Even more proof that the Players care for nothing other than money
by einman77 on Jul 21, 2011 2:19 AM EDT
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I know, like we need any more proof. Let's face it, both sides are earning ridiculous sums of money that come directly or indirectly out of the fans pockets. It's almost astounding that they are basically fighting over it right in front of our faces while turning every once in a while and flashing a fake smile to say "Oh, but we DO care about you". But that's what they are doing. And I've read and posted my fair share about the lock-out and the crap that both sides have pulled, so I know this is nothing new. But what happened today with the Players not voting and the comment made that the 21st wasn't a solid date for them was just a slap in the face. Of course the fans felt it, but what's new about that? I mean we've been dragged through the mud as far as they could take us, what's one more day or so? But the people that I am talking about with the baby powder fresh on their faces are the 7 men being inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
Every year, the NFL brings more attention to these guys than any other sport does with their inductees by hosting the first game of the year the day after the induction ceremony on the same grounds. Millions of fans either remember or learn about how these men changed the face of the game, even if they just tune in to watch the game itself being played that day. Those 7 inductees worked hard throughout their careers and sacrificed their bodies for more than a decade in order to consistently be the best of their era. This moment should be the pinnacle of one's career, though it seems like this is well surpassed by "the big contract" on the current player's career high points.
Since none of this year's inductees were Eagles, save Dent in his final season who contributed so little that I honestly can't remember him dawning Eagles Green, then I'm personally not very invested in the ceremony. But as a player you would think that they would want to give those men the proper respect they deserve. By not holding their vote today and subsequently publicly stating that the 21st is not their deadline, ultimately implying that they are going to fight over any and all scraps left on the table before they move on no matter how little chance there is that they will get any of said scraps, they basically are saying that this game really isn't that important to them. Sure, it may be nice since it would draw in a little extra revenue to squabble about, but other than that? Who cares.
I can understand that it's important to them to max out the deal while they can, which is what this move is about. I don't even come close to buying it when they say things like "We want to give the fans football". They don't give a fuck about us and it's obvious. It's not like they are fooling us about it and I doubt either side understands or has any remorse at all about the angst we as fans felt this off season (lest it has an adverse effect on their precious pie). But the players and the history of the game that they are shoving aside like it's nothing is telling that even the game doesn't really mean that much to them.
I know the HOF game isn't canceled yet, but it surely was in grave danger and this move could be the final nail in the coffin for it. Moreover, the comments made by Kevin Mawae about "not being tied the 21st as a deadline", he might as well have said "we don't really give a crap about that POS no money earning game". Yes, it's only a preseason game and this and that, but what it represents is something that every player should strive for and hold high if they really do care about the game of football. And that was their one tagline that they could still hang their hats on, that even if it wasn't for us then the game itself is still important. It's certainly obvious now that really the game and tradition means nothing to them.
I was disheartened enough before this announcement. Once they said that they didn't vote I almost had a numb uncaring feeling. At this point I really do feel like the dead horse that both sides are beating, cold and emotionless. The season will still likely be "saved", but this whole process has taken the "fanatical" part out of my fandom.
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I agree with the sentiment regarding the HOF ceremony and game...
its not only a slap in the face to fans but also a slap in their face as well. Unfortunately, I don’t think the NFL gives a damn about the HOF induction ceremony. They will have it regardless if the season was put on hiatus or not.
As opposed to the owners who care only about honor, integrity, love, and the essence of life? Everybody’s in it for the money, such is the world of professional sports.
Bleeding Green Nation -- Home of the REAL Slim Shady
36-5-20-JJ Bleeding Green Forever
This isn’t really directed at you, btw, just think it’s unfair to side with anyone on the basis of “the other side is so greedy!”
Bleeding Green Nation -- Home of the REAL Slim Shady
36-5-20-JJ Bleeding Green Forever
I can certainly agree with your sentiment
The owners are only trying to save the HOF game and the season for the money, that’s obvious. I seriously hate both sides and am personally going to have a tough time getting back into the NFL no matter what happens because of that. It’s just as players that game should mean a little more. The fact that they had no commitment to the 21st only shows that they don’t really give a shit about any of the things that they constantly profess to giving a shit about.
Try not to take the above message too seriously.
Stop being a hypocrite. None of us would leave millions of dollars on the table. Let it play out and then sit back and enjoy the football. Players side is far more in the right than the owners could ever hope to be.
