It’s no secret that I’ve been a harsh critic of Amar’e Stoudemire. I’ve poked fun at his random apostrophe and his constant self promoting, his questionable defense and piled nicknames on STAT. Today is different. Today when I turned on local sports radio, I heard AM 1060’s Arnie Spanier talk about the fact that Stoudemire was in Las Vegas last week. Spanier was livid that Amar’e was spending his time partying rather than focusing on rehab and practice. I say ‘who cares?’.

Stoudemire is a twenty-six year old man that deserves a chance to blow off steam. He deserves to enjoy himself. Like most twenty-six year olds, he probably wants to have some fun with friends, he just happens to have millions of dollars and the ability to do such things on a whim. What’s so wrong with that? Lebron James was there too. Do you think that the Cleveland media is worried about his dedication and work ethic?

For as much as Amare’s name appears in headlines it’s never been for anything illegal or controversial (unless you count launching your own debit card and record label or asking for a new contract as illegal or controversial). As long as he isn’t “making it rain”, shooting at someone or being accused of unwanted late night hotel encounters, then what difference does it make what he does on a random night in August?

If he were going out cavorting with random celebrities and partying in the middle of March, there would be reason for concern. The fact that he is doing it during the offseason is a completely different story. It’s called the offseason for a reason.

The reality that Amar’e has been sidelined since February with an eye injury and subsequent surgery is frustrating, no doubt. But all signs have pointed to Stoudemire trying to work out and keep himself in shape as much as possible. Outside of stray lemon juice getting in his eye from someone squeezing one into a Corona, I think one night in Vegas is more than allowable.

As long as the All-Star forward is on the court come October and completely focused on the season and winning in Phoenix, then one August evening won’t even be remembered. If he comes in unfocused and more concerned about off the court business plans and parties, then the Suns have a problem. Fortunately for them Amare has always seemed to focus when the season rolls around.

As the saying goes, What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. So should any concern about Stoudemire’s personal life.