Death to Sports Prima Dona's!

[topspeed]

It's been slowly gaining steam.

Year after year, a few more join the bandwagon.

Recently, it finally came to a crescendo as Terrel Owens and his new agent, Rosenhaus (aka the Anti-Christ), decided that one year into his 7yr. $49m contract he should get a new one that pays him a lot more. Not coicidentally, Javon Walker of the Packers after having one good year out of the three he's been in the league is also pulling the same crap. Guess who his agent is? This is not limited to football, you see it in every sport and it's becoming increasingly accepted as normal business practice: Hold out and whine until they pay you.

Thankfully, the Eagle's owner, team, and most importantly, the fans have decreed that they won't renogotiate and will win with or without TO.

Every team in every sport needs to handle these a-holes in this manner. When did it become acceptable to not honor your contract? When did it become acceptable to not be true to your word? When did it become acceptable for one person to be greater than the team? What kind of example is this setting for kids? As professionals, don't they owe it to the fans that pay their salaries to be better role models? It's bad enough most young athlete consider college as merely a weigh station until they can bolt for the pro's. But now when they get there, they seem to have no concept beyond anything but "What's in it for me?"

Brett Favre, without question one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history said it best:
"Maybe I'm old-school, but I always thought you honor a contract."

OK, I'm off my soapbox.

[Duds]

It's an absolute joke these days. I applaud the Eagles' owner for saying he wont renegotiate TO's contract. I'm just hoping he doesnt eventually give in.


It's been slowly gaining steam.

Year after year, a few more join the bandwagon.

Recently, it finally came to a crescendo as Terrel Owens and his new agent, Rosenhaus (aka the Anti-Christ), decided that one year into his 7yr. $49m contract he should get a new one that pays him a lot more. Not coicidentally, Javon Walker of the Packers after having one good year out of the three he's been in the league is also pulling the same crap. Guess who his agent is? This is not limited to football, you see it in every sport and it's becoming increasingly accepted as normal business practice: Hold out and whine until they pay you.

Thankfully, the Eagle's owner, team, and most importantly, the fans have decreed that they won't renogotiate and will win with or without TO.

Every team in every sport needs to handle these a-holes in this manner. When did it become acceptable to not honor your contract? When did it become acceptable to not be true to your word? When did it become acceptable for one person to be greater than the team? What kind of example is this setting for kids? As professionals, don't they owe it to the fans that pay their salaries to be better role models? It's bad enough most young athlete consider college as merely a weigh station until they can bolt for the pro's. But now when they get there, they seem to have no concept beyond anything but "What's in it for me?"

Brett Favre, without question one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history said it best:
"Maybe I'm old-school, but I always thought you honor a contract."

OK, I'm off my soapbox.

[kexodusc]

Yup, it happens too much.
Good for Philly for holding their ground.
Same happened a few years back with that Russian guy in the NHL...Yashin...held out for more money after being the runner up MVP, but gawd love the owner...held his ground and didn't cave.

It went to court, and the courts ruled the guy couldn't play anywhere else in the world for money without owing damages. Long story short, this guy lost a year of his prime holding out, 1 year of the 7 million pay raise per season he would have had, and the 3 million per year he forfeited not playing under the old contract. 10 million total. All because of bad agent advice.

I really believe that AGENTS are at least 1/2 of the evil greed in pro-sports. And the fact that players can collude but owners can't...sheesh.

Sports have lost a lot of purity IMO...I spend more time watching local teams, my friends kids play ball, etc than TV now. At least they're in it for the right reasons.


Oh well...

[ericl]

I think it is definitely driven by agents, but the player obviously has to let it happen. the agent works for the player.

My favorite team, the Oakland Raiders, are going through this right now with their star cornerback, Charles Woodson. he has the most unreasonable, intractable agent in the Poston brothers (google them and you will see these guys are absolute a-holes). The Raiders offered him a contract making him the highest paid CB in the leagure, and he still wouldn't sign, he wanted more. They franchised him and will now earn 10.5 mil this year, 1/8th of Oaklands entire salary cap.

