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That's one example of the sport itself stepping in, where the law might've just slapped him on the wrist.

We often complain about pampered athletes who are clueless about real life. But in these "community service" cases, it's not necessarily the athletes who are to blame, but a legal system that condones such lightweight "punishments" in the first place.

So here's my challenge to prosecutors, courts and judges: Show some backbone. Don't let expensive lawyers con you into approving such lame sentences. Make these athletes really do "community service" by doing something constructive not just for a community, but actually in it as well.

Hey, send 'em to me. I know of a local homeless shelter that could use the help.

Mark Moring, editor of Christianity Today Movies, doesn't really hate pro athletes. He actually likes a few of them—especially if they play for the Washington Redskins, the only pro team—in any sport—he gives a rip about.

Copyright © 2006 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Earlier Play Ball columns include:

Bowling Alone No More | A stealth revolution in attitude may be brewing. (May 4, 2006)

Sports as Soap Opera | Sportswriters seem to have forgotten their godly calling. By Mark Galli (April 27,2006)

'You Trying to Say Jesus Christ Can't Hit a Curveball?' | Fans vent their frustration on struggling slugger who professes religious devotion. By Collin Hansen (Apr., 20, 2006)

Un Problema Grande, No? | What major league baseball reveals about the dangers of immigration. By Mark Galli (Apr. 13, 2006)

WWJWD? | In the wake of UCLA's loss in Monday's NCAA championship game, I couldn't help but wonder: What would John Wooden do? By Mark Moring (April 6, 2006)

There IS Crying in Basketball | If only we all had something so precious to weep about. By Collin Hansen (March 30, 2006)

Pirates vs. Braves | Reforming sports one city at a time. By Mark Galli (March 23, 2006)

Bjorn Again? | It's been a while since tennis legend Bjorn Borg was in the news. Too bad he's back because he's selling his Wimbledon trophies. By Mark Moring (March 16, 2006)

Steroids 'R' Us | It's not just Barry Bonds's heart that is desperately wicked. By Mark Galli (Mar. 9, 2006)

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May (Web-only) 2006, Vol. 50