Apparently, I spoke too soon when I talked about sports figures in unenviable positions in my column earlier this week.

I guess there are just a myriad of people who are more unfortunate or have a stronger itch to make asses of themselves.

Sometimes, you know, it’s just too easy. But I promise I’ll play nice …

I’ll try my best, at least.

4. Mike Nifong – Whew, gonna be a long year for this man.

The Durham, N.C., district attorney that made it his personal mission to convict three Duke lacrosse players accused of raping a stripper last year now faces charges regarding his ethics and job execution. And the charges against those players have been dropped.

I realize this is hindsight, but it was hard not to be a little bit suspicious looking at how eagerly Nifong jumped on this case when it first broke.

But I guess that’s how it goes when you’re trying to rack up prosecution numbers in rural North Carolina.

3. Adam “Pacman” Jones – His publicist got a mention as “List-worthy” earlier this week, but it’s only right that Jones receive a full-fledged spot.

New NFL commissioner Roger Goodell slammed the hammer down when he suspended the Titans cornerback for the 2007 season and Bengals receiver Chris Henry for eight games. Jones has been or currently is involved in several police investigations, and Henry has been suspened multiple times because of violations of the league’s substance abuse policy.

Note to all future pro athletes: Guns, drugs and entourages don’t mix.

Guns, drugs, entourages and millions of dollars – even worse.

2. Greg Oden – Now that Texas forward Kevin Durant has declared he will enter the NBA draft, the dredge of speculation is being pulled over the comparably talented Ohio State center.

Hmmm. Decisions, decisions.

Of course, Oden could end all the talk and tell the world that a four-year degree comes before guaranteed millions and a shoe deal.

Pause …

When it’s confirmed that I’ve died of laughter, please send flowers and cards care of The Selma Times-Journal newsroom.

1. Don Imus – I wasn’t really going to touch this one, but there doesn’t seem to be a journalist in America that can ignore the fact that Imus called the Rutgers women’s basketball team a bunch of “nappy headed hoes” in his national radio show.

This story has it all – a nationally broadcast speaking blunder, public apologies, calls for resignation, and a proposed reconciliation behind closed doors.

It’s just like watching a day in the life of George W. Bush.

George L. Jones is sports editor of The Selma Times-Journal. He can be reached at (334) 410-1744 or .