One of the richest areas for producing extraordinary professional talent is failing to produce extraordinary citizens.

While this article may go over the top a bit, it’s a good illustration of why I can be proud of the 757.  Hailing from a small town positioned within the 757 area code, I have a special love for the region’s native professional athletes.

And we all thought Eazy-E was dead...

The Southern Virginia region – known for its rural landscapes and agriculture – has an athletic talent base that has proven to be the cream of the crop.  And while these talents have shined in the sport of their calling, they have left much to be desired when it comes to their ability to be model citizens.

For those of you unfamiliar with the products of the 757 area code, check out the list of the most polarizing personalities in sports:

Plaxico Burress – The 6’5″ talent from Norfolk, Virginia set the college landscape ablaze at Michigan State.  Thus far, Burress has split his pro career in Pittsburgh and New York – winning a Super Bowl with the latter.  But his success was short lived after shooting himself in the thigh at a New York nightclub with an unlicensed Glock pistol.  He’s now in the middle of a two-year prison sentence.

Allen Iverson – The miniature (don’t call me a point) guard led a revolution in the NBA.  The  cornrows, baggy clothes and blinging jewelry worn by every other NBA player in the late 90′s and early 2000′s trace back to the entry of the most dominant NBA player under 6’3″ in league history.  A.I.’s pinnacle was in 2001, when he won the MVP award and led the Sixers to the NBA Finals.  But Iverson’s disdain for all things ordinary (like practice), his past flirtation with the law, and his recent reluctance to reduce his stubbornness on the hardwood may leave him unemployed, and will certainly keep him from changing the perception of the fans.

Michael Vick – What more can we say about a man who owned and supplied the funding for a big-time dogfighting operation?  Oh…I guess we can say that he also killed several dogs, himself, in the process.  I can’t imagine what someone will have to do to unseat him as the top dog on the most hated lists for athletes.

And now, we have a new entry.

Merling got arrested for "illegal hands to the face" of his pregnant girlfriend.

Miami Dolphins defensive end Phillip Merling was arrested for battering his girlfriend.  Listening to the 911 call from his girlfriend, things aren’t looking to good for the Portsmouth, Virginia native.

Did I forget to mention that she was pregnant?

Even with the boatload of players grown in Hampton Roads, this may be the real reason that there’ll never be a franchise rooted in the 757.  Residents would be irate with the undeniable tax increase to support the ‘rehabilitation’ of their favorite players.  Any potential franchise would also have to keep reserves available to counterbalance the resulting suspensions and prison terms obtained by its players.

Here’s to hoping that one day I’ll be able to support my favorite players without defending them.

Hey – even a grown man can dream.

T Lamont is the owner, administrator and author of all content for Ball or Nuthin\'. Feel free to contact T Lamont with a question or comment at ballornuthin@gmail.com.  All created Ball or Nuthin' content is the sole property of T Lamont. Read more from this author