The Professional Athlete's Guide...

In light of what has happened to Steve Francis today and over the last year or so to Terrel Owens, Kurt Busch, Ron Artest, etc, I offer this guideline.

THE PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE'S GUIDE

1. Show up on time. Don't miss the plane, bus, bed check, practice, or the game.
2. If someone throws something at you, let security deal with it.
3. If the contract offered to you doesn't have enough zeros on it, don't sign it. Trying to renegotiate a contract one year into a three or four year deal is stupid.
4. If you are being sponsored by someone who is involved in a certain kind of business that has a downside to it...like...oh, I don't know...beer and drinking and driving...don't be out drinking and driving the night before a race or game.
5. Hitting the fans is never a good idea...even when they are assholes.
6. You are part of a TEAM...TEAM...remember that.
7. Your signature on the contract means that you need to go do your damned job.
8. Be nice. Sign an autograph for a kid.
9. Don't be an asshole.
10. In all instances, refer to #9.

When in doubt look to the examples set by Shaq, Yao Ming, Reggie White, Richard Petty, and Nolan Ryan.

Thank you. I hope this helps.