Out of Bounds

Jeff Benedict's "Out of Bounds" (Harper Collins) contains some biographies. They take the form of rap sheets. In three previous books, Benedict has catalogued the misbehavior and convictions of athletes in general and National Football League players in particular. Out of Bounds purports to demonstrate a thriving culture of "rape, violence, and crime" in the National Basketball Association, though most of the thugs and felons Benedict cites were arrested at least a couple of times before they turned pro.

Benedict undercuts his case by taking the NBA to task for distinguishing between arrest and conviction, and by suggesting that offensive tattoos provide evidence of criminal intent. Still, "Out of Bounds" makes the case that "the environment and the culture" of the National Basketball Association "encourage criminal behavior." All Benedict has to do is present the numbers, quote the players who acknowledge what they've done, and demonstrate that most of those who've engaged in drug use, domestic assault, rape and various other crimes have been escorted through the judicial system by expensive attorneys who will continue to serve them for as long as the players can play.