Formerly... "You don't have to be sweet, to be good"
I would. If you told me I could make $500,000/yr for the rest of my life if I signed a contract right now, or up to $1 million/year if I fought a little harder, I would sign the deal right now. I don’t need that much money — $500k each year sounds fantastic to me.
Bleeding Green Nation -- Home of the REAL Slim Shady
36-5-20-JJ Bleeding Green Forever
That of course, is not at all what we are talking about. We are talking about a very limited time to make money for guys who are going to have a life full of medical issues which the NFL does a terrible job of paying for and who in many cases are supporting their entire families.
Formerly... "You don't have to be sweet, to be good"
by Ed Van Chimp on Jul 21, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Are you actually trying your hand at making these people sound sympathetic?
It was stated in a previous thread, but the point resonates – if any of us had the opportunity to sign a contract worth about HALF that of the league minimum ($275,000 annual) to put the number of hours in and the risks an average NFL player goes into their jobs to perform every day, the grand majority of us would sign immediately.
It is the consumers that determine the value of the players. It seems more and more like both the players and the owners don’t take the consumers (in this case, the fans) seriously. That’s a dangerous line to tread.
stop watching
you won’t be missed. Fight the good fight out of principle. or be realistic that they have something you like that yo will buy when its available.
Take the name off the back of the jersey's and reinvent football as a team sport.
"The way I figure it, if my heads gonna pop off it's gonna pop off anyways" - Ellis Hobbs on the possibility of his neck breaking.
by MightyJoeBanner on Jul 21, 2011 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
No. I’m saying it’s hypocritical to bitch at people for not wanting millions of dollars to put their lives at risk.
Formerly... "You don't have to be sweet, to be good"
by Ed Van Chimp on Jul 21, 2011 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
You have to be kidding, right?
Let me go talk to my friends who served in the military to see how they are spending their millions. Oh, wait, no, you mean the huge percentage of football players who die every year.
Try not to take the above message too seriously.
Military people bitch about this shit and their jobs more than anybody on the planet. I know, I’m in it. It’s harmless, but let’s not act like if we thought we could get a pay raise we wouldn’t support it. There is a reason people riot every time they talk about troops not getting paid. Even in a job where you very clearly don’t join for the money you want to get paid more if you can, it’s called being human.
How many players die each year? Well a guy just shot himself in the heart so they could study his nearly useless at that point brain, Andre Waters just offed himself, Herschel Walker played Russian roulette with a loaded handgun, Jack Tatum just died recently at an absurdly young age, Kroy Stringer died on the field a few years ago, go watcha replay of Jahvid Best going rigor mortis after flying thru the air and having his helmet fly off at Cal.
I could go on but the fact is this, these guys take years off of their lives, and age their bodies and more importantly minds for decades to entertain you on Sunday. You’re literally watching grown men kill themselves for your entertainment and whining about them wanting to be paid for it. Which btw, they’ve been underpaid for years. There aren’t a whole lot of guys who are 6’5 260 and can run a 4.5 40, people with that athleticism are in short supply and high demand.
Formerly... "You don't have to be sweet, to be good"
by Ed Van Chimp on Jul 21, 2011 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions
It certainly takes a toll
but that’s a tired excuse. They play the game that they love. I would and you would. It is human nature to sacrifice the present for the future. They know the risks, and no one has stopped playing due to concerns over their future health yet. There is certainly a trade off, but nearly every fan in this world would trade places with them, even at half of the salaries they are getting.
I think they have the right to negotiate, sure. I don’t like that they try and feed the fans a bunch a bullshit that we can see right through. I certainly don’t fucking pity them. They have a choice. It’s a choice that you, me or most anyone else would make.
Try not to take the above message too seriously.
Fine.
You’re being stubborn, but let’s amend my previous statement to match up with your perception of what you’re arguing:
I would. If you told me I could make $500,000/yr for therest of my lifenext 10 years if I signed a contract right now, or up to $1 million/year if I fought a little harder, I would sign the deal right now. I don’t need that much money — $500k each year sounds fantastic to me, especially to play a game I love more than anything in the world.
And health stuff is being resolved separately, so that shouldn’t play into this. Both sides are being greedy; I tend to sympathize with the players more, but if its really down to a few million dollars, then just give it up and get back to what you love doing.
