It seems like every couple of days, when you pick up the sports section, you find an athlete in trouble with the law.

Recently there was the incident involving Indiana Pacers forward Shawne Williams, the former All-America candidate out of Memphis. He left school early and was a first-round draft pick. He was charged with marijuana possession in his car, and a few other traffic related violations. Prosecutors decided not to press charges on the possession, feeling there was not enough evidence that the marijuana belonged to him.

The Pacers sent a loud and clear message, suspending him for three games for using poor judgment.You know that Larry Bird, who runs the operations in Indiana, was not a happy camper when hearing of Williams' troubles.

Larry Legend was all about doing the right things. Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan all understood about responsibility to that uniform. They wore it with such great pride, and you wonder why some of the kids today simply don't get that.

Bird said the Williams situation would not be tolerated, and his organization took action swiftly. Just being involved in that kind of an element is unhealthy. It is not good for the game, and the Pacers organization has taken several hits in recent years with incidents involving Stephen Jackson, Jamaal Tinsley, etc.

When is this going to stop? Too many athletes are not accountable for their actions and indiscretions. It breaks your heart. I go out and speak to young people and tell them about making good decisions.

Let me tell you, young people look up to some of these players, and they end up disappointed. They see a star from the NBA or the major leagues, and some of these athletes have to learn about the right way to carry themselves as professionals and handling responsibility. Give me the Derek Jeters, Tim Duncans, Peyton Mannings and Grant Hills of the world, guys who understand what it is to be a superstar on and off the field.