Willie, Willie, Willie...

First Rocky Bernard assaults his girlfriend, then Lofa Tatupu drives drunk in a Hyundai and now yet another off-the-field incident that makes you question the very moral fiber of today's Seattle professional athlete.

A state Fish and Wildlife officer cited Mariners utilityman Willie Bloomquist on April 21 for unlawful recreational fishing for going over the state’s limits on razor clams while he was digging at Twin Harbors, according to a citation filed in Montesano Municipal Court.

For those of you Rainout fans who aren't familiar with marine biology, the Pacific Razor Clam (or Siliqua patula when I'm amongst formal company), is a very important part of the Northwest Marine Ecosystem.  As such, clamming is highly regulated. Often beaches will close when there is particular risk of toxins in the clams.  When open, only those with proper licenses can clam and there are strict limits to protect juvenile clams, whose existence insures the continuance of razor clam life as we know it.

Willie Bloomquist knows these rules but because he is a famous big-time baseball star he thinks he can get away with sneaking in a few extra clams over the limit. Well, Willie, the Washington State Fish and WIldlife Commission has a little message for you, YOU ARE NOT ABOVE THE LAW. In fact, they just fined Willie $50 big ones for this transgression. May God have mercy on your soul.

I just don't think I'll be able to raise my kids in the Emerald City if this type of behavior continues. I can see it now, "No Rainout Junior, you put that clam down! I don't care if Willie does it, we respect Siliqua patula in this house!"

A quick primer on Razor Clam life follows.  Knowing is half the battle.