Ben Wallace Must Use Probation as Motivation on and off the Court for Pistons

Detroit Pistons center Ben Wallace will avoid jail time and serve a one-year probation for drunken driving and gun possession charges. He would be wise to take this good news and use it as a reason to help not just the team, but also his community. 

The Detroit News reported that Wallace will be on probation, as well as pay a $2,700 fine and do 30 hours of community service. 

Wallace made a mistake and now must pay the price. Since his punishment could have been far worse (up to 93 days in jail), Wallace needs to turn this into a positive story and help bring awareness to how dangerous drunk driving and guns are.

Another thing Wallace needs to do is step his game up on the court to prove to the Pistons organization that he means well and that it was a harmless incident he wishes to put behind him. 

The arrest occurred back in September, and because Wallace was so cooperative and chose not to fight the charges, he was let off much easier. 

The 37-year-old was pulled over and given a breathalyzer test, and once he was over the legal limit, police found a semi-automatic hand gun that was registered to Wallace's wife. Since she wasn't in the car, Wallace was given an additional charge to his DUI.  

The Pistons are undergoing a number of changes this offseason, and with Wallace set to be a free agent at the end of the season, he has to make sure he plays to his full potential this year.

He may be getting older, but he's still a dominant defender that the Pistons are counting on. His arrest didn't help his future with the team, but Wallace has a chance to make up for all of that.

Given a second chance, Wallace has to stay on his best behavior off the court, as well as help the Pistons win more games.