Eugene Robinson

To perform at their best, most athletes aim to obtain a good night's sleep, especially before competing in the Super Bowl. Eugene Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons adopted a different strategy, spending the night in jail following his arrest for soliciting a prostitute from an undercover police officer.

Robinson competed in Super Bowl XXXIII despite his arrest against the Denver Broncos. He ought to have stayed at home and watched it on TV. The two-time All-Pro safety performed appallingly as the defending AFC champions thumped them 34-19.

The Athletes in Action/Bart Starr Award, awarded each year to a player "who best displays excellent character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community," was recently given to Robinson, a fervent Christian. Later, he gave the prize back.