George, it may be true the Blazer had more than their fair share in the past, as they had a GM who seemed to be consciously seeking out troublemakers. But for the past 2 or 3 years every time some player gets busted we hear the same tired joke of "trade him to Portland". But of course the point is that these players are all with OTHER teams, not Portland. I'd be quite willing to bet if you add up all transgressions by current roster Portland would be pretty far down the list.
About 10 years ago some idiot realized that Trail and Jail rhymes, called the team Jail Blazers and it keeps getting repeated. Sort of like Gore claiming to invent the internet; he didn't, but it has been repeated so much it's considered true.
There is also a question of perception. I've seen more negative publicity on ESPN when Zach Randolph got a traffic ticket than when the Timberwolves signed Eddie Griffin and Latrell Sprewell, both with a long list of serious transgressions.
Early this summer Darius Miles was on his way to a family member's high school graduation. In a clear case of racial profiling police stopped all cars in a neighborhood, including his, and searched all drivers and passengers. Nothing happened, he was not carrying drugs, guns or anything else. But I saw a week of "Jailblazer" headlines. The guy didn't do a damn thing wrong.
As far as Qyntel Woods and his dog allegations, actually he was a draft pick of the former GM. He was slated as a lotto pick but other teams shied away due to marijuana arrest and other issues so naturally Bob Whitsitt wanted him. Blazers current management realize they can't trade away every jerk all in one year. However, they did immediately suspend him and it is pretty damn certain he will never be seen in Blazer uni again.
Speaking of unis, a warm and fuzzy story:
http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian...46773156040.xml
