Baker sauced

Former NBA All-Star Vin Baker, whose 14-year career was marred by bouts of depression and alcoholism, was charged early Tuesday with drunken driving after leaving a casino. The 35-year-old Baker was spotted driving erratically after leaving Foxwoods Resort Casino, according to a state police report. He failed a sobriety test and was charged with driving while impaired.

Baker's alcoholism forced the Boston Celtics to cut him midway through the 2003-04 season. He later admitted drinking in his hotel room after playing poorly and showing up to practice with alcohol on his breath.

Vin Baker should learn that just because you are a fat, drunk gambler, it is no reason to model your retirement after Cecil Fielder. Sure losing all of your cash and making a public fool of yourself does sound glamorous, but you still need a safety net in place during your free fall. And by safety net I mean a son playing pro-ball who will let you crash on his sleeper-sofa. And feed you scraps under the table.