Argentinian soccer star Diego Maradona has some health problems:

One of the most enduring sports icons in the world, retired soccer star Diego Maradona, remained sedated in a Buenos Aires clinic Thursday for treatment of alcoholism and excessive eating and smoking.  Maradona, who led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title in Mexico, was taken by ambulance to the Guemes Sanatorium on Wednesday.  Clinic director Hector Pezzella said the 47-year-old was under sedation to avoid problems with withdrawal from alcohol.

Um, why would you want to withdraw from alcohol?  Maybe Diego just has a big personality, and other people can't handle it.  Perhaps he becomes so effervescent when he's had a few drinks, that jealous types, who want to be the center of attention, said he had a problem.  Man, this is like the intervention all over again.

The former soccer star has battled cocaine addiction and obesity in the past.  Maradona was hospitalized in Uruguay in 2000 and again in 2004 in Buenos Aires.  He was counselled for drug abuse in Argentina in 2004 and, in September of that year, travelled to Cuba for treatment at Havana's Center for Mental Health.

Ok, I know what you're thinking, maybe this guy has some substance issues, but, next to Pelé, he is the greatest soccer player South America ever produced.  So, according to sports fanatic standards, this guy is going to get as many free passes as he needs.  I only wish assistant editors received the same treatment.  Senor Maradona will always hold a special place in my household because he humiliated England on the World Cup Stage after the Falklands War.  The enemy of my enemy is my friend, and you can see his two great goals here and here. -KD