During a recent interview in reaction to the lockout by NFL owners and the decertification of the players union Adrian Peterson made this statement: "It's modern-day slavery, you know? People kind of laugh at that, but there are people working at regular jobs who get treated the same way, too." Really? Making millions of dollars to play a kids game equates to images of poor working conditions, whippings, lynchings, family upheaval and not getting paid for work performed?
I understand that game has evolved and the average lifespan in the NFL is 5 years thus forcing players to ensure they can earn as much as possible in a very short time frame. Yes, nearly every owner in the league is white. I struggle with AP's assessment of being an NFL player equating to being a slave. It is not like AP, or any other NFL player, is forced to play football or play in the NFL for that matter. If one does not like the working conditions and is unable to influence change then try the CFL.
Perhaps I give this topic too much ink with all the rest that is going on in the world but it really struck me that AP would say something like that.
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It's sad, yes. it's a self-centered, entitlement attitude. It's honestly not much different than how most of us think and feel. So, while I find what he said disgusting, I see it as a reflection of our society today. Not just athletes. Not just actors. Not just those who may think they have a reason to deserve something more. We even carry that into our work, on to the road (Your in MY lane!!!), at home with our own families. You name it. Sad....
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's too much ink Chris. We should look at something like this stupid statement, and reflect on ourselves, and how we might harbor same or similar feelings. And how do we go about correcting that in ourselves, to be an example for our kids, and possibly others. Thanks for sharing.
Ted
AP's hyperbole aside,
ReplyDeleteI would like you guys to tell me what percentage of athletes from pee-wee up through college actually get to play professional sports?
You call it a kids game...but in reality these people have dedicated their lives to this, and still a majority of them don't make it. One out of every 12000 high-school athletes actually make it to the professional level. Before you or someone else rain down on pro-athletes who you feel make too much money, remember this, many of the pro-athletes you DON'T see in the game usually make the league minimum and that is just fine to them.
Getting back to AP...I believe his statement was ridiculous in nature, like we all haven't stated something stupid. But his reference was to the owners not being at all transparent with the players. All the players have really asked for is for the owners to open up their books to show what each team has made over the last 10 years.
The owners fear they are losing money...they should prove it. Because in reality, the players were quite comfortable with the CBA as it was before. They weren't asking for anymore money (except for retired players).
Anonymous - I understand that the chance of a child becoming the next middle linebacker for any NFL team is slim and that many in the league are making minimum league salaries. I never implied that football players or any athletes make "too much money". I am simply saying that if you are making millions playing games that many play for fun in their youth, you have nothing really to complain about. Now if AP was complaining about the working conditions then I'd listen.
ReplyDeleteSome owners are losing money. Now I don't have the hard numbers. What we should be reading about is cities and states are requiring NFL owners to pay for their own stadiums. If that becomes a reality then imagine the whining the NFL players will do when the owners negiotate for more of the TV revenue.
Viper, when you have a microphone stuck in your face and are asked to give your opinion on the spot sometimes you say stupid things....you might not think that they have nothing to complain about individually, but collectively I think that something smells foul.
ReplyDeleteYou don't have the hard numbers and neither do the players. Thats the problem. There are some struggling teams, but as a whole it is a $9 BILLION industry. Exactly where does that money go? I agree with the stadium issue...however, a lot of the owners want to remove the revenue sharing. Which will remove the pairty that we have all been enjoying lately.
Nobody likes whining players, I agree, but the owners are some of the richest people on the planet. They need to return this game to the fans.
Anonymous - Since the owners operate their teams, with exception of the Green Bay Packers, as private enterprises which means they do not have to open their books. Per the USA today the total salaries of players is $3,417,540,230. Per Coacheshotseat.com the total for head coaches is $96,000,000. If the NFL is a $9,000,000,000 industry that leaves the owners of all the teams to divide up $5,486,459,770 or $171,451,867 per team.
ReplyDelete$171,451,867 does sound like a lot of money but this would be an average and does not take into consideration the expense for assistant coaches, front office staff, maintenance of facilities, travel expenses or scouting expenses. Granted these expenses as a whole probably does not exceed 50% the amount left from that $9B does not any taxes - income or employment.
If we are serious about wanting to return the game to the fans then let's institute something that Wilt Chamberlin did while playing for the Lakers - allow the fans put money in a bucket to pay the salaries of the players.