Ben Gordon's act is well known, but that's not to say people want to see it.

 

That includes the entire Charlotte Bobcats organization, but I disagree.

 

It's too easy these days for a malcontent to get traded as a consequence of his behavior. To me, that's giving a spoiled brat what he really wants. Instead, I contend that the sports world should imitate the real world: tell him to suck it up, stick it out, or get fired.

 

I'm all for guaranteed contracts covering injured or waived players, but temper tantrums are an entirely different matter.

 

Gordon is lucky enough that he's living a charmed life, compliments of the NBA. He's better than the dog he's been for the Bobcats this season. With what he's being paid -- an astounding $12.4 million this season and $13.2 million in 2013-14 -- he should be wearing a mask! And he's upset? Give me a break!

 

Nobody likes to play on a losing team, but this is a professional league and the players should act like it. Disrespecting the organization that pays them is no way to win friends or influence other teams. Instead, how about trying to raise your game, be a leader to the younger players, and showing a bit of class during trying times? If nothing else, it would certainly increase your trade value.

 

Like it or not, athletes are role models. Gordon's behavior flashes hints to children that bad behavior can be rewarded. I don't think that translates well to the real world, and I'd hope players like Gordon would take a moment to realize that!

 

The NBA wasn't always the wildy popular league that it is today. Check out the years before Magic and Bird arrived on the scene. Players' reputations were not good, to put it charitably. It was so bad that the Finals were tape delayed until after the late-night news!

 

Competition for the sports dollar is tough these days and getting tougher. The NBA is no more entitled to a 'fair share' than any other league. Tolerating bad behavior must be curbed. Yes, the Players' Association has built a protective bubble around its members, but even it should realize that the golden goose is only laying gold-plated eggs these days. They're more fragile than they look.

 

If players like Gordon don't want to do their job in a responsible manner, then it's time for the league to explore meaningful alternatives.