Union Warns NFL Owners

[bengalboomer7]

Great Topic, I've said befor I am a masterdebater

There are too many guys that don't make that much in sports to not have a retirement plan. Plus, let's be honest and I knw it shouldn't be an excuse but normally these guys are pretty stupid. They are more worried about the bling on their necks than they are about thier portfolios. Now, I know that it shouldn't be an excuse but when at age 30 you are retiring and let's say over 8 years you made 10 mill. There is no way to live off of that and most of these guys aren't smart enough to survive in any career.

That shouldn't be any excuse but these leagues should do something to protect their people. Maybe put a limit like if you made more than 25 mill over your career then you are not eligible. Something to keep from a Mikan situation happening all over again.

[Kirkendall]

There are too many guys that don't make that much in sports to not have a retirement plan.

Minimum salary in MLB is $316,000.

Minimum scale in the NFL:

Exp. Minimum salary

R $225,000

1 $300,000

2 $375,000

3 $450,000

4-6 $525,000

7-9 $650,000

10+ $750,000

Minimum scale in the NBA

(rookie) $385,277

1 $620,046

2 $695,046

3 $720,046

4 $745,046

5 $807,546

6 $870,046

7 $932,546

8 $995,046

9 $1,000,000

10 $1,100,000

Minimum salary in the NHL: $0 (personally, if we're going to have bleeding hearts for any professional athlete, it should be NHL guys who aren't making a thang, which hasn't been brought up yet).

Most of these are CEO type salaries excluding the mega-types (like mega sports stars). Good living while playing, that's for sure. But, in terms of what they get past these years, well, there's nothing. That's clear.

My point is once they retire, why should the league be responsible for any of them. IF the teams want to do some retirement package, then fine; but shouldn't be forced to either.

From my perspective, that's more than enough money to start up either a retirement plan, or life after football plan. If, as you say, they are stupid, well, then that's their fault.

Making ends meet is life that many many people live. Why should retired athletes be excluded? Personally, there are many more sympathy stories in our country, like why in the hell does Indiana sell beer warm? (or how is the heck is Howard the duck the DNC Chair? )

And not being able to live off 10 mil over the span of 8 years?! Hell, if they need a lesson in that, I'd more than willing to show how they can invest and still live comfortably. If it's a matter of a decent living post-career and bling bling during career, well, then if the obvious choice isn't picked then I don't know what else to say -- it's their own fault. Live life today or prepare for tomorrow.

I do support a higher minimum salary based off experience and I think the NBA has the better model. Did you see the difference with respected sports and their minimum salaries?

[NJ29]

Making that much money for playing a freakin' game is without reason when looked at in the perspective of how little the teachers who teach our children make, as well as the men and women who are serving in America's armed forces and protecting us, most risking their lives every damn day!

Thank you, Billy, Thank you. As the son of two teachers, one of them also a football coach, I hsve grown up with a love for the game of football and my parents. But saying that a bunch of prima donnas asking for a FIFTYMILLION DOLLAR SIGNING BONUS for throwing a damn touchdown just doesn't make any sense.

[bengalboomer7]

I can't argue with that, I'm just saying protect your own, and maybe it should be the team's responsibility.

All I have right now are old cases because you have to be old to retire. Take Mike Webster too, because of football he was almost completely incompacitated ans until the NFL was sued by his family all of there complaints fell upon deaf ears. It might not be as important for other sports but a guy like Rich Braham(my nickname for him is Brutus) will have a hard time finding any kind of work after football. Who's to say he shouldn't be provided for for his blood, sweat, tears.