Up front, I will admit to being a big fan of the National Football League.
I have been for years. However, some times I have to wonder why. This past weekend produced another example which makes even the most die-hard of football followers like myself shake his head in disbelief.
Former University of Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford, who quite frankly never lived up to his hype as a Bulldog, has truly left the Classic City behind now with his first-round draft pick status with the Detroit Lions. Reports from this past weekend indicated Stafford will receive a $41 million “signing bonus” before he even participates in one practice in Detroit.
Even some of the talking heads covering this year’s draft were left wondering just what the heck is going on with a signing bonus in that range for a player who has not played a down in the NFL yet. Stafford could be the biggest flop of all flops but he still will have so much money it doesn’t matter.
Something is truly wrong with a system where a rookie who has never played in the league or paid any type of dues can make more than a multi-time pro bowl player. Something is off in the universe when a player like Stafford can make so much for doing, well, nothing.
The former UGA thrower has not proven he can do anything at the highest level. However, he has more money in the bank than he will possibly know what to do with now.
One of the commentators on the NFL Network Saturday raised an even more troubling aspect to Stafford’s ridiculous salary.
“I thought Detroit was in terrible financial shape,” the commentator said. “Where is all this money coming from to pay him and what kind of message does this send to those who have lost their jobs in Detroit?”
To me, that was the point that truly needed to be driven home. While the NFL player association figurehead tried to defend Stafford’s salary, I don’t think many were buying into it. I certainly was not.
Thanks to the collapse of the American auto industry, Detroit is in chaos financially. Hard-working men and women are losing their jobs left and right. In a day and time when this is going on, how can Stafford even show his face in the state of Michigan as the “$41-Million Dollar Man?”
I can only hope Stafford will take some of that money and try to help the people of the Detroit area who are suffering during this country’s economic crisis. Doing so would be a great public relations move on his part.
If the NFL is going to be the league of the people, then something has to be done about rookies making more than multi-time pro bowlers.
While they are at it, the powers-that-be should also look at what message is being sent when a football player is making so much when so many people in the city where he will be playing a game are suffering so.
2. "...and what kind of message does this send to those who have lost their jobs in Detroit?” The message it should send is, "if you're tired of your current way of life, develop your God-given talent into marketable skills".
3. "I can only hope Stafford will take some of that money and try to help the people of the Detroit area who are suffering during this country’s economic crisis." I'm assuming you mean he should give money away. Remember the government will seize at least $20 million of Stafford's salary and redistribute it to others. Maybe he should build a $10 million house, for starters. Think of the real estate agents, contractors, plumbers, electricians, landscapers, etc., that are currently struggling for work that he could employ. I'm sure there are plenty of business owners and employees in Detroit who hope he goes on a spending spree.
4. "If the NFL is going to be the league of the people, then something has to be done about rookies making more than multi-time pro bowlers." Aside from the "league of the people" phrase (ha), I agree. Given time, I think the NFL will do something. Supply and demand works wonders over time.
5. Bottom line, Chris. How much should Stafford have been paid? Who gets to tell Stafford, "Sorry, but Chris Bridges of Madison County thinks you are making too much. Here's your check for _____________, instead"? Look, I don't think he's worth it either. But, I don't have to write the check. Am I jealous of someone making $41 million? Yep, but it's my own fault if I don't earn enough. I've made the choices that have got me to this point in life. (And I mean some STUPID choices.)
6. Take heart. He does have to live in Detroit at least part of the year. (If I were Stafford, I would commute from Texas.) And, with Detroit's offensive line, Stafford probably won't survive the first couple of games of the season. Then, the rest of us poor folks can sit back, smile sagely, and feel a little smug.
Stafford's wealth will help others. he will hire people to do things for him and purchase high dollar items from other businesses. I have never been hired by a poor person.
Stafford could easily go Ryan Leaf, but that is not the point. The point is there is no shame in someone being successful even in the midst of a city full of people with employment problems. Many of whom never once considered reading a book or taking a class to better their career choices in case the dinosaur like auto industry went poof.
After all, this is the same fellow who argued vehemently that Commerce High School was stupid for choosing to play Jefferson instead of Banks County after it became obvious that Commerce had to choose between the two because of Jefferson having 9 region games in 2009.