Johnny Damon -- let's see -- stay with the Red Sox and make $40 million over the next 4 years or go with their biggest rival, the Yankees, and get $52 million for the same. Well, John Boy chose the pin stripes.
One word -- sellout
+++++++++++++++++++
12-22-05, 10:18 PM
DorianGreyed
I remember a press conference with Muhammad Ali before he came out of retirement to fight Larry Holmes. (By this time, Ali could only rely on his ring knowledge and ability to take a punch. His unbelievable hand speed and reactions were gone.) Ali, dressed in a suit as usual, was seated, taking questions from reporters.
One asked, "Ali, we hear that you are getting $7 million for this fight. Is it true that you are doing it just for the money?" (This was in 1980, and a $7 mil purse was huge.)
Ali stared at the guy, stood up, glowered, and strode to the door, without saying a word. At the door, with one foot out of the room, he stopped and turned, still with a stare that was reminiscent of Sonny Liston. Then he spoke. "I don't know anybody that can't use an extra $7 million." He smiled and left.

One one hand, I think that many of today's athletes are vastly overpaid, spoiled, and have a skewed view of their own importance. On the other hand, I don't know anyone who can't use an extra $7 million.

12-22-05, 11:20 PM
Dwight
I hate to see the Damon trade, too. But these athletes are entertainers and there is no reason that they cannot go to whatever team is willing to pay them the most money. If George is willing to pay the money and the Red Socks are not willing, then...

Dwight

12-22-05, 11:48 PM
coldfuse
Would you work for someone else if they offered you 30% more money and guaranteed it for four years?

How about if it was $12 million?

12-23-05, 01:33 AM
FredPuli
Could it ever happen that one or two teams were so wealthy that they could buy all the best talent and beat all-comers?

12-23-05, 05:30 PM
BobLaz
Fred-
The Yankees have been doing JUST THAT for the last 5 years--with no success..However, now they have an All-Star at EVERY position, and if they DON'T win it all this coming season (they'll be favored), they can then be classified as the most mis-managed team in baseball history..
Cool

12-23-05, 07:52 PM
Kelleygirl
How much money is enough? How much money can you spend in a lifetime? Why does it always come down to this?
Guess I'm looking at this from the Boston fans' perspective since I went to Fenway Park last summer and really felt the wrath there between the Red Sox and the Yankees. It must feel like the ultimate betrayal.

12-24-05, 04:28 AM
BobLaz
KG-
THAT's the ultimate question..These guys are no better more than high-priced 'ladies of the evening'--selling themselves to the highest bidders..The money has truly skewed their rational thinking--distancing themselves from Joe Fan who is forced to pay those exorbitant salaries..
Cool

12-24-05, 04:51 AM
FredPuli

quote:
Originally posted by BobLaz:
Fred-
The Yankees have been doing JUST THAT for the last 5 years--with no success..However, now they have an All-Star at EVERY position, and if they DON'T win it all this coming season (they'll be favored), they can then be classified as the most mis-managed team in baseball history..
Cool



Most mis-managed ? Exactly. A team of all the talents isn't necessarily a talented team !That's what Mr Mourinho ( see above) plainly thought when he took over at Chelsea soccer club. The coach must have tactical insight and an ability to get the best out of his players. Throwing money at a side doesn't , of itself, produce either of those aims and if an incidental result is to have players who have clashes of personality then it may well prove disastrous. Mourinho can afford to buy any player he wants. He does and he doesn't.Of course, he is fortunate in having an owner who hired him as the best coach and who lets him get on with coaching. The billionaire Mr Abramovich doesn't interfere and, above all, will not fire his coach as soon as the side loses a couple of games. Soccer is beset with owners who are impatient, expect miracles and who will not give any coach any time. The Spanish side Real Madrid, a top side in Europe, has been known to have four different coaches in a season Roll Eyes, but such an attitude is common, though not quite as extreme, all through Europe.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,