Do You Sign Autographs at a Hit-and-Run? (Dwight Gooden, of course)

Retired Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden was always getting into trouble. I'd list the things he did, but it would be pages and pages long.

I'll give you the latest, though.

The 45-year-old was driving under the influence of drugs with his 5-year-old child in the car.

And what time do you think it was? Well, it was 9:00 a.m., the time when most of us our doing the liquid drugs they serve up at Starbucks.

He was not only on drugs, but involved in a car accident. Of course, he did what you'd expect Gooden to do. He fled the scene.

Here's what I can't figure out. Phil Schmidt (no relation to Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt) was the driver of the other car and said he recognized Gooden right away. He told various media outlets, "I think he was surprised I recognized him. He shook my hand."

Well, now I'm left wondering...if a "fan" recognizes you, and you shake hands...I can understand if you don't ask for an autograph from the guy who hit your car. But don't you ask for insurance information?

And, why are the news stories not reporting HOW Gooden up and left the scene? They report the two shook hands, and then he's charged with child endangerment, driving under the influence of drugs, and leaving the scene of an accident.

I just heard Gilbert Arenas, the basketball player from the Wizards that took guns out of a locker and threatened another player, didn't get the five years they expected. He's getting no jail time, a $5,000 fine, and 400 hours of community service.

I'm guessing this means Gooden will also get a slap on the wrist.