Answer: That big money often corrupts is an unfortunate truism. It is easy, however, to blame professionalism, but much more difficult to recognize that the attempt to get away with something sometimes starts at a very early age.

An opinion without noteworthy credentials is more often viewed as mere speculation. But when backed by innumerable newspaper stories, television commentaries and magazine articles, it achieves veracity.

The many stories validate that amateur athletes are often being taught at an early age that there are competitive advantages in the practice of getting away with something; that the more important thing is: Not to get caught.

This is just one of many such stories, but there was an article in the "Parade" section of the 8-6/8-7 Dunklin County Democrat that told the ridiculous antics of coaches and parents in their handling of small children in Little League baseball, and other organized sport's programs for very young people. Some of it bordered on lunacy.

The getting away with something syndrome seems to exacerbate the higher a youth rises in amateur sports.

Not all high schools, but too many have taken a big time approach to teenage varsity sports. They "red-shirt" athletes to get a more mature individual. Some big-timers have been known to find employment for and move entire families from one town to their town, all to capture a top athlete.

Worst of all, they sometimes graduate near illiterates to college -- where they remain near illiterate -- just to get the full playing time out of the student.

When has there been a college football, or basketball, season that has not been littered by two or three schools that have been caught in some violation of NCAA codes?

It is a drop in the bucket compared to years of such college violations, but the 8-4-5 edition of the Dunklin County Democrat ran a story from the Associated Press that Missouri merchants were being warned to stay away from Mizzou athletes. It seems there is a "suspicion" that gifts are being passed around.

This appears trivia, except that Missouri U. is already in trouble over sanctions levied against them by the NCAA over violations in their basketball program. The article insinuated that there is a need to be careful. To be careful about what? Not to get caught?

The sickening aspects of professional athletes acquiring a competitive edge with a pop in the arm is disgusting, and an insult to individuals who have managed to stay clean. But the attempt to get away with something doesn't come automatically with the signing of a professional contract. Many of them have seen too much in their early years. Now the big money is in their grasp, and they will apply what they have learned.

The Answer Man will appear on occasion in the Daily Dunklin Democrat, and will provide answers to various and sundry questions about local people, etc. Readers are invited to submit their queries to The Answer Man by e-mailing them to bhunt@dddnews.com.