Libertarian Librarian

Camps are opening all over the land, and thus begins the annual tradition of holding out. The really stupid annual tradition.

Now, I realize that the owners hold most of the cards in negotiations, and that unlike the NBA or MLB, NFL contracts are not guarenteed (except the signing bonus), but you're still getting paid handsomely to play a game. And holding out often seems to lead to poor conditioning and subsequent injury. Plus, you are labeled as a bit of a malcontent-- thus lowering your marketability later on.

This is all doubly true for rookies-- because no matter what you bargain for as a rookie, it will pale beside what you will get as a 3rd or 4th year pro that has performed well to exceptionally well. Holding out as a rookie is about the stupidest thing you can do. It retards your ability to get up to NFL speed, it labels you as a whiner, and, in the long run, it will likely actually cost you money as you lose out on millions to scratch out and extra $500K now.

There are exceptions-- talents like Randy Moss and Terrell Owens continue to get lucrative contract offers despite their childlike personalities and penchant for taken plays-- heck, whole series and even games-- off. But for most NFL players, the small short term gain from holding out is simply not worth the long-term loss.

All of which is relative, of course. A one-week holdout at the start of training camp is not a big deal relative to a hold out that lasts until opening day or even into the regular season. So, the following list is, at this point, merely a listing of potential morons. The level of moronicness is yet to be determined:

• Reggie Bush. Tops the list. Get your butt into camp young man. You can be a superstar in this league-- don't start your career being a doink. Especially when the Saints have Deuce McAllister perfectly willing to keep your butt nailed to the bench.
• Ashlie Lelie. You are not this good, kid. Nobody is going to pay you big bucks until you play your butt off and prove you are better than a below average #2 or an above average #3 wide receiver. Do that, then you can whine about being underpaid and underappreciated.
• Jerry Porter. See Ashlie Lelie, above.
• Deion Branch. Has proven that he is an excellent #2 receiver and maybe even a legitimate #1 guy. Of this list, his is the least ridiculous. But the season is young.

So, there's my preliminary Stupid Brigade. No doubt there will be other maroons to add as more training camps open.

I just can't wait to hear all those poor babies complain about being underpaid and overworked. Sniff. Just breaks your heart, doesn't it?

Labels: Sports