We've stayed away from the Brian Urlacher (Chicago Bear) - Tayna Robertson (girlfriend) court proceeding over custody of their two-year old son because we like to poke a little fun here and there's nothing funny about custody fights over children.  In brief, Urlacher contends Roberston isn't being cooperative in allowing him to spend time with the child.

The splashy news from all this has been some nasty text messages that Urlacher allegedly sent to the mother of his son using words to describe her and even the child in terms we can't repeat. He contends he doesn't remember sending them (Note: he did not deny it, he just can't quite recall).

Not surprisingly, the judge ordered both to take parenting classes before returning to court in September.  Roberston, who has her own odd history (she filed a multi-million dollar sex assault civil suit against dance entertainer Michael Flatley that was dismissed) voiced the opinion that Urlacher needs the sessions because he is "not a good role model."  Regardless of impressions about Roberston, Urlacher's actions appear less than exemplary.

And here's what gets me.  As we all know, Urlacher is about as highly promoted a player as the NFL has (save for Peyton Manning, Reggie Bush and a few others) and that implies he is being held out as a role model for kids -- by the league, by the team, by corporate sponsors.  Now when the reality of a person's life collides with the perception that's being sold, shouldn't we all get a little queasy?

Photo credit: Rick Scuteri/AP