Bleeding Green Nation -- Home of the REAL Slim Shady
36-5-20-JJ Bleeding Green Forever
It's
business. It’s getting what your worth plus your fair share of profits. Each side has their POV of what they deserve. WE the fans aren’t part of that part of the equation. WE pay to be entertained. Regardless of how much they make WE agree to the products price. WE the people should shut the F..k up unless WE are unhappy with the price of what they produce.
Not aimed at you. More at enema. But had to do with what you were saying.
Take the name off the back of the jersey's and reinvent football as a team sport.
"The way I figure it, if my heads gonna pop off it's gonna pop off anyways" - Ellis Hobbs on the possibility of his neck breaking.
by MightyJoeBanner on Jul 22, 2011 5:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Personally
I get a kick out of the people who think that the players or any entertainers should care about them. Why should they care about anything but the money, the game and themselves. It’s their job to be an entertainer. You pay to see them because you like the sport. If I worked for Colgate should I have to care about everyone who buys toothpaste?
Take the name off the back of the jersey's and reinvent football as a team sport.
"The way I figure it, if my heads gonna pop off it's gonna pop off anyways" - Ellis Hobbs on the possibility of his neck breaking.
by MightyJoeBanner on Jul 21, 2011 11:36 AM EDT reply actions
I do work
in client services. And money is why I wake up everyday.
Take the name off the back of the jersey's and reinvent football as a team sport.
"The way I figure it, if my heads gonna pop off it's gonna pop off anyways" - Ellis Hobbs on the possibility of his neck breaking.
by MightyJoeBanner on Jul 21, 2011 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
o
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a fucking clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
Well, I could have said that your premise is fucking stupid, and poorly thought out and weakly defended to boot, but instead I was polite with the ‘o.’ The argument that you’re trying to broach isn’t worth having in the framework that you’ve provided.
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a fucking clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
As long as we're here
That was actually the first time that I saw an argument on the blog where the whole community actually voted on the smackdown that one person laid on the other. It was really big of you to be the first one to walk away from that as well. But don’t worry, you have plenty of credibility left to simply insult my argument without breaking it down at all. After all, you were given the title of defensive rookie of the year on the blog by some guy.
Try not to take the above message too seriously.
Summary: Players don’t care because they allowed another deadline to pass. Damn them for ruining the HoF game, even though it may not be cancelled. Bring torches.
That’s not a foundation for a discussion.
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a fucking clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
I never said bring torches
I was saying that their actions fly in the face of what comes out of their mouths.
Try not to take the above message too seriously.
The thing is you don’t know what you’re talking about. You have a pro-owner stance and are trying to rationalize the events to fit with that notion.
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a fucking clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
I'm not pro anyone
Both of them can fuck off after this off-season. You’re trying to rationalize the image you have of me without giving any rationalization.
Try not to take the above message too seriously.
Other things I've posted
This one highlights the owners tricks. This one dishes it out to both sides. This comment defends Smith when everyone was trashing him. I think you’re a smart guy and I really appreciated some of the things you had to say before, but recently you expect a little too much from fucking fan posts (or you have no idea why the “o” stuff was started in the first place), you assume too much and you’re stubborn once you do. At least that’s why I’ve lost pretty much all respect for you.
Try not to take the above message too seriously.
I apologize if it’s too much to ask you to know what you’re talking about before writing about it and posting it in a public place. Like I said, the ‘o’ was polite. Rather than saying anything to make the ‘o’ look unwarranted, you went straight for the personal attacks.
While your stance may shift over time, this piece is pro-owner or at least anti-player. You’re trying to fit the evidence to your argument, rather than basing the argument off the evidence.
Who set the deadline that was missed? Was there even an actual deadline that was set or was it simply another date at which the lockout’s existence would cause new complications?
Should the players place a higher priority on ending the owner imposed lockout in time to avoid the cancellation of the HoF game, and a lower priority on negotiating the best deal possible? If so, why? Do the HoF’ers feel disrespected? Do they even care about the HoF game?
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a fucking clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
That's an actual argument
and one that I probably would have countered, and you have some points there. I don’t see the “o” as polite. I see it as saying “this is garbage, and not only am I going to waste my time on it I am going to signal to other people not to waste their time either, as the poster is obviously too stupid or stubborn to converse with”. Maybe that’s where the problem originates. I feel, as many others do, that “o” is an insider’s insult, and blunt one at that.
