An Obsession With Money

I am a Tennessee Titans fan. I am also a Washington Redskins fan through my parents. Ironically enough, one player for each team is in the "holdout" situation (the players would prefer if I use the euphemism "sitting out until life is fair again"). Albert Haynesworth for the Redskins and Chris Johnson of the Titans are currently skipping the voluntary workouts for each team, which are usually attended as a respect for the team. For Johnson, it is the money that is the issue. Rushing for over 2,000 yards last season, he is only contracted to receive just over $500K this year. He feels he should be paid more, justifiably so if I say so myself. But, he has sat out too long for my comfort level to still be okay. He is missing crucial time with the team that could possibly mean a decrease in performance, and he needs to end this holdout. Unfortunately, Marshall Faulk is telling him to keep holding out and show them! Marshall Faulk, do you have no respect for a team?! Come on, don't encourage a bad thing like this. Meanwhile, for Haynesworth, money isn't the issue. He has a guaranteed $100 million coming in over the next few years, with $30 million already collected. Hey fat Albert: show up or stay home. With your inconsistent play, I don't think Shanahan would care to see you leave.

With all this said, I can't stand the arrogant and egotistical behavior that professional sports athletes show. Can't you settle for something like $5 million per year? Why do you have to make $100 million per year? How much money can you spend per year? It's ridiculous to hear former NBA player Latrell Sprewell demand a new contract because he couldn't feed his family with the $14.6 million he was scheduled to make. What do you eat?! Pro players are making way too much money, and with a possible uncapped year for the NFL, it will only get worse.