For The Love of the Football or the Money?

When you go in to an interview looking for a job, what are the main things that the company is looking at before they hire you and decide what to pay you? Your credentials and your resume. Once hired, you will have to prove yourself to show that you are qualified for the job and maybe for a raise.

Let's look at Michael Crabtree's situation with the San Francisco 49ers. First, we see his credentials and resume: All-American receiver at Texas Tech. Check. Great hands, pretty decent speed. Check. Injury during his last season at Texas Tech. Check. Drafted as a high pick in the NFL. Check. Proven NFL receiver. Errr not quite.

Another player that comes to mind that sat out training camp and a few games due to a contract dispute was the Oakland Raiders' JaMarcus Russell. He is a fine example of one of these young guys out there demanding money and not proving themselves. Now JaMarcus definitely didn't have the best squad to make a lot happen, but he definitely didn't earn all that money the Raiders are paying him.

So what could possibly make Crabtree think he can demand more money to be placed on the 49ers' squad?

Yes, he proved himself on the college level, but that's where his resume ends. He is basing his reasoning on the fact that another receiver, whom of which was not as high-caliber of a player as he is, was taken sooner in the draft then he was. Is he throwing a hissy fit or is he being reasonable?

There are plenty of players out there that have proven themselves that aren't signed to a squad. They would gladly take up the wide receiver spot on the 49ers squad for far less then what he is asking for. You question whether or not these guys are really out there putting their heart into this game or just out there to make the big bucks and live that lavish lifestyle to be on MTV cribs.

Now being a big fan of American football, I am tired of these spoiled brats thinking that they deserve a huge paycheck on a chance that they might produce good stats or help a team win some games. It's time for the NFL to maybe put a cap on how much a rookie can be paid in his first season and then we might not have situations like that of Crabtree's around.

So is it for the love of the game or the love of the money? Please help us out here, Michael Crabtree.