Coverage of Pierre Paul, McNabb crossed the line

Giants defensive lineman Jason Pierre-Paul. (Seth Wenig/AP) (Seth Wenig/AP)They live behind gates and ride in cars with tinted windows and eat in the private rooms where they can't be seen.

It wasn't always that way. Professional athletes used to be among us and walk the same streets. An Eagles player might live down the block, or a Phillies player might be sitting in the corner barbershop. You could greet them as neighbors, kids could shake their hands. The divide was always there. They were heroes, but they weren't distant ones. Well, that was then.

Now is a little different. They hide from the public, disdain contact with fans, and worry, with good reason, that the same star-making…