While watching ESPN this morning, I did a quick little background research on its newly hired analyst, former NBA player Antonio Davis.  As I learned, Davis, then with the Knicks, achieved his greatest notoriety seven years ago this week when he rushed into the stands at the United Center in Chicago to protect his wife Kendra and two children from an abusive fan.

Although the NBA suspended Davis for five days, its executives did so reluctantly.  "Antonio's a pretty level guy, very respectful, very disciplined, extremely close to his family," said one.  The players likewise supported Davis, given the nature of the provocation and his restraint in the face of it.

The provocateur?  None other than Michael Axelrod, son of then-little-known Obama adviser David Axelrod.  Unable to blame George Bush, young Axelrod blamed Kendra instead.  He also denied that he was drunk and had his lawyer tell the Associated Press that he planned to file a $1-million lawsuit against Kendra for battery and Antonio for defamation.  In a wonderful display of chutzpah, the attorney also asked the Davises "to make a donation to a charity that tries to prevent violence against women and children."

This request obviously confused Davis, who went into the stands specifically to prevent violence against women and children.  Said he, unfamiliar with the extortionate nature of Democratic charity, "Why would I donate some money in his behalf?"

For the record, Axelrod is a partner in a "new breed of consulting firm," Interactive Global Solutions.

IGS helps clients finds "non-traditional solutions to the challenges jeopardizing their reputations and success."  Lobbyist, solve thyself!