Momentary lunacy or deeper condition

We are all capable of saying some very stupid things. Generally speaking, our audience for those moments when we put our foot in our mouth is a little bit smaller than Don Imus'. It is a curious condition where the people that hold silly opinions seem to get more airtime than most. One wonders if the momentary lunacy that I spoke of earlier is for holding the opinions or feeling an inexorable pull to make sure everyone else knew of it as well. I am inclined, at least, to keep my moments of stupidity to myself. Shock jocks are notorious for saying anything to anybody and remaining convinced that they are clever and edgy. Can we expect proffesionalism in a society where athletes and their assorted minders are lauded for their misbehavior as much as being punished?