[jgalecpa]

Me too.

I didn't want to mention it when I started the thread, in case some one said I was piling on LA, when all I wanted to do was disseminate the news I found tucked away in a corner of a newspaper.

I think the shooting was reflective of the bad location, unfortunately.

I grew up about 2 miles from there and would never be in the area after dark except for a Skins game.

I think a lot of the folks here hit on the problem athletes face regarding holding on to their money after their career ends.

First they spend like CRAZY, keeping up appearances and supporting their friends who would suck them dry if possible.

Then when the spotlight is turned off, the restaurant business seems an attractive wasy to be out front and be glad-handing people.

But as posters can attest, it is one hard way to make a living.

I think if anyone wants to see the best model for how an athlete should handle themselves financially, look at Sugar Ray Leonard who was raised within 1 mile on Fedex field.

He hired a good lawyer as his financial manager (Mike Trainer) when people like Don King were ruling the other boxers.

He didn't live (too) ostentatiously and had a successful follow-on career doing announcing and commercials.

He's someone we can all emulate:

Live within your means today and save for tommorow.

J-Dawg