Every other player, including newly acquired superstar Randy Moss(!!!!), have restructured to allow the Raiders to sign a lot of quality players. Not C-Wood. I really liked the guy, great athlete, but he's really hurting the team at this point. No other team is even interested in this great veteran because he's so greedy with these beyond a-hole agents.

[Woochifer]

I agree that TO's out of line here in demanding to renegotiate a contract that he signed only a year ago. But, there is a flip side in that football contracts, unlike baseball and basketball, are not guaranteed. You go down for the season with an injury, you don't get paid. You get cut, you don't get paid. That's why it seems that football's where you get the most holdouts and guys demanding to renegotiate their contracts. Football players are only a bad break away from having all of their backend salary taken away. Compare that to the Yankees, who have to pay Jason Giambi the full amount of his bloated but guaranteed contract, no matter what happens with his health and how far his play deteriorate.

The only guaranteed money in football is the signing bonus, and if TO wants to renegotiate, then the first thing that he should put on the table is whatever upfront money he got last year. But, this is TO just being TO, and Rosenhaus being Rosenhaus (I doubt that this is all TO's idea alone -- Rosenhaus gets paid when TO gets a bigger contract, since he didn't negotiate the current deal). I guess they're trying to make up for lost ground when TO's former agent screwed up his paperwork, and he almost wound up in Baltimore.

[Duds]

The only guaranteed money in football is the signing bonus, and if TO wants to renegotiate, then the first thing that he should put on the table is whatever upfront money he got last year.

I dont even think the signing bonus is guranteed is it? I think I heard on a talk show the other day that the Browns could make Kellen Winslow pay back his signing bonus if they wanted to? I could very well be wrong though

[ericl]

I think the deal with Kellen Winslow is that he destroyed his knee in a very bad motorcycle accident, after riding like a complete lunatic (a 50 mile an hour wheelie or something crazy). His whole career is in jeopardy. Riding a motorcycle is strictly forbidden by the contract, for exactly that reason. Therefore, he has breached contract and the Browns are no longer obligated to pay him. One terribly foolish mistake by this kid that may cost him his career.

[topspeed]

Winslow's a punk. Nothing more, nothing less. He was a punk at Miami and he was a punk when he refused to report to camp as a rookie! The kid didn't know how to ride, didn't take lessons like his friends told him to, and having more balls than brains, decides to learn how to ride on Gixxer crotch rocket. I ride sport bikes and lemme tell ya, learning to ride on a sportbike is like trying to learn how to drive using a Viper! The power to weight ratio is insane! One wrong move and it's over. No stability control to keep it in line, no airbag to cushion the fall. I hope Cleveland gets every cent of their bonus money back and kicks his dumb ass to the curb.

[kexodusc]

Yeah the idea of "guaranteed contracts" was a bad move for sports in hindsight.

That's the only thing I like about the XFL (well, the names and jerseys were cool, too). Teams got paid for winning on top of base salary, and decided how to divide it up among themselves.

I hate the notion that pro-atheletes can have unions but owners can't collude. Puts them all in a bad spot, not only does the owner have to compete against he player, agent, and union, but also against his counterparts in other markets.

It's true that football not having guaranteed contracts seems to create the most contract problems. But this of course isn't an argument for players to renegotiate contracts (I know you didn't imply it was, just as). They signed the non-guaranteed contract supposedly in good faith, it was good enough at the time. Players should negotiate "renegotiation windows" into these contracts if they want it...

A few years back even, early 1990's, it seemed the fans were on the side of the players in these disputes. Now it seems we've flip-flopped on that. I think I read and watch more sports news about the business of sports than the game itself. That's a shame.

[Duds]

Well that proves the point that even bonus money isnt guaranteed right?


