Joe:  the linked article specifically said “Dukes, who was paid $500 for his appearance”

I blockquoted that part, I didn’t make it up myself. If you want to take issue with that assertion, take it up with ESPN.

I guess for me the issue was more that a major leaguer was accepting money to speak to little leaguers at a local event.  I understand appearnance fees and covering travel costs but this was at a local event so why does a little league need to pay a player to spend some time inspiring kids. 

Apparently my assumption that visits such as these or to the local hospital were just considered part of the gig when a professional athlete.  My intent was not to pick on Dukes specifically but to question why a major leaguer needs to accept money to spend a little time with some little leaguers. 

To me this type of visit qualifies as charity work and is done for free.  Maybe my definitions of charity and charity work are just different.

No offense taken Hank and I understand your point that there are lots of folks out there who are quick to criticize while ignoring their own shortcomings.  As for my commitment level for such work - it is probably higher than most folks but could still be better.  I suspect that if you ask the folks that know me the hypocrite label you are describing would not apply.

I really don’t think this should be a bid deal and we really shouldn’t be judging the guy based on this.  I highly doubt he called the Little League team on his own accord and said, “Hey guys!  I’ll sign autographs for 500 bucks!”  Most likely the team contacted him, asked if he would make an appearance and told him $500 was the standard offer, and he agreed to it.  Let’s not sit here and judge a guy for something this stupid.  I know Dukes has has a pretty ugly past, but he’s been pretty quiet for about a year now.  Give the guy a chance to live his life.  If he sends another threatening text message to his ex-wife, then we can talk about what a sleazy thing he did.  OK?