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When we can't even trust someone who just finished pummeling another human being into submission in a cage to celebrate victory in a dignified manner, have we lost our way as a society?

All right, perhaps Brock Lesnar isn't the best place to begin this discussion.

But with two of the sporting world's biggest stars, Tiger Woods and David Beckham, front and center in the debate, how pro athletes act is a topic much in the news. Rick Reilly devoted an entire column to suggesting Woods needs to clean up his act on the course, echoing tweets from British Open announcer Peter Jacobsen as the latter watched Woods throw fits with far more precision than he hit putts at Turnberry. And Beckham found himself ensnared in continued controversy in his return to MLS after allegedly challenging a heckler from his own team's fans to come down out of the stands.

When it comes to Woods, SportsNation voters are pretty clear in saying his on-course behavior isn't a big deal, even if he's more petulant than your typical pro golfer. But there is no such consensus on who is at fault when a war of words between heckler and athlete threatens to escalate into more, as in Beckham's incident.

• SportsNation blogger Michael23UNC takes up the case for Beckham, saying the Galaxy fans' harassment of Beckham was the worst showing by American fans since Disco Demolition Night.
• Another SportsNation regular, allikskat, isn't having any of it, suggesting instead that Beckham brought the abuse on himself and Landon Donovan had it right.
• As for Tiger, blogger DedaloRafael accomplishes a rare feat with a Thucydides reference in saying the problem has less to do with Tiger's actions on the course than his inaction off the course.
• Beyond the 'Nation: Gene Wojciechowski makes the case for Tiger's continued reign.

“

OH NO Beckham tried to start stuff with a fan who was talking smack. Lets make him look as bad as possible because we are the American press and hate soccer in general, especially anything European. How dare he defend himself from someone attacking him with hate. It seems like people still enjoy Ron Artest playing in the NBA right? Get over it. Some fan is jealous he can't play ball half is good as Beckham.

” -- STLPhan

“

is mls going to treat beckham like the nba treats its players when they confront fans?

” -- nspe33

“

Beckham is the man and deserves some respect from the Galaxy fan base. Very low class on there part....but hey, it's American Football (soccer for you Galaxy fans).

” -- kurtbougus