Try not to take the above message too seriously.
Addressing your points
I would actually concede that the players playing in the HOF game would offer the best insight into how the cancellation (which was made to look like the players were responsible for) made them feel. They are probably hurt, but I imagine they would want the best possible deal for retirees. I don’t think it should be a higher priority than negotiations, but at the same time it didn’t sound like it was even a consideration when the players made their stance on not voting on Wednesday public. No one set an actual deadline for the game to be missed, but if things weren’t wrapped up in time then there wouldn’t be enough time to prepare. It was a topic that seems to widely agreed on that the HOF game was in serious jeopardy of being canceled due to time constraints.
About evidence, there is a lack of that right now in all regards. If you’re on a blog about the NFL right now, you’re knee deep in speculation and frustration. Not really much else to talk about at this juncture.
Right now, fair or not, the owners have set the players up to take the heat. The players could have seen this coming and prepared for it by adressing the fact that they had set no deadlines to vote, or anything like that well before the day everyone was expecting them to. So while this certainly has an anti-player tone, trust that I am not pro owner. I have read “Bad Sports” by Dave Zirin and hate the shit that they are doing.
I am strictly pro-deal. What I know, is that the owners have followed through on their deadline to vote. If the players had no timetable they should have said that once people started talking about Wednesday rather than letting this public shit storm happen. Their tactics may have been different, but if this was their plan they certainly should have counted on this backlash by not addressing it publicly first.
Try not to take the above message too seriously.
some guy ?!?!?
"If Revis has an Island, Asomugha should have a continent." - #5
"Or if the rest of the defense if even decent then
our two Rookie safety’s don’t have to go all Ed Reed-Palamolu-Dawkins-super sayan badass mode to help us win." - W_E
Sending pics of your junk > dog killing > generally being a douche > sexual assault allegations > being on the Cowboys.
You are being a puppet....
for the owners. The owners have proven to be quite good at spin and manipulation. The owners made secret TV deals to give themselves a warchest and have refused to reveal how much money they make throughout most of the process. To the contrary, the players have been reactionary, including with this new delay. The players are the irreplacable part of the league. However, there are billionaires willing to line up for the cash cow that is an NFL team and many could run franchsies better than most of the current guys. The players deserve their cut and the owners have done most of the jerking around (to the media, the fans, the players, the TV companies, etc…). It took an aggressive judge, political pressure, and a likely loss in court for the owners to even start to play ball. Talk about entitled…
I've never been on the owners side
or the Players side. I’ve given blame to both plenty, and certainly more so to the owners. I just don;t like how the players brushed this date aside seemingly on principle. The owners could certainly be setting the players up to look bad here at the end of all this, but they are doing a very good job of it and I would venture to guess that at least some of it is the players’ fault.
Try not to take the above message too seriously.
Just
because you have low ambition and could be happy with 500k for 10 years doesn’t mean others should have to fit into that mold. Or be labeled greedy. We all have our own idea of what we are worth and what we should have. Judging them greedy in turn could mean that others could call you unambitious.
Take the name off the back of the jersey's and reinvent football as a team sport.
"The way I figure it, if my heads gonna pop off it's gonna pop off anyways" - Ellis Hobbs on the possibility of his neck breaking.
by MightyJoeBanner on Jul 22, 2011 5:51 AM EDT reply actions
To be honest I look at this from another perspective. I really don’t think it is about millions of dollars. I think they’d be doing this over any amount. It isn’t about the money at this point, it is about principle and it is about winning the battle.
Like Gordon Gecko says, it isn’t about the money it is about the game. I know a guy who works in the FO for the Tampa Rays and he say often times guys don’t care how much they are paid as long as it is more than this or that guy. Personally when you have competitive businessmen vs. competitive players you are going to get this. Billions of dollars being at stake adds to the fire.
Formerly... "You don't have to be sweet, to be good"
I have thought about that too
I don think both sides are pretty set on getting more than the other. From the outside it’s just baffling as if they keep it up then both sides will get less.
Try not to take the above message too seriously.
From the outside it’s just baffling as if they keep it up then both sides will get less.
Now that I do agree with. It is kinda like that theory by John Nash, the objectively right thing to do is to go for as much as you can get but at some point everyone gets more when they back off and cooperate.
Formerly... "You don't have to be sweet, to be good"
by Ed Van Chimp on Jul 22, 2011 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions
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