Randy, I’ve got a new ratio for you:

Take the number of misdemeanor charges filed against you (2), divide by the number of touchdown passes dropped in a nationally-televised game (2), and you’ve had one helluva bad week.

As if he hadn’t created enough controversy surrounding his persona with his past arrests and the “play when I wanna play” declaration of 2001, Randy Moss made headlines again this past week.

How? Well, Mr. Moss decided to use his car to nudge a Minneapolis traffic officer down a city street, finally knocking her over, though she was unhurt. To make things worse, after his arrest for the traffic incident, it was reported that a small quantity of marijuana was found in his vehicle.

In response to all this turmoil, America’s sporting public, sick and tired of spoiled athletes, demanded punishment. Yet none came. Moss was allowed to play on Sunday, and the charges against him, originally felony counts, were reduced to misdemeanors.

A travesty, yes?

No.

Despite everything he’s done, the Vikings and the NFL made the right decision allowing Randy Moss to play. Moss had the right to play because like every American, despite the overwhelming evidence against him, he is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. In today’s skeptical sports environment fans tend to forget that. Though he already may have been convicted in their minds, Moss has every right to post bail and try to resume a normal life. The NFL, though within their rights to suspend Moss from play, respects that, and will allow him to participate in league play until he is convicted of wrongdoing.

Once his guilt or innocence is ascertained, they have another decision to make (a la Ray Lewis). But that’s a whole different bag of worms.

All legal issues aside, there is no question this is Moss’ last chance. He must win back both the fans and the NFL, who are losing patience with him despite his superstar potential. If he wants them back, Moss must not only stay clean off the field, he must give his all on it. For fans of the Vikings, I believe the latter issue is even more of a concern than the former.

With his physical gifts, Moss could become one of the greatest players ever. In his rookie season, he was unbelievable. Motivated to show up the teams that had passed him up in the draft, Moss took the league by storm. Since then, his effort has clearly sagged. On Sunday, in the midst of all the media scrutiny surrounding him, Moss dropped two easy touchdown passes and proceeded to blame his quarterback, Daunte Culpepper. As a result, Moss only compounded the negative scrutiny hanging above his head. If he is to ever escape the hole he has dug for himself, he must start by performing between the lines, and, most importantly, help the Vikings win. Unless he can do that, Randy’s ratio will continue to sink into the red.

Week 4 Highlights:

San Diego 21, New England 14 — In 2001, a 1-3 Patriots team with a young, new QB by the name of Tom Brady pulled out a 29-26 victory over the surprising Chargers. It would be the turning point in the season for the Pats, who would lose only twice more the entire year. New England fans better hope that this year’s Patriots-Chargers contest is nothing of the sort. LaDanian Tomlinson rushed for 217 yards as Marty Schottenheimer’s Bolts improved to 4-0 for the first time since 1994, the year of their only Super Bowl appearance.

Jacksonville 28, NY Jets 3 — Yes Virginia, the Jets are that bad. So bad that Vinny’s injury looks like a blessing in disguise. At least Chad Pennington throws to guys wearing green and white. Then again, the Jets signal caller might not make a difference if the defense is going to allow 237 yards to the likes of Fred Taylor. I guess you can’t blame them; it seems Mark Brunell forgot he’s supposed to be over the hill.

Random Thoughts:

Kansas City 48, Miami 30 — Tony G: “Training camp? Me don’t need no stinking training camp!”

Green Bay 17, Carolina 14 — Panthers finally remember they’re supposed to lose.

Detroit 26, New Orleans 21 — Detroit won a game? Guess it’s time to switch to soccer.

Buffalo 33, Chicago 27 OT — Bills petition for 75 minutes of regulation.

Dallas 13, St. Louis 10 — Rams fans seen driving together slowly through the streets of St. Louis with their lights on.

Pittsburgh 16, Cleveland 13 — Steelers re-kick, Browns seen throwing helmets.

Philadelphia 35, Houston 17 — Philly gives Houston a Texas-sized beating.

Tampa Bay 35, Cincinnati 7 — Chucky’s Bucs mangle the Bungles.

Arizona 21, NY Giants 7 — And you thought the Jets looked bad.

Oakland 52, Tennessee 25 — Jon Whoden? Maybe they should make horror movies about Bill Callahan.

Seattle 48, Minnesota 23 — Holmgren exhausts Hawks’ entire seasonal offensive output in one half.