DUI- Dont drink and drive if you are Un-Impressive

Head to Head- Jared Allen vs. Cedric Benson

Jared Allen, then of the Chiefs, now of the Vikings was arrested for TWO DUIs in the span of one year. As a reward for his actions, Allen was given the largest salary for a defensive end from his new employer, the Minnesota Vikings. Sports commentators regard Allen as one of the top defensive ends in the league. His coach, Brad Childress offered his own praise:
"I think he is ready to have a positive influence on this team and on this organization, both on and off the field."

Cedric Benson of the Bears was recently arrested for a DUI, just several months after allegeldy boating while intoxicated (although there seems to be a strong suspicion that he was arrested for "boating while black"). While being a high draft pick for the Bears, Benson has largely disappointed as a professional running back. He was unable to beat out an over-hyped Thomas Jones and couldn't escape defensives last year despite being the full-time starter (in his defense the Bears OL couldn't block a defensive line of Michael Hayneses). Benson's GM, Jerry Anghelo had this to say about Benson, "Disappointment is too much an often-used word when we're talking about Cedric"

So why the large discrepancy between both DUI level players? The answer is obvious. We are willing to forget someone's terrible DUI record, his drug record, or even his death record (Didn't Leanord Little of the Rams kill a mother while driving while intoxicated?), if he can play ball. Jared Allen is an elite DE in this league. Benson would seem more adept at carrying groceries than a football. The media and the fans forgive greatness, we don't forgive mediocrity.

If Benson wants to overturn the public condemnation, his better bet is to start running the rock like Walter Payton than hiring the best lawyer in town. As a Bears fan its sad to say, but I would rather see Benson beat the Vikings defense than his DUI rap sheet. His forgiveness lies in yards gained in the football field and not in dollars given to his lawyer.