Today's sports stars are the closest thing that we have to modern day superheroes. They can do things that the average man cannot, such as running the 40-yard dash in a blink of an eye or play two professional sports a la Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders, and make millions upon millions of dollars playing a game.

Imagine our disappointment when we learned that Falcons star quarterback Michael Vick, who is known for his superhuman athletic ability on the football field, was the main culprit in a major dogfighting ring. To some fans, it was like learning that Superman is a pedophile.

We put these high-profile figures on a pedestal for our own selfish reasons, to entertain us. But when one of them falls from grace, we're overcome with utter disbelief and cast them aside. We're faced with the realization that they are human just like you and me, born to make mistakes.

Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry is the latest player to fall from grace after his latest run-in with the law. Henry surrendered to police last month after being accused of punching a man in the face and breaking his car window with a beer bottle. Henry pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of assault and criminal damaging.

Henry was suspended by the NFL for eight games in 2007 because of past arrests and released by the team last month for his latest arrest.

The Bengals organization couldn't tolerate any more of Henry's off-the-field problems and sent him packing. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the Brown family was reluctant to cut ties with the young talented receiver, but with all the negative publicity the team has received as of late, they had no choice. Henry had to man up and take responsibility for his actions.

When the final word came down to part ways with the 24-year-old receiver, Henry had to face the music and received a life lesson from head coach Marvin Lewis during a phone conversation after being released.

Henry said Lewis was very encouraging in their conversation and talked about what he needed to do for future success.

Henry showed great remorse and disappointment in himself for incidents leading up to his release, and very appreciative of owner Mike Brown.

"I'd like to thank him (Mike Brown) for everything he's done and for giving me the opportunity to be a Bengal," Henry said. "He pretty much understands me and knows that I'm a good guy. I just got caught up in some crazy stuff. I wish I could take it all back, but I can't do that right now."

Despite the turmoil that surrounds him after this latest incident, Henry appeared to be in positive spirit.

"I'm doing pretty good," he said. "I'm taking it one day at a time and trying to get out of this little situation."

Before the brush with the law, Henry was doing well and everything the team asked of him. In his mind, he let the team down.

"Yeah, I let my teammates down," he said. "I wish I was still there with them right now working out and everything. That's what makes me feel bad because I'm supposed to be out there working with them, preparing for next season. Here I am, getting myself released from the team for what I got myself into. I wish I could do it all over again."

What if Henry, who pled not guilty, is indeed innocent in this alleged incident? Was the Bengals' release of the receiver premature?

According to Henry, he wasn't given the opportunity to explain what took place the night in question before being released and was surprised to learn that he was no longer on the team.

"I still see myself having a successful career and playing this season, just somewhere else. Hopefully, that will happen in the next couple of months before the season gets started. Once I get back on another team, I'm going to prove that I deserve to be out there. The situation that happened looks bad, but it's not all what it seems," Henry said.

Knowing the player like I do, Henry is a young man with a caring heart, and that has been his ultimate downfall. He's a guy who wants to be there for everyone, but no one is there for him.

He attracts people who want to ride on his coattail of fame and fortune just so they can stunt to there friends about being apart of the in crowd.

Henry must start seeing these individuals for what they're worth and focus on his career and the future of his two little ones.

A change of scenery might do Henry some good, but his heart will forever remain in Cincinnati.