Tough Sports Decisions: What Would You Do?

Sports are all about decisions. Whom to pass to, when to shoot, when to swing, when to take a time out, when to juke, when to run straight...

Players get accustomed to making decisions of those sorts. In fact, in part, it's their ability to make those decisions and make them fast that allows them to excel.

But not all decisions are created equal. What about when you are winning a tourney and your wife calls with news that her water just broke? What about when you're on the verge of a no-hitter and your arm threatens to revolt?

Prioritizing can be painful.

Click on... or don't... The decision is yours.

The Hunter Mahan Story: Baby or Tourney

The dilemma: Mahan had a promising lead after two rounds in the Canadian Open last month. Then the call came from wife Kandi; her water had broken.

So do you witness the birth of your first child or play out the tournament and get the important career win (not to mention a million smackeroos that may come in handy 18 years from now when the about-to-be-born little gal heads off to college)?

Mahan opted to exit the tourney. Not that Tiger Woods is a poster boy for family values, but the champ voiced his approval: "He made the perfect choice. Actually, there wasn’t any."

The Erik Bedard Story: No-Hitter or Longer Career

The dilemma: Astros pitcher Bedard was six-plus innings in. He'd thrown 109 pitches racking up 10 strikeouts, five walks and no hits. Dream scenario, right? So what was the dilemma? You never, never walk away from a potential no-hitter, right? You just don't do it. Well, what if you are in the twilight years of your career? You've had multiple shoulder surgeries. Going over 110 pitches does not bode well for your arm.

Bedard opted to give up a possibly historic game and live (metaphorically speaking) another day.

The Donovan McNabb Story: To Fess Up or Save Face

The dilemma: Donovan McNabb was a 10-year NFL veteran quarterback. He'd led the Eagles to four NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl. Yet in a November 2008 game, he threw a desperation pass at the end of the fifth quarter, thinking an incomplete would lead to a second overtime.

McNabb you see, didn't know that an NFL game could end in a tie. So, the dilemma, do you fess up to your own ignorance or pretend you knew the rules all along?

McNabb decided honesty was the best policy. And he's been mocked ever since.

The Anderson Silva Story: To Clown or Not to Clown

The dilemma: Silva was the longest-reigning champ in UFC history. A certified superhero in the biggest MMA organization in the world. But history is a fickle and forgetful lady. Sure people know Silva now. Yes, his name will be tossed around in 10 years. But in 20? In 50? For a fighter to be remembered in 50 years, he can't just be a flickering flame, he has to be a bonfire.

Arrogance and clowning are dangerous tools. Use them and lose and you become a buffoon. Use them and win and you fuel the fire of your legendary status.

With his antics during UFC 162, Silva tried to burn his name into the history books. He wound up in the joke books.

The Mouth Guard: Leave It out or Put It Back In?

The dilemma: The playing field is a thriving safari of bacteria, fungi and yeasts. Examine that turf carefully and you will discover flecks of spit, blood, even animal feces. Those microbe-harboring substances get on the ball and on players' hands. A mouth guard is almost certain to get contaminated when it comes out of a player's mouth.

So as a player, do you put the thing back in your mouth—microbial goodies and all—or do you give up your teeth?

The Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl Story: Give Up a Safety

The dilemma: With just 11 seconds left to play in Super Bowl XLVII, the Ravens were up 34-29. The ball was on their 5-yard line, though. Punting would be risky. If a 49er didn't run it all the way to the end zone for a winning touchdown, he might get close enough and still have a second or two on the clock for Kaepernick to work some magic.

The other option? Take a safety and up two points along with possession. With 20/20 hindsight, the choice is obvious. But is it? If Ravens punter Sam Koch had fumbled... Or if he hadn't eaten up just two or three seconds instead of eight before going out of bounds...

The Jason Collins Story: In or Out?

The dilemma: Jason Collins was secretly gay and invested in a career that doesn't have a strong history of tolerance for homosexuality.

So does he come out and risk losing fans and peer camaraderie? Does he subject himself to bigotry and hatred?

Collins made the brave choice and rides a towering wave of support from fans, fellow players and even the President of the United States.

The Tom Brady Story: Take a Pay Cut to Stay with the Team You Love?

Dilemma: Brady is one of the best currently in the game. Some would argue one of the best of all time. So his pay should reflect that, right? So what's the going rate for a top-tier QB? Twenty million dollars per year.

Then why did California Cool recently sign a three-year contract for $27 million? Is he having some kind of self-worth issue?

Well, apparently the reasoning is this: Brady wants to win. By taking less money, he allows the Patriots to take on better players to support his quest for a fourth ring.

Still, how many of you out there would give your team a $33 million dollar discount? Isn't the money in the bank a win in its own right?

Maybe it doesn't matter when your better half is the real breadwinner in the family anyway.

The RGIII Story: Play or Make a Full Recovery

Dilemma: Michael Shanahan has an amazing talent on his hands in RGIII. The young quarterback is a potential phenom. But after an injury last season, the coach wants his star to take it easy. Shanahan is thinking longevity; he wants RGIII to have a long and illustrious career.

But Griffin is a warrior. And he knows his body better than anyone, right? He reportedly wants to get out there with guns blazing in the new season. And many fans are clamoring for him.

So as the coach do you let the star shine? Or play it safe?  

The Colin Kaepernick Story: MLB, NBA or NFL?

Dilemma: Kaepernick was a tri-sport star at Pitman High. Some figured he could go pro in football, baseball or basketball. In 2009, he was even drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 43rd round.

So do you toss a pigskin, hurl fastballs or slam dunk for a living?

Consider salaries, injuries and, of course, love of the game.

Anyway, it's the kind of dilemma we'd all love to have.

The Kevin Garnett Story: Waive a No-Trade Clause?

Dilemma: Boston was home to Kevin Garnett. It's where he won his championship, where fans loved him, where he had played from 2007 through 2013. It's where he always thought he'd retire—especially considering the fact that he had a no-trade clause in his contract.

But the Celtics don't seem to be going anywhere soon, and no player wants to have a mediocre end to his or her career. So do you alienate fans and give up ironclad job security to start all over with a new team at age 37?

Perhaps it was that Paul Pierce came with the package that helped Garnett make the tough decision to become a Brooklynite.