Should there be a cap on how much rookies make when entering the NFL? If you ask most (if not all) veteran players they believe so. I am inclined to agree with them. Kevin Mawae president of the NFL players association was on the ESPN radio show "The Heard" Wednesday commenting on Atlanta rookie QB Matt Ryans recently signed contract. This is what he had to say.
"As a guy who has been in the league for 14 now going on 15 years and being around other veteran guys, for a young guy to get paid that kind of money and never steps foot on an NFL football field, it's a little disheartening to think of," Mawae said. "It makes it tough for a guy who's proven himself to say 'I want that kind of money' when the owners, all they're going to say is, 'Well, you weren't a first-round pick.'
These rookies are getting paid with the sole belief that someday they'll produce. That's not nowhere near as guaranteed as the money Matt Ryan recieved which was reported to be 72 million and 34.75 million in guarantees. That's a lot of money for someone who hasn't proven he can play in the NFL. What he did in college has no bearing on what he'll accomplish in the pro game.
Miami Dolphins kicker Jay Feely says he believes that more than 90% of the players are unhappy with the salary system and rightfully so. He said veterans believe rookies like Ryan should not get paid more than Tom Brady or even Payton Manning on their first contract.
"After three or four years if they come in and prove something, then they get that big contract," Feely said. "The reality is it does a couple of different things. If you get the wrong kind of guy, it can skew the dynamics in the locker room. You get a guy who doesn't work hard, that doesn't have an internal desire to be great, and he gets that kind of money and he doesn't care what anybody says. He's not going to listen to the veterans' leadership in the locker room. He can be and say whatever he wants to do, and he can come into that locker room and not listen to anybody because he got paid $30 million guaranteed. It takes away some guys' motivation
In my opinion the system the NBA has for rookie pay is about as perfect as it gets. If a player like Adam Pac-man Jones had not been making such enormous amounts of money, it just might have kept him out the gentlemans clubs where most of his off the field issues have occured.
Feely says it's a system that needs to be fixed. Question is will it be fixed and can it as well? I'm not so sure it can or will but one thing is for sure in needs to be. If not as time goes on expect two things. More over payed hyped up rookies who do not produce anything. Lots of pissed of veterans holding out more than what's the usual every season.
Count on it... There will be a cap on rookie salaries in the new CBA. I believe the owners will pull out all the stops to get this done. It has led to the upward spiral of wages in the NFL. Small market teams or the less rich owners don't even want a top draft pick. Look at the Raiders, how much will they have tied up in Russell and McFadden? It's no good under these circumstances and I'd bet a lot of money the owners stand together to get this capped...
Dwindy,
I sure hope so because it is way out of hand. I mean 32.75 million for someone who is never guaranteed to do much of anything for the next few years is just plain retarded. I think your right though because it'll only get worse as time goes on. Another problem with all that is who do you really think will pay for all this? Fans that's who.
I think the Falcons overpaid in this instance to try and wipe the slate clean after the Vick disaster. But there needs to be a cap here; these salaries are getting ridiculous! The NFL draft had a record number of trades in part because of this. So you'll definately see it come in the next CBA.
Gambitt Ive always thought athletes get paid way to much anyway not just the rookies all of them across the board--look at Ryans contract thats more than 20 policemen 20 fireman 20 teachers and 20 nurses combined as far as salerys go you tell me who does more for their money and who deserves it the most? where are the prioritys in this country and why are they paid so much more than a public servant that risks thier lives for us on a daily bases?
sorry bout the rant its a subject that always gets my blood boiling..
ROOKIES??? gawd how about everyones out of control pay checks??????? remeber they are doing what???? throwing a ball??? shooting a ball?? catching ball????? and yea they work hard and its not easy!!! BUT?????
JOKER,
No need to apologize for ranting, I feel the same way. In fact I should have stated so in my post.
Lisa,
Not just for the first year but for atleast 2 or 3 years minimum. I understand what you mean but it's become even more than a joke.
Kelly,
No you are right they get payed to play a childs game and they are crying all the time about money. #### most of us would play for less than the league minimum for life.
Rev.
Yeah with $32 mill. guaranteed I think it's safe to say a million dollar loan isn't much to ask of Matt Ryan. I'd like to read that debate so please do try to find me that link.
bosox,
Matt Ryan might be a great QB and I wish him the best as well. Although I still think a vet. should be making more money than him. Thx for commenting.
gambitxxx
Financial expediency has never been a big thing with a lot of teams that are chasing success.
And what's becoming more apparent is that teams are prepared to pay exorbitant sums to players based on potential only rather than proving their worth through incentives.
He's never lived up to the expectations ....
Hampton of the Braves.....
Rookies or not the business of the game is meant to be about success on the field of play. That's what ought to determine the worth of a player.
But we're now seeing the agents , players and some respects the owners through their GM's going out on a limb and usually it's all for nought. As can be seen from the two individuals seen here.
Rampant,
You said it man. It should be about the results you produce on the field not what you might be able to do. It's all #### backwards if you ask me.
gambitxxx
With the NFL owners now choosing to opt out of the CBA. What the hell does that achieve ? We all know that within two years it'll back to a none cap season. And then upon renegotiations things'll more or less be what they were before. Everyone'll still be making their cheddar and the fans'll be forced to pay even more general admission as well as season ticket and concessions within the venues. And let's not forget the merchandizing aspect and what'll happen there also .
The fans are always the ones who end up paying the price for the follies of the owners and players. And those two parties in particular don't give a damn at all !
gambitxxx
There's not a place in hell that'll be hot enough for all of 'em ! As it is even if they're consumed by greed. It's their patrons, the fans who in the end up paying the ultimate price.
Check out my latest piece written under this guise titled Shall We Dance ? Jason Taylor Goes Hollywood ... ! Let me know what you think as to the merits of the piece ? I'll look forward to reading your comments.
The perfect breakfast as I see it.
You’re sitting at the table and your son is on the cover of Wheaties, your mistress is on the cover of Playboy, and your wife is on the back of the milk carton.
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