Rap Sheet

And to think, this is only Pee Wee!! What is this guy going to be like when his kid gets to high school (presuming he's out of jail by then)?

By the way, if you think football dads are bad try going to a travel youth hockey game like I've done for the past 12 years. I once saw a group of parents get into a brawl in the stands while all the kids stood on the ice and watched; talk about ironic!

Barbara,

As a metro-Detroiter turned metro-Philadelphian, I find the fatalism and cynicism of this post particularly offensive and generally counterproductive.

It bothers me immensely that the same people in the media and in the community who complain the most about a city's poor reputation are also the first with cynicism and sarcasm in commenting on these sorts of stories. Instead of treating this story as a freak occurrence in our community - which it is - or as a sign that the parenting of child athletes is out of control - which it is - you've chosen to dismiss it as commonplace.

That's just lazy. The story itself is ludicrous. It seems fairly easy to lampoon, particularly considering that football uses terminology such as the "Run and Shoot" and the "Shotgun" formation.

And as for an informed commentary about out-of-control sports parenting, a quick Google search would have given you more than enough information for a thoughtful reflection.

Instead, you chose to rely on stereotype and prejudice for a cheap and ineffective laugh. In doing so you managed to both miss an opportunity to bring a sense of depth and perspective to your readership and reinforce negative stereotypes about your own community and a community with similar issues.

As a journalist, you are ethically bound to make responsible, informed commentary. It's not easy. Try harder next time.