NFL Players and Their Unreasonable Contract Demands

Well, another NFL season is upon us. Most training camps are starting, and teams are signing their draft picks so they can be there at the beginning. Unfortunately, players are still thinking they don't make enough money.

Chicago WR/KR Devin Hester threatened to not show up until he receives a new contract. Hester says he could not play for the $450,000 he's due this year. 

Fair enough. I will admit that Hester is underpaid given his game-changing performances as a kick returner, and the overall impact he has in that facet of the game. But his contributions are limited to the special teams. He has moved from CB to WR in his NFL career, and has yet to produce adequately in either role.

Hester claiming that he would not be able to play for $450k this year is almost on par with comments made by Latrell Sprewell years ago. The former NBA star complained about an inability to feed his family with a salary worth approximately $8 million a year.

Now St. Louis' RB Steven Jackson is also holding out for a contract extension. Jackson is entering the final year of his initial NFL contract, and wants the security of a long-term deal.

That's certainly understandable. What I don't understand is why he believes he shouldn't show up while he's under contract!

I know, I know—the team can cut you tomorrow if they so choose. And yes, it's terrible that such a scenario can transpire if a team wants to be done with a player.

Despite that, if I'm Jackson, I'd show up anyway. I'll let my agent handle negotiations on an extension, and get myself prepared for a big season.

And if I'm either side—the Rams or Jackson—I don't close the door on negotiations during the season if a deal can't get done by then. Jackson could drive his value up by if he produces a season similar to the one he had in 2006.

Another star athlete, Arizona WR Anquan Boldin, has publicly stated that he will not re-sign with the team when his contract expires after 2010. 

He says he was promised a new contract before this season, and that has not happened. However, to his credit, Boldin has shown up when he's been required to this off season. 

I do believe his agent, the petulant Drew Rosenhaus, has influenced Boldin to take this stand. Boldin could be on the trading block within the next couple of seasons.

I wonder what it is with these guys. If you sign a contract, you should honor it. Happy or not, you should show up to training camp on time. If there are no other issues, such as injuries or personal matters, then nothing should stop a professional athlete from fulfilling his commitments.