"In court papers filed today, defense attorneys say Pierce understands the consequences of his actions and is taking positive steps to deal with his problems. They also say Pierce's age and potential to play basketball at the professional level warrant a sentence without jail time."

Does that sentence not scream entitlement? WTF??? He has the potential to become a professional basketball player, so he shouldn't go to jail? He should have been kicked off the team the first time he was charged. I believe in rehabilitation, but Pierce got his second chance and he blew it. He knew what could have happened to his career the first time around. He should have cleaned up his act right then and there, gone into counseling to learn how to control himself, and go on his best behavior. Instead he tries to rape another girl and trashes her apartment.

They say that he has made "positive plans to straighten his life out." Do they really think that becoming a professional athlete is rehabilitive? Look at the Vikings scandal. The professional athletic field is just like a big frat. That's no environment for a man who has proven himself unable to learn the meaning of the word 'no'.

Pierce needs to take his punishment commeasurate to the degree of his actions, so that maybe he can finally learn his lesson. He can take his free education and do something constructive with it. Just stay away from professional athletics.