So The Denver Nugget’s star Carmelo Anthony was busted for drunk driving at 4 in the morning. You don’t have to think about this too long to understand this was an epic display of foolishness:

1. Drunk driving kills people. This is why our society has made it very clear that driving while intoxicated is socially unacceptable. A lot of people will tell you that celebrities always get off easy, which may be true when it comes time to sentencing.

What people don’t realize is that celebrities have a bigger judge outside the courtroom: the public. Millions of opinionated people spit venom on reckless celebrities. And this isn’t just from haters who are happy to drag someone down. There are many people who’ve had a loved one killed by a drunk driver, and they have no compassion for anyone who will swerve through life mowing down innocent lives. That means you, Carmelo.

2. You ignored your civic responsibility. Very few people on this planet are privileged enough to have fans. If you are one of these special people, it is critical that you understand that it’s not about fame and fortune–because these all pass–but more importantly, your role in this society at this point in history.

Professional athletes are the most accessible role models for children, especially young boys. No doubt, there were a lot of little boys who woke up yesterday totally confused by their hero’s behavior. But it’s not just a child’s fleeting disappointment that is really at stake here. These little boys will be the fathers of the next generation (we’ve all scene The Lion King right?) Each of these boys is looking for someone that they want to grow up to be like. If you are lucky enough to be a professional athlete, then it is your civic duty to be a good role model.

3. It’s playoff time, jackass. Let’s say you are so absorbed in basketball to really consider my first two points. Let’s suspend reality for a moment and just consider only how Carmelo’s DWI impacts the game.

Carmelo’s Denver Nuggets barely made the playoffs, and they need every break they can get to make it out of the first round in the highly competitive Western Conference. The entire team is built around Carmelo and depends on his leadership. These men have worked hard to get a chance at an NBA championship. How are Carmelo’s team mates supposed to trust him as a leader on the court when he’s a fool off the court?

Summary: Carmelo, I hope you do some hard thinking in the off-season. If you don’t get your act together, people will only remember you as irresponsible fool.