# why would someone making a third of a million dollars a year shoplift a $ 30 belt?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-someone-making-a-third-of-a-million-dollars-a-year-shoplift-a-30-belt/287323
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [January 29, 2005, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-someone-making-a-third-of-a-million-dollars-a-year-shoplift-a-30-belt/287323 "2005-01-29T20:52:04Z")
**Posts on this page:** 5
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)
#### Post date: [January 29, 2005, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-someone-making-a-third-of-a-million-dollars-a-year-shoplift-a-30-belt/287323/1 "2005-01-29T20:52:04Z")
[Tigers OF Monroe Settles Theft Charges](http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/4139789/detail.html)
> [@](#):
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> Port Charlotte, FL – Detroit Tigers outfielder Craig Monroe will enter a diversion program to settle shoplifting charges from a department store in December.
>
> Monroe, who was arrested for allegedly stealing a $29.99 belt, must complete the program in order to have the petty theft charges against him dropped. Details have to be worked out, but Monroe is expected to meet with a court officer, attend a theft prevention class and perform community service.
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> According to the arrest report, Monroe wrapped the belt around his waist and tried to leave the store without paying. After he was caught, Monroe posted a $500 bond and was released from county jail.
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> Monroe, who was selected in the eighth round of the 1995 draft by the Texas Rangers, batted .293 with 18 homers and 72 RBI last season. He also earned $335,000 in 2004.
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> The Texarkana, Texas native has 44 home runs, 148 RBI and a .260 batting average in 296 career games.
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### Author:  [@ParentalAdvisory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParentalAdvisory)
#### Post date: [January 29, 2005, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-someone-making-a-third-of-a-million-dollars-a-year-shoplift-a-30-belt/287323/2 "2005-01-29T20:58:04Z")
For the thrill? Or maybe a little Winona Ryder status…
And who wouldn’t want that?
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### Author:  [@Snooooopy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snooooopy)
#### Post date: [January 30, 2005, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-someone-making-a-third-of-a-million-dollars-a-year-shoplift-a-30-belt/287323/3 "2005-01-30T06:36:55Z")
It could be that he is – and I hate to use obscure psychological terms – a dumbass.
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### Author:  [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)
#### Post date: [January 30, 2005, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-someone-making-a-third-of-a-million-dollars-a-year-shoplift-a-30-belt/287323/4 "2005-01-30T10:52:15Z")
From what I’ve read, it isn’t at all uncommon\* for the wealthy to be very tight with money and cut corners wherever they can so this doesn’t surprise me much.
\*Before anyone takes it wrong, I didn’t say it was common, I said it wasn’t uncommon. There’s a difference.
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### Author:  [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)
#### Post date: [January 30, 2005, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-someone-making-a-third-of-a-million-dollars-a-year-shoplift-a-30-belt/287323/5 "2005-01-30T14:20:21Z")
Because it’s not about the money. It’s about the thrill of committing a crime and seeing if you can get away with it.
Some people get their adrenaline rushes in very odd ways.