It's not even about "running up the score" or "right" or "wrong." It's merely a measure of class and sportsmanship. The Vikings failed. Childress, and to a lesser degree, his team, lost a large measure of respect among fans who've been following football long enough to know how the vast majority of the NFL's greatest players and coaches, heck, even contemporary players and coaches, would have handled that situation.

Though I was never a fan of his, Bradshaw's attitude reflects traditional NFL values. The Vikings' values were more akin to those of kids playing in the "Madden Challenge."

In issues of character and sportsmanship, it's not about whether or not the other team can or should stop you, or whether or not you have the right or the ability to do something; it's about whether or not you choose to exercise dignity and restraint.