Q: Ira, I read your column on the recent unpleasantness involving the Washington Wizards and Gilbert Arenas. You left untouched, of course, the elephant in the living room: the invasion of professional and college teams by black, street-wise gang bangers.
— Jim, Cocoa, Florida

A: Invasion, huh? Wow.

This is why the NBA removed Arenas from the equation as swiftly as possible, because perception can mean everything in a pro sports league.

I have been covering this league for 23 years now and have never felt overwhelmed by "street-wise gang bangers." Might have met a few, but never overwhelmed.

I have, however, had discussions about family, politics, religion and social mores with several bright, erudite players.

The broad brush is why David Stern acted so quickly after The Malice at The Palace, and why he acted once Arenas began to make light of such a serious situation involving gunplay.

For all the scripted "all-access" theatrical features the NBA produces, it is a shame fans never get a close enough view of what these fathers, sons, church-goers and political activists are like, without the phony gloss.

Are there fools in the mix, you bet, just like there are at your place of work. Idiocy is not limited to the hardwood.

But be careful of generalizations.

Q: The NBA is losing viewers and public interest because of what it is turning into. I will not renew my league pass next year because of the result of two major factors: first competitive aspects and second, culture. There are too many games in a season, too many games are simply not competitive, there is too little time to recuperate between games, it is too easy to get into the playoffs, there are too many obvious referee mistakes and too much hard fouling and other unsportsmanlike conduct. As far as cultural aspects, the league looks like a bunch of refugees from a maximum-security prison, there are surly attitudes from players, braided hair, tattoos, baggy shorts and endless self-congratulation.
— Michael, Miami

A: I included this question, as well as the one above, to offer a perspective on the breadth of such responses I have received in the wake of the Arenas suspension.

But this is what I don't get: If you watch the games enough to formulate such opinions, then why not simply turn elsewhere?

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Can the game be improved? Absolutely. Are there too many games? As someone coming off a six-game trip with the Miami Heat, I can attest to the fatigue such scheduling creates. As for too many playoff seeds? Fans of lower-tier teams do seem to enjoy the late-season chase. And the referee issue is one the league has made a priority.

As for your "cultural aspects," what percentage of the league are you talking about? To a degree it's almost as if you're describing Chris Andersen, and he's one of the league's more compelling stories, someone who fought his way back from the depths.

The best players in the world play in the NBA.

Enjoy the basketball and put aside the hating. It makes the game far more enjoyable.

Q: Ira, if I brought a firearm to work I would be fired and arrested immediately. Why is it we give special treatment to any professional athlete?
— Gary, Escondido, Calif.

A: Because every workplace has its own rules, and the elite long have lived by their own rules.

Yes, NBA players do get special treatment, but so do actors, musicians and other entertainers. So does that mean you won't be attending concerts or movies, either?

Q: Why has the NBA become so out of control? What has to happen to get them back on track to respectability?
— Michael, Boynton Beach, Fla.

A: Winning.

Think about it: Ron Artest was once the NBA's ultimate menace. Then he helps the Rockets and Lakers find success and he quickly is embraced.

Then there is Stephen Jackson, who also had his moment at The Palace. Suddenly, he emerges as a hero at Golden State amid the Warriors' brief resurgence, and after that marriage sours, is hailed for energizing the Bobcats' current revival.

If the Wizards were winning, there would have been far more sympathy for Gilbert Arenas, especially within the District.

It's all about winning.

Q: I think this whole Arenas problem is ridiculous. The Wizards played against a player, Delonte West, who has been charged with gun possession and he is out on the court. Why is he playing? Gilbert's guns were not loaded. I am disappointed in Stern's decision.
— Jackie, Ashburn, Va.

A: Why? Because of all the questions above?

The one thing a sports league can't afford to lose is the battle of perception.

The Cavaliers have managed the West situation quietly and efficiently, as has Delonte. In the end, West could wind up with far more of a legal headache than Arenas, but his distraction to the league has been minimal.

So he plays on.

Q: Is this as good as Dwight Howard is going to be? His defensive skills are undeniable, but he has had several years to develop an offensive game. Nothing. With his size and skills, he should get 25 points per game. Is this his ceiling?
— Paul, Sydney, Australia

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A: I don't think scoring ever will define Howard. And I don't think the Magic need 25 points per game out of him.

His repertoire has improved since he entered the league, and I think Magic assistant Patrick Ewing has him headed in the right direction.

But, in some ways, he reminds me of Shaquille O'Neal, without the footwork. With such brute strength, it's almost as if he treats finger rolls and jump hooks as insults to his physique.

Q: What in the heck is going on with Shaq? He has a habit of kissing teammates and others. What's the story?
— Johnson, Akron, Ohio

A: Well, uh, I, too, have been bussed by O'Neal, which I guess at least has me in the company of one Baldwin brother.

It's all part of the shtick.

At the end of the day, he is a big kid, and truly makes an effort to connect with his audience, even if it does involve the occasional combination of sweat and drool.

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Ira Winderman writes regularly for NBCSports.com and covers the Heat and the NBA for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.