'd be better. Addlepated Ale Sweeter than expected not as piney as I thought it would be. Northwestern Export Excellent. Sweet and crisp.