I was reading a USA Today today. I didn't buy it (my old journalism teacher called it a "McPaper"). They always have a stack of them at the Macaroni Grill. I took one as I was leaving.

There was a story in the sports section of a big name golfer (Tripp something). He was charged in Orlando with killing a hawk with a golf shot.

Gee...I always thought it would be impressive to get a hole in one. Or, to at least make it by the windmill. That thing is tough. But hitting a bird...

He said that as soon as it happened, he was sad, upset, and mortified. The problem though? He was filming a video segment for his TV show. The red-shouldered hawk, which is protected, began making noise, forcing take after take. He started htting balls at the bird, which was 300 yards away.

When the hawk moved closer (only 75 yards now), he took a few more shots. One came close, and a writer said Tripp expressed excitement at almost hitting it.

When he finally did, the bird fell to the ground, bleeding from both nostrils.

Tripp went on to explain he loves animals (that line is like "some of my best friends are black"). He also talked about his adopting three cats from a shelter.

This reminded me of former Padre (now working in the Padres office), Dave Winfield. When he played with the Yankees, a bird flew overheard. He threw a baseball at it. It fell to the ground, shocking the crowd in the stands watching.

Nothing compares, though, to the video footage of Randy Johnson, the 6'10" pitcher, who throws one of the fastest pitches in baseball (over 90 miles per hour). A bird flew into his path during a game. It looked like a feather bomb went off. Youtube it.

Tripp is looking at being charged with cruely to animals and killing a migratory bird, and facing 14 months in jail. The PGA Tour isn't commenting, but with such a wrath that came down on Michael Vick, it won't look good if they don't take this seriously.

No animals were harmed in the writing of this blog.