I think the deal with Kellen Winslow is that he destroyed his knee in a very bad motorcycle accident, after riding like a complete lunatic (a 50 mile an hour wheelie or something crazy). His whole career is in jeopardy. Riding a motorcycle is strictly forbidden by the contract, for exactly that reason. Therefore, he has breached contract and the Browns are no longer obligated to pay him. One terribly foolish mistake by this kid that may cost him his career.

[shokhead]

I dont have a problem with TO at all. He's trying to get all the money he can,just like each and every one of us would do and if you say you wouldnt,your lie.

[Duds]

TO signed a contract, a 7 year deal in fact. If he thinks he is worth more money and now refuses to play, guess what, he broke the contract and shouldnt be paid. He didn't even have that great of a year!!!!! He's jealous now because Musshin Mohammed (sp) is making more than he is. Well TO, too god damn bad, dont sign 7 year deals.


I dont have a problem with TO at all. He's trying to get all the money he can,just like each and every one of us would do and if you say you wouldnt,your lie.

[shokhead]

TO signed a contract, a 7 year deal in fact. If he thinks he is worth more money and now refuses to play, guess what, he broke the contract and shouldnt be paid. He didn't even have that great of a year!!!!! He's jealous now because Musshin Mohammed (sp) is making more than he is. Well TO, too god damn bad, dont sign 7 year deals.

So! He wants more money. So! Either he gets it or he doesnt. Refuses to play? I'm thinking the fricken pre season hasnt even started. He's positioning himself. Come on.

[topspeed]

I dont have a problem with TO at all. He's trying to get all the money he can,just like each and every one of us would do and if you say you wouldnt,your lie.
By its very definition, a bilateral contract is a promise for a promise: You promise to perform said task and I'll promise to pay you said amount. Nothing more, nothing less. There isn't anything in the verbage that states, "If someone else gets a better contract somewhere down the road, you should be paid more to satisfy your ego." Nuh uh. No one held a gun to his head. He made a promise, now it's time to live up to it.

There are more important things in this world than money. Your name, reputation, and legacy are but a few of them. If you can't stand behind your word, you don't have a damn thing...and that ain't no lie.

[Duds]

He signed freakin contratc for cryin out loud!!!! Be a man and honor it!!!


So! He wants more money. So! Either he gets it or he doesnt. Refuses to play? I'm thinking the fricken pre season hasnt even started. He's positioning himself. Come on.

[shokhead]

So Far,how has he NOT done that? One fricken example,one? ONE!

[dean_martin]

There are more important things in this world than money. Your name, reputation, and legacy are but a few of them. If you can't stand behind your word, you don't have a damn thing...and that ain't no lie.

I'm afraid that only applies if you're living in the real world by the rules outside the fantasy land of pro sports. You can't take a MLB, NFL, or NBA contract dispute to court for resolution. The respective leagues have made sure of that. They could enforce contracts themselves - if they wanted. If the leagues had the nerve, they could probably employ enforced servitude. As it is, deals can be renegotiated so long as both sides are willing - much like the real world only the "employee" seems to have more leverage in the sports world these days. I've never seen a pro sports contract, but I suspect they're so full of contingencies that either side could get out. What's the deal with "guaranteed" money? Does this mean the owner might pay the rest if it feels like it? Occasionally you'll hear of an enforceable clause in a sports contract, but usually it doesn't have anything to do with pay, e.g., a "no trade" clause. Even then, an owner can buy its way out. Other agreements such as performance incentives (extra money for making the playoffs or all star games, etc.) are only good if both sides are happy with the relationship.

I think the pendulum has swung in favor of players for the most part, but you still hear of great athletes suffering career ending injuries with no league compensation and old-time hall of famers on skid row. But, the present situation is only hard on the fans and what say do the fans have? Are enough people going to stop going to games, watching games and buying merchandise to make a difference? If they do, the team will just move to another city and use its taxpayers' money to build a new stadium.

