In our society today, professional athletes are paid millions of dollars, some more deserving than others. Barry Zito has been the poster child for overpaid athletes for the past few years. But Zito isn't the only one who is being thrown millions at to do nothing. If you're wondering why Zito isn't on this list, its because I don't think its worth mentioning. You all ready know how he has done since he signed his $126 million contract.
Stephon Marbury, New York Knicks, $19.1 million
In my opinion, he is probably one of the most selfish guys in the NBA today. I mean it should be evident in the fact that the guy names all three of his kids after him (even one girl) Stephanie, Stephon Jr. and Xavier (his middle name). The guy is a disaster for the Knicks, a center for media attention of the conflict between the two. The Knicks should just do the smart thing and get rid of the guy like the Pacers did with Ron Artest, he's just not worth the hassle or the pay. Obviously the guy hasn't helped the Knicks very much, and he's not getting along with anyone on the team. That alone is enough to land Stephon Marbury on this list.
Ben Wallace, Cleveland Cavilers, $15.5 million
The reason why most athletes don't do as well after they get paid the big bucks is because of that exact reason. When Wallace was in Detroit, he was making near the league minimum. Wallace worked hard on defense and became one of the best defense of players in the league. Then when he signed a four-year, $50 million with Chicago in 2006, Wallace's numbers collapsed. He used to work for his money. Now he's got it and he doesn't feel he should try very hard anymore. I also feel Wallace became famous because of his funky hair. Wallace has the talent to be paid $50 million, but unless he works harderm he's going to be on this list.
Tracy McGrady, Houston Rockets, $19 million
One word, PLAYOFFS!?!?!?! I'm not denying this guy has incredible skills, but it doesn't matter how good you are unless you can win. The reason why you practice so much is so when the game counts, you're ready to take control. The regular season doesn't mean anything once the playoffs begin, and McGrady has shown that he is incapable of winning in the playoffs. And don't tell me he doesn't have a good enough supporting cast. Okay, maybe in Orlando but in Houston, heck no! He plays with Yao Ming. And don't forget about Raford Alston. McGrady gets paid more per year than Lebron James. James already has reached the NBA Finals by himself. Just like Wallace, McGrady is worth the money as long as he can win when it counts.
Jason Schmidt Los Angeles Dodgers $15 million
All I have to say is the guy has pitched six times since he joined the Dodgers in 2007. The Dodgers knew or should of known exactly who they were getting when they signed him. Back when Schmidt pitched in San Francisco, he was dominate, but injuries always hurt him, figuratively and physically. I would be surprised if he ever pitches more than 10 times in a season again.
Carlos Delgado, New York Mets, $16 million
Delgado turned 36 last month and definitely started to show his age. Delgado is batting .261 with and OBP of .346. He's a streaky hitter who can get hot, but then cool off and be terrible. There are a ton of young athletic first baseman out there that are much better than Delgado. His numbers have slipped every year, but his salary continues to go up. If the Mets want to be contenders in the tough NL East they aught to let him go.
Rex Grossman, Chicago Bears, $2 million
Grossman got a lot of credit for leading a weak Bears offence to the Super Bowl back in 2006-2007 season against the Indianapolis Cults. When really it was the defence that lead that team. Grossman in 2007 had the worse starting QB rating. Joey Harrington had a better QB rating. The Bears need to decide whether or not he will be the starter and stick with that decision. If they decide not for him to be a starter than its time for him to go. No point of paying someone the big bucks to sit on the bench. I could do that.
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2 months ago
Recently, Stephon Marbury tattooed the logo of his "Starbury" company onto his head. The logo features his current number 3. There has a been a lot of talk that Marbury will be moved this offseason, and I think it would be hilarious if, due to a change of team, he'd be stuck with a different number, but with his old number 3 still inscribed on his temple.
Also, while I agree that Delgado is overpaid, he still doesn't get due credit. Like clockwork, the man starts to perform at a high level come the second half. This year is no exception, as evidenced by his current hot streak. His overall numbers for this season so far look bad, but at the end of the year, they will look a lot better. Yes, he's overpaid, but he's still not as awful as people think... at least not after the All Star Break.
2 months ago
There are A LOT of guys whose names could be added to this list. For starters, Derek Jeter is one of them.
Jermaine O'Neal... etc.
Kevin Garnett... I mean, he won a title this past season, but before that, he hadn't done anything significant except get drafted first in fantasy leagues. And we're talking about the second highest-paid basketball player of all-time. In that context, he's way overpaid.
But you know, it comes with the market. When there are no quality free agent big men on the market, a guy like Ronnie Turiaf is going to get overpaid. It's an auction, man. I mean, I still remember when the Dodgers signed Darren Dreifort to a huge deal. He was one of a very few promising arms that were available. One team said five mil, the next said six, and so forth. He ended up with $10+.
So it's not like we can fault the players. We'd do the same.
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