Got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em ....

This was not a meltdown like Three Mile Island, but this one was pretty bad. And all aparently because another spoiled athlete did not get his way.

By now, you've likely seen the footage of Texas Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers take out two cameras and at least one of the cameramen holding them. Bud Selig is personally going to review the case and mete out punishment -- 10-game suspension, he misses two starts is my call.

And why did Rogers melt down? It all stems back to cash.

According to The Associated Press, Rangers general manager John Hart said Rogers was upset of the perception that he missed his start Tuesday night for some reason other than the broken pinkie in his non-throwing hand, sustained in an angry outburst after a game two weeks ago.

Rogers has sought a contract extension from the Rangers, and some media and fans viewed his missing a start against the first-place Angels as a possible ploy in negotiations.

Rogers hasn't spoken to most media since before spring training, when the pitcher met with owner Tom Hicks and asked about an extension to his two-year contract that expires after this season. He denied a report that he threatened to retire and has since quit talking publicly.

Hart said there had been some recent talks with Rogers' agent, Scott Boras, about a new contract but that there would be no more discussion about a new deal until after the season.

Rogers is 9-3 with a 2.46 ERA, clearly one of the best pitchers in baseball this season. But he is also 40 years old and has a career mark of 185-126; not exactly Hall of Fame material, but pretty good nonetheless.

Still, time is running short on his career. He wants one last big payday before retirement. The Rangers are wise to wait.

Rogers is just added to the long list of athletes -- Randy Johnson (who took out a camerman in New York); Latrell Sprewell (who can't live on $14 million a year); Jeremy Roenick (who really doesn't need hockey fans to fill the building); Kellen Winslow Jr. (better not say too much about him or Daddy will berate me like he did the Cleveland media who wanted an update on Junior's condition after his Evel Knievel act) -- who just don't get it.

You sign the contract, are paid beyond handsomely and adored by many. You also become a public entity. That is not to say that people can egg your home a la Albert Belle several years ago, but you do lose some sense of anonymity.

What do you think? I'd like to know.