Pro sports is about winning, entertainment and big money. If kids weren't playing these same sports or looking up to the pro athletes, I wouldn't care who was making an ass of himself, or doing steroids, or biting ears (heck, it's boxing), or firing guns in clubs, or fighting on the court or field, etc. The only difference between wrestling and MLB, NFL, and NBA is that the outcomes are not predetermined. Paraphrasing Charles Barkley, "I know these guys and nobody's ever accused'em of bein' geniuses."

[shokhead]

By its very definition, a bilateral contract is a promise for a promise: You promise to perform said task and I'll promise to pay you said amount. Nothing more, nothing less. There isn't anything in the verbage that states, "If someone else gets a better contract somewhere down the road, you should be paid more to satisfy your ego." Nuh uh. No one held a gun to his head. He made a promise, now it's time to live up to it.

There are more important things in this world than money. Your name, reputation, and legacy are but a few of them. If you can't stand behind your word, you don't have a damn thing...and that ain't no lie.


You are clueless. We are talking about a fricken guy that can do something very,very few can do. Screw his name,we are talking about millions and you tell me. Do you want people saying,gee,want a great guy,stuck to his contract. WRONG. What a chump,he could have gotten way more money. RIGHT. Ego's,thats what its about,you got it. MONEY! MONEY! Thats what its about in there part of the world. We dont get it because we'll never be there. How many guys can hook up a HT? Few Mill? How many can run like hell,catch a football? A FEW! The less that can do something special,the more you'll get. Its all part of the game. Of course i think he should srick by it but it doesnt work that way. Would i be doing it. 100% no doubt about it. 10 years from now most wont even remember. We all know how screwed up sports is and dont blame anyone but owners. Now,SHOW ME THE MONEY. :D :p

[Justlisten2]

When did it become acceptable to not honor your contract? When did it become acceptable to not be true to your word?


Answer: When were lawyers invented? ;)

[Duds]

TO should take some lessons from Tom Brady. The guy wins 3 super bowls and doesnt say one word about his contract.


You are clueless. We are talking about a fricken guy that can do something very,very few can do. Screw his name,we are talking about millions and you tell me. Do you want people saying,gee,want a great guy,stuck to his contract. WRONG. What a chump,he could have gotten way more money. RIGHT. Ego's,thats what its about,you got it. MONEY! MONEY! Thats what its about in there part of the world. We dont get it because we'll never be there. How many guys can hook up a HT? Few Mill? How many can run like hell,catch a football? A FEW! The less that can do something special,the more you'll get. Its all part of the game. Of course i think he should srick by it but it doesnt work that way. Would i be doing it. 100% no doubt about it. 10 years from now most wont even remember. We all know how screwed up sports is and dont blame anyone but owners. Now,SHOW ME THE MONEY. :D :p

[shokhead]

Class and classless but brady's getting his.

[topspeed]

Screw his name,we are talking about millions and you tell me. Do you want people saying,gee,want a great guy,stuck to his contract. WRONG. What a chump,he could have gotten way more money...Now,SHOW ME THE MONEY.
That's too bad. It's this type of acceptance that empowers these chumps to act the way they do. If this is your belief system, so be it. I disagree and do not and will not ever condone the act of not standing by your word.

BTW, Brady is a great example because his contract is far less than a quarterback with three rings and two Superbowl MVP's can command on the open market. He took less to ensure the Pats would have enough money to sustain excellence. He understands it's a team sport and has the rings to prove it.

[shokhead]

That's too bad. It's this type of acceptance that empowers these chumps to act the way they do. If this is your belief system, so be it. I disagree and do not and will not ever condone the act of not standing by your word.

BTW, Brady is a great example because his contract is far less than a quarterback with three rings and two Superbowl MVP's can command on the open market. He took less to ensure the Pats would have enough money to sustain excellence. He understands it's a team sport and has the rings to prove it.

So you'll take rings over money? In the real world,of course your word should stand for something. We are NOT talking about the real world,we are talking about sports with a very limited time and very few can do.

[GMichael]

Some people make a living and have some class. Other people want to make a killing. Their word is worthless. I guess a couple of mil a year aren't enough. Too bad money can't buy them class.