Pacman Jones: Just Call Me "Adam"

In his latest effort to improve his image now that he is a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Adam "Pacman" Jones is telling you, I and whoever else will listen what to call him these days. Like it makes a difference.

"There's really just a lot of negativity behind (the Pacman nickname)," Jones said. "It's just time for a change, man. I'm doing everything to make sure that I'm all right as a person, mentally and emotionally."

While that is all well and good for his brain, in reality what you call yourself couldn't matter any less. In fact, dropping a nickname after it is already established in the sports landscape is usually more of a negative change than a positive one...at least for Jones' portfolio.

Now I realize Jones worked in professional wrestling during last season but things don't work the same way in real life. You don't become a good guy just because you change your name from Rocky Maivia to The Rock or a bad guy because you go from Hulk Hogan to Hollywood Hogan.

You improve your image, career and legacy by BEING a good person. Making assurances that you are not around situations or people that could compromise your image, personality and actions. Making smart decisions starting with those that advise and surround you.

"Pacman" Jones was marketable. Adam Jones is nothing. Nobody even knows who he is because as far as the average fan is concerned, he's never exited. Jones may want to be like his new idol and mentor Deion Sanders (who coincidentally dropped the "Neon" after departing the NFL), but Adam is not as cool of a name as Deion is. Trust me, I know.

Stick with football, your coaches and teammates, your new mentor and improving your day-to-day life and associates. Stop worrying about trivial things like your name. Nobody else, including the media, your employer or your fans do. What they care about is you keeping your nose clean (literally and figureativley) and only "making it rain" on an American Indian reservation. And no, not a casino.