Again, of course that sounds like security to those of us who don't make that kind of money. But relatively speaking, Greg likely wants to get paid as much as the current market for his services can yield, and like others playing the same position will undoubtedly yield (several of perhaps lesser talent). Just because you, me, or anyone else thinks he should be happy with whatever money he has previously received really has no influence on Greg's opinion. After all, I'm sure there are plenty of people around the world who think making a $30-50,000/year salary is plenty of security, yet most of those making that much still hope to pursue and earn more, if possible. I'm not calling anyone out, I'm just saying that Greg and others like him would be doing nothing different than any of us would do. It's just on a different order of magnitude, but it's all relative to those actually in the NFL.
Originally Posted by: doddpower
I get the league vs the real world mindset, and that he should be looking to collect as much as he can get.
But just because I think he should go after that money, that shouldn't clear him of any due criticism for his comment or the timing of the comments to the team he claims he is loyal to.
But the reality here is, one his comments do no one but Greg any good.
Two, 30 millions spends that same if you are in the league or not. It matters not how it is earned.
You are going to get paid with or without your comments, unless you sustain a career threatening injury.
So it comes down to this.. he wants the Packers to ink him to another extension so he can cash in on more guaranteed money. After that.. it is all relative as he is going to get paid.
So his comments again were strategic in nature, and they help his cause. But, as in life, there is always another aspect to all actions. His comments do nothing positive for the Packers this season.
Nothing.
And just as I agreed that it is his right to grab what he can, he should be able to be criticized for it.
I just don't get why we are so quick to defend millionaires that flaunt their greed openly.. and we accept it easily because they play a game for our entertainment.
What he said is not the end of the world.. probably not overly impacting on the Packers this season. But it opens the door.. and my comment is why?
What is your end goal?
We treat athletes like gods.. we accept that they should be paid through the nose to play a game. A game in the end funded by us.
And we continue to accept it.
As long as we continue to accept it.. the system will not change.
And this isn't just a player comment.. but owners as well. One might want to roll in the NFL front office and refs as well.
Sorry, the separation between athletes and us in the real world isn't anything more than a perception. An allowed one by us the fans.
They are just human, they just happen to play in a league where they are grossly overpaid. And more often than not gripe about it.
So yes.. I think his comments should be open for criticism. They more than likely will change nothing alone, but I refuse to just say it is acceptable.
For me.. there is a separation... what they do on the field and how they handle themselves off the field.
While I will continue to enjoy his play on the field, in the balance sheet of life.. this is just a entry in the debit column for me. Nothing more.. and speaking of reality, my thoughts on the topic really hold no weight in any matter.
But I still don't have to like it or accept it freely and openly.
In my eyes, he is due some criticism for his choice. That is it.
And yes.. I have wasted far to much time on the topic already because again, my sole opinion matter not.
But I will be damned if I am going to treat the players as Gods. Because they are not.
"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"