This commentary was on packerenews.com and the sport pages of the Green Bay Press-Gazette on june 27,2007. Commentary by Sports editor of The Green Bay Press-Gazette Mike Vandermause and article was entitled "Barnett should've walked away"
"Nick Barnett should have known better.
TheGreen Bay Packers linebacker was arrested last week following an altercation at an Appleton nightclub, and Outagamie County district attorney Carrie Schneider is expected to decide soon whether to formally charge the Packers' linebacker.
The incident appears relatively minor, as far as barroom misbehavior goes. Barnett was arrested on a misdemeanor battery offense for allegedly shoving a woman.
There is no excuse or justification for Barnett's alleged actions. However, it should be noted some bar patrons treated Barnett rudely, according to nightclub owner Kathie Peotter. One woman threw a drink at Barnett, and another fan grabbed Barnett's arm and asked for an autograph.
Beyond proving that nothing good happens to a professional athlete at a bar at 2 in the morning, the incident shows Barnett has a lot to learn.
As the Packers' starting middle linebacker for the past four years, Barnett has established himself as a leader of the defense. His efforts were rewarded when the Packers signed Barnett to a six-year, $35 million contract extension in April.
But with fame and fortune come responsibility, and it's high time Barnett, 26, begins acting like a leader off the field.
If Barnett can't handle himself in an acceptable manner in street clothes, then his considerable efforts in uniform will be rendered meaningless.
No one is saying Barnett has to be a choirboy. But a minimum standard of acceptable behavior would be to keep his name off the police blotter.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is cracking down on players who wind up on the wrong side of the law, and Barnett could face a suspension. Barnett has to know his off-field behavior has consequences that can adversely affect his teammates.
Barnett and other pro athletes deserve some sympathy when it comes to dealing with obnoxious people, particularly in a bar. Players should be allowed to spend a night out on the town without being hassled by belligerent fans.
However, Barnett's experience as a nightclub owner in Green Bay should have taught him knuckleheads inevitably will surface. What Barnett hasn't learned is how to respond to bad behavior.
A prominent football player simply must walk away from potential trouble.
An early-morning nightclub confrontation is no place to prove your toughness or defend your honor. Barnett has ample opportunities to do that every week during the season.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy said he has stressed to his players the importance of avoiding problems in public places.
"(This is) part of the lifestyle of being an NFL football player, and they've got to be smart out there," McCarthy said. "First of all, you need to avoid that type of environment, and when you're in that type of situation, you need to defuse it. We'll continue to talk about those things with our football team."
It's apparent Barnett didn't get the message, either from Goodell or McCarthy.
A suspension would be harsh, considering the circumstances. But maybe that's what it will take for Barnett to learn a hard lesson.
Mike Vandermause is sports editor of the Press-Gazette.
