Benson too clueless to even take advantage of 2nd chance

The only one who didn't see this coming was Cedric Benson -- and he might have, too, had he just opened his eyes.

After the controversial early May boating arrest, Bears general manager Jerry Angelo supported Benson, and, furthermore, gave him every opportunity to save his job.

But Angelo also made it clear that the surgically-repaired running back should have never put himself "in a position to be the victim."

What Benson should have been was grateful for even half-hearted support from management, when nearly everyone in Chicago outside a single public relations mission viewed Benson as a bust, and lazy on top of it.

But Benson couldn't believe Angelo had the audacity to wonder what Benson was doing in his free time after Angelo spent $20 million and a No. 4 pick on him a couple years ago.

"He'd have to explain to me how I put myself in a situation to be a victim," Benson said. "I was just enjoying myself, doing my own thing.''

So Benson continued to tempt fate, and the law, proving he had the right to do whatever he pleased.

And now he'll have plenty of free time for all he desires.

Unless another team is foolish enough to pick him up -- as foolish as the Bears were when they drafted him.

Still, this regime has been known to give offenders third, fourth and fifth chances if those arrested can help the club, so let's not kid ourselves about where Cedric Benson would be today if he were a healthy, respected and productive running back for the Chicago Bears.

He'd be in Lake Forest and Lovie Smith would be talking about how Benson is a valued member of their family.

That's the only moral of this story.

Out of a hat?

It's official: John Paxson has resorted to throwing darts.

The Bulls GM actually caught a break when Doug Collins backed out of what was certain to be a disastrous rerun as Bulls head coach.

But now with the hiring of Vinny Del Negro, who couldn't draw serious interest from his own team in Phoenix, it's apparent Paxson has gone off the deep end.

And maybe that's worth a try.

At least Del Negro isn't a retread, recycling his own failed playbook, and perhaps he'll bring something fresh to the table, with an open mind and an ability to recharge players' batteries.

Let's hope so.

After all, if you're keeping score at home, in the last year Paxson has attempted to hire Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Mike D'Antoni and Doug Collins.

That's 0-for-5, no matter how you spin it.

On the other hand, sometimes it's better to be lucky than good, and Paxson hasn't been much of either that anyone can remember.

Maybe this time, with the hiring of a new coach, he'll be both.

Ozzie scores again

So, where's all the fire Ozzie Guillen nonsense today?

For the umpteenth time, he has distracted the fans, media and his own players just long enough for the latter to begin hitting again, and since his outburst in Tampa that sent the screamers scurrying for cover under falling skies, the White Sox are 7-0.

Now, Guillen is not foolish enough to believe his team performs because he makes news, but he's quite smart enough to know when his players need a break from questions about their own performance, and how to give them a few days to answer questions about "Crazy Ozzie'' instead.

Guillen sometimes fires too high and misses, and sometimes the trouble he creates negates the effect he seeks, but his track record on this has been very good over the years, and fairly predictable.

As is the reaction of those who just don't seem to get it.

A little relief

Everyone's got advice for GM Jim Hendry on how he should improve the Cubs' rotation and their offense, but don't be shocked if Hendry looks to help out his late relievers.

If they continue at this pace, Kerry Wood and Carlos Marmol will be exhausted and into the mid-80s in appearances by October, the only month that's going to matter this year.

Runnin' on empty

The reality of Big Brown is that seeing 2-to-5 horses win Triple Crown races does nothing for those who actually support the sport.

What's good for local racing around the country is better purses, full fields, thick prices, and a bigger quantity of quality-bred horses.

If the game wants to survive, it needs more of that than it does more publicity for one horse with dubious training techniques from a classless trainer and questionable owner.

Best lesson

Trainer Nick Zito, who won the Belmont with Da' Tara, on the trash-talking by Big Brown trainer Rick Dutrow: "If I could tell him one thing, I'd say don't talk about others' horses. Say something about me or some other trainer, but don't say anything about the other horses, because that will get you in trouble."

Best game in town

The Wolves return home for Game 6 of the Calder Cup Finals when they host Wilkes-Barre/Scranton at the Allstate Arena tonight, with an opportunity to clinch their fourth league championship and second Calder Cup in the last 10 years (7 p.m., Comcast Channel 100).

For ticket info, visit chicagowolves.com.

Best quote

Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez, on the nine lives of the Braves' John Smoltz: "It wouldn't surprise me if he came back as a left-handed pitcher.''

Best headline

Sportspickle.com: "Pistons interviewing coaching tenors in their search for a new voice.''

And finally ...

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy to Fox Sports Net, on playing golf with John Smoltz: "First time we ever play, I hit it 200 yards, but it's straight and I can see it. I'm thrilled. He steps up and hits it 340. We're walking back to the cart and he says, 'Did you hear they're going to build a new mall out here?' I said, 'No, I hadn't heard that. Where are they going to build it?' He said, 'Somewhere between your ball and my ball.' ''