Do these photos justify being left unconscious and robbed?
No, but a lot is being made of and an unfounded rumor that Javon Walker was competing with Floyd Mayweather, Jr., in contest of who could buy the most champagne to waste.
And somehow that could lead to Walker being robbed and knocked out cold.
That would seem ridiculous don't we all know Money Mayweather would have more money than Walker?
There's also the coincidence in which the events leading to Denver cornerback Darrent Williams being shot and killed, dying in Walker's arms, started when champagne was being sprayed by people with Williams (receiver Brandon Marshall and his cousin) and hit patrons that didn't want champagne on them.
Should spraying champagne lead to someone being robbed, beaten or killed? No.
But here's what athletes forget. Flaunting your wealth usually isn't a good thing.
Say I'm Joe Clubhopper. I waited well over an hour to get into a club when some NFL player just gets to walk in.
I'm over to the side having a drink. I have a nice outfit on. Then said NFL player decides he wants to waste money by taking champagne I can't even afford to buy a glass of and spraying it on me.
Not only does this athlete get into the club before me. Not only does he get the VIP section where he's flashing his jewelry. Now he disrespects me by saying I'm so rich, I can take drinks that cost me thousands and waste them by spraying them on me.
Now I'm angry.
And people who have been drinking get angry, nothing good can come out of the situation.
A lot of athletes forget not everyone likes them. A lot of people resent them. And there are people looking for any reason to do something to them.
I'm sure the Raiders want Walker to be healthy, they also want all their players to do everything within reason to avoid being a victim.
That might start with pouring champagne in a glass, not on someone that didn't ask for it.
*I had a conversation with a spokesman from the Las Vegas Police Department who said there is nothing new at this time regarding Walker.
The investigation into the robbery that left Walker without cash, jewelry and a fractured orbital is still in its early stages.
There's been no confirmation from the Raiders, police or Walker's agent (who hasn't returned a call) as to the severity of Walker's injuries, though the Associated Press reported Walker might be released from the hospital today.
*Walker's fractured orbital has drawn comparison to the injury suffered by Marcus Williams in 2003 when Bill Romanowski hit him during a practice fight.
Until there's word from the Raiders (which might come tomorrow from Lane Kiffin during media availability) there's no reason to speculate Walker's career is over.
Williams never played after his injury.
--Jason Jones
@Nyx.CommentBody@