Which is worse?

As if the “Summer of Sin 2007” needed another story, the NFL has a new blunder to worry about; performance enhancers (namely Human Growth Hormone also known as HGH). Recently, New England Patriots’ safety Rodney Harrison and Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback coach Wade Wilson were suspended due to their involvement in an illegal internet drug operation that is currently being investigated by the Albany, New York District Attorney’s office.

Harrison is, some would say, the emotional leader on a strong New England defense, and it is hard to believe that the brash, hard-hitting, up-front safety would ever be involved in a drug case. However, in this day and age, it is not out of realism to expect ANY athlete to be doing something he or she should not be doing.

Ever since Commissioner Roger Goodell took over one year ago, he has demonstrated his heavy hand of discipline on the “evil-doers” of the NFL. Just ask Chris Henry and Adam “Pacman” Jones how friendly the Commissioner is regarding repeat criminal offenses. But it is a good point to raise, which is worse; the use of performance enhancing drugs (cheating) or the breaking of the law?

I’m not suggesting that either case is lighter than the other, but from a commissioner viewpoint where the integrity of your league is of dyer importance (right Commissioner Stern?), is it more important to focus heavy judgment on those that make fools of themselves off of the playing field, or should Mr. Goodell be focusing much of his “hammer-hitting” on these ever arising performance enhancing issues?

For example, San Diego Chargers DE Shawn Merriman tested positive for steroids, faced his 4 game suspension, came back to a monster year and is regarded by many as one of the best defensive players in the league. Almost as if he had never cheated. However, for troubled youth “Pacman” Jones, it’s not out of the question to think that he may not ever play again.

But which is worse?