The Difference Between Adam 'Pacman' Jones and Willie Andrews? Talent

Willie Andrews will now have all kinds of time to pretend-shoot his fiancé. After being arrested for pointing a gun to the head of the future Ms. Andrews, the Patriots took the totally predictable step of releasing him. Obviously, buying illegal drugs is a much smarter career move. Or being something more than an easily replaceable fringe player.

On Tuesday, Josh Alper made the point that in the NFL, talent is always weighed against criminal activity, and yesterday, the Boston Globe's Bob Ryan wrote an entire column on the subject.

It's hardly surprising to learn that, despite the Al Saunders-playbook-length rap sheet, Dig Dug Jones can get another shot at redemption, but the NFL is all about winning and sometimes criminal activity takes a backseat to talent.

There's nothing new in all this. Seldom does honor trump pragmatism in the world of professional sports. Did I say "professional"? Make that sports, period. The late and truly great Abe Lemons was once asked why he didn't have a curfew for his Oklahoma City University basketball team. " 'Cause you always catch the wrong guys," he explained.

Ryan doesn't dispute that, if the allegations are true, Andrews should've been released, but he also realizes that if it had been any one of a dozen other Patriots, the outcome might've been different. "You'd be hearing a lot about how "we're gathering the facts," and how "the legal process has to play itself out." It's a little tougher call when you think you need that player."

The thing is, fans, media, front-office types, coaches -- we all know this. And we know that, for the most part, there are different standards for different players. Is it unfair? Yeah, sure. But I don't see it changing. As soon as a team released Mr. Pro Bowl Wide Receiver, five other teams will be lining up to sign him.

The only way this will ever be resolved is if Senator Arlen Specter launches an investigation and calls for tougher sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders.