Today's athletes are about marketability. More exposure = more endorsements = more $$$. See my face? Buy my product. There's nothing wrong with individuality, and making a buck is the American way, but there's a fine line between being one's self and and just being (or looking) foolish.

I credit Ian with using the publicity he gained by wearing the pants to help raise money for the hospital. That was an honorable and charitable thing to do. I'm just not sure that's what he had in mind when he drew attention to himself by wearing the pants in the first place.

Was it fun? For some. Did it hurt anyone? No. Was it disrespectful to his country's flag? That depends on your point of view but, I say probably. The bottom line is we're talking about Ian Poulter and I believe that was his plan from the start.