Ya Heard: Betcha Chris Brown banks on battery charge

"When one burns one's bridges, what a very nice fire it makes."

Forget A-Rod, Michael Phelps and the Grammys. The Chrianna ordeal -- the alleged physical altercation between R&B superstars Chris Brown and Rihanna, his girlfriend -- is demanding eve-ryone's attention this week.

Rihanna received several cuts and bruises to her face following an apparent argument with Brown during the early morning hours of Feb. 8 in Los Angeles. Brown was arrested the following day and charged with felony battery.

The incident served to bring domestic violence into the spotlight once again.

I could spend the remainder of this column recounting cases and statistical facts about domestic violence, but that wouldn't be true to what all the hoopla is really about, nor would it be entertaining. After all, are we really interested in the issue of domestic violence, or are we inter-ested in the issue of domestic violence involving two prominent celebrities? Exactly!

Hearing the news of this, or any such case, is repulsive. I have no respect for a man that strikes a woman. It is the ultimate weakness for a man to act in such a way, just as I see weakness in a woman to allow herself to remain in such a situation. However, this is Chris Brown and Rihanna we're talking about. We always seem more forgiving of our beloved entertainers than we are to, say, Average Joe Plumber.

As sick and twisted as it may seem, the Chrianna ordeal will be great for Chris' career in the long run.

That's right, with a couple of swings Chris Brown has layed the groundwork for taking his career to the next level. Following a leave of absence from the spotlight to "reflect" on himself and the situation, a "remorseful" Chris will hit the talk show scene (cue Oprah) and apologize to his fans. In this case, "fans" will really mean the entire public and more importantly, women across the world, because he needs you all to keep purchasing his music. Following his plea for forgiveness and outcry for support, we will all forgive little Chris and welcome him back with open arms.

In fact, he'll come back even better than before and a more mature audience will be wait-ing. And lo, Chris Brown will have just made the seemingly impossible leap from childhood fame to adult superstardom.

For those offended by this, do not point the finger at me. This is the way of the world. More often than we realize, society rewards bad behavior. We verbally condemn it, but reward it through our actions and responses. As long as Chris says he's "sorry," all is forgiven. Yeah, there will undoubtedly be a few of us who don't buy it, but a majority will.

Sounds like the public is stuck in its own abusive relationship.

Chris' fanbase -- especially the females who feel betrayed by Chris' alleged actions -- endured the alleged attack as well. The lacerations on Rihanna's face could easily sym-bolize what many of you are feeling now.

But just as in a stereotypical abusive relationship, everything is forgiven when the abuser turns to the victim and says "I love you, it will never happen again."

My only advice is to be cautious of the "apology"…'til next week, Peace!!!

Dennis Winn can be reached at 703-200-4928 or YaHeard40@gmail.com.