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Former Minnesota Twins pitcher, and now TV sportscaster, Bert Blyleven got himself in a pickle Sunday (Sept. 3) by uttering an infamous word--twice, no less--when he thought he was on tape, but it went out live on the air before a Twins-Yankees game.

First, for you curious people, go Google.

Bert expressed consternation, saying, "I probably turned 12 shades of red," when told the telecast had been live. He apologized profusely, "I'm embarrassed something like that happened. I've been doing this for 11 years and nothing like this had happened." (Bono never apologized.)

I believe him.

But there are lessons here. 1) Blyleven was ashamed, and apologized. Middle aged, he feels a sense of shame over the utterance. I've met a good number of younger people who aren't ashamed by uttering or displaying numerous obscenities in public. You ask them not to do that, and they get in your face.

2) Whether the former big leaguer uses that term regularly or not, he evidently doesn't use it on the air. People can control their language.

3) Blyleven used an obscenity, which is different than a profanity, which is the misuse of God's name. If he'd done that, few would have blinked.

It's sad people get more upset about misusing a too-common vulgarity, than about the misuse of God's name