Identity Theft Can Happen to Anybody, Even Justin Leonard

After cracking down on identity thieves targeting the big-named professional athletes, it looks these criminals have been more realistic in their expectations; instead of going after Ben Roethlisberger or Curtis Martin, they're focusing on the smaller fish. Like Justin Leonard. No, really.

A 30-year-old Texas man has been indicted on identify theft charges for allegedly opening credit cards and a cell phone account in the name of pro golfer Justin Leonard, a prosecutor said Thursday. ... [Joel Keith] Bridger's alleged scam last year unraveled only by happenstance...

He went to a post office to pick up mail in Leonard's name and flashed his ID, which had Leonard's information but Bridger's photo ... "The clerk said, `I know the Leonard family, and you're not Justin Leonard,' ... To use it where somebody knows you, that's unusual," said assistant DA David Lobingler.

Ah, yes, the justice system's best crime-fighting weapon: stupid criminals. I wonder how a dude arrested on four occasions, everything from drug possession to jumping bail, settled on the 1997 British Open champ.

Whatever, Bridger learned the same lesson as the '99 European Ryder Cup team: don't [mess] with Justin Leonard; he's much tougher than he looks.

Next up, John Daly takes a cue and blames his bizarre behavior on being the victim of identity thieves ... from outer space.