There are great similarities between high-level sports and the practice of law, especially regarding the gap in both fields between ideals and realities. The ideals of sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and notions like fair play and respect for opponents in the pursuit of athletic excellence. The ideals of law are similar in the pursuit of truth and justice.

Yet the reality is that too many athletes and attorneys disregard these ideals in the blind and ambitious pursuit of victory. Striving mightily to win is not the problem. It's wanting to win so badly that principles of decency, ethics and honor are ignored. It's the brazen adoption of gamesmanship strategies and the "whatever it takes to win" attitude that's the problem. It's valuing cleverness so highly that those who get away with breaking or bending rules are admired. So athletes fake fouls and taunt or illegally hold opponents, while lawyers assert groundless claims, confuse honest witnesses and use delay.

Gamesmanship tactics are so prevalent that some find it hard to imagine anyone being effective without them. But that's self-serving nonsense. Many people in both fields believe that no victory is real or worthy if it's achieved without honor.

The game of sports is about playing by the rules, not fooling referees or intimidating opponents. And law is not a game at all. The high road is not the easier road, but it's the only road for a person of character.

This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.