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Posted 08/21/2007 at 08:29 PM
In the life and times of an NFL football player, it seems that as quick as the money comes in, it's gone. In no week that I can remember in NFL history is this statement as obvious as this week.
Today, Chiefs running back Larry Johnson signed a new contract that will pay him $45 million over the next six years with $19 million of that guaranteed. His first financial committment, paying back the $357,000 in fines that he has accumulated from holding out of 25 days of training camp.
Michael Vick is likely off to prison and with it will go $83 million of money he would have earned from his current contract. If you tack on what I would imagine is close to $10 million a year in endorsement money, we're talking about $100 million plus going to the dogs, almost literally.
And its not just money that comes and goes. The Dodgers were 48-36 back on July 3rd and looking like they could tear up the NL West. Now L.A. is just four games over .500 and six games back in the division. Just as sad is that the Brewers were one game better than the Dodgers on the same day and they have now seen their division lead evaporate, now tied with the Cubs. Apparently division leads go easier than they come.
It's not just money and teams that come and go but the players themselves as well. Just ask ex-Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter who was released by the team today. Or baseball prospect Chris Carter who was sent from Arizona to Washington to Boston in just under an hour.
To make a long story short, nothing is guaranteed in sports. Nothing.
Now, just one letter before I go:
Dear Mr. Woods,
I'm extremely dissapointed in your decision not to compete in the first event of the FedEx Cup. While I understand that you have recently had a baby, don't need the money, and do not like to play four straight weeks, your decision was made from a selfish standpoint and without consideration for your fellow golfers or the PGA Tour in general.
Your absence will hurt TV ratings, attendance, and turn the PGA Tour playoff system into a joke if you do in fact win the new PGA playoffs. This will keep prize money down for future tournaments and keep the public from increasing their general interest in the sport of golf. Let us also not forget the commercials you have done for the FedEx Cup and how you promoted tournaments you are now not playing in.
Whether you like it or not "Tiger," you are the face of a sport and with that comes the responsibility for its continued success.
Sincerely,
Dissapointed Golfers Around the World
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