Business As Usual

When it comes to sports economics fans typically are on management (owners/teams) side of the squabble. You hear it everywhere, even the educated sports fan will foolishly tell you, "these players are TOO GREEDY, what's the difference when you make THAT MUCH!!!" People will tell you a few millions here & there might not make a difference to a player, but why is the same mentality not used when it comes to team or the owners? Aren't the team owners also making millions? I for one, have always sided with the player when it comes to labor disputes, especially when it comes to football. After all, they are the product. But most importantly, they are the ones taking the risk & placing their respective bodies on the line. I know what your thinking, "you can't compare the money we make to the amount they make...they get paid millions to play a game." They also limp home, have concussions, blow out knee caps, & break bone at the end of the "work day" while you stroll in & eat your dinner.

I could be one of these uninformed fanatics who sees a sports labor headline & instantly thinks, "these damn players are greedy." Yet when they see a player like LaDainian Tomlinson, crying uncontrollably like he did at his press conference, it's nothing more than another overused player that has worn out his welcome in the game. In 2006, Tomlinson won the leagues MVP in a season where he touched the ball over 400 time (404). Marking the 6th straight season LT had over 390 touches. Mind you, that these touches are in a 4 months span, not including the playoffs, which amounts to nearly 100 blows a month from 270 pound linemen. This is why, when players hold out for more money I say one thing... GET YOUR MONEY!!! Cause when you're all used up, this is where you'll be. On the unemployment line.

I'm not saying I feel sorry for sports athletes, they know the risks of the game. What I'm saying is I understand them & their desire to be compensated to a level they deem fair. We all work, we all make our money & likely work for people who make more money. If that's the case, if you are an asset making your owner richer, wouldn't YOU want your cut? Why would you take a dime less? Fans OFTEN speak out against players due to their jealousy. There really is no other reason to care who makes what. You call players "mercenaries" selling their service to the highest bidder. I call it securing a financial future.