Derek Jeter: 20 Athletes Who Need To Drink Reality Potion as Much as Jeter
Derek Jeter has a figure, but the New York Yankees aren't budging.
The Yankees captain and free agent is seeking a deal worth $23-25 million per season, far exceeding the offer New York is making of three years, $45 million. Neither side is blinking, and the team has even told Jeter to test the market. Now Jeter and his agent Casey Close have been told to "drink the reality potion."
Jeter is a beloved figure and one of the great Yankees of all time, but he is getting older, and many believe he's crazy to ask for such a contract.
Jeter is tame compared to other athletes. Several have lost touch with reality, each to varying degrees. Some are so bad it's comical, while others are great people and simply need gentle reminders.
Here is a list of 20 others, including Jeter, who need to guzzle a pint of reality:
20. Josh Hamilton
1 of 20
Earth to Josh Hamilton: What you did last year on your way to winning the American League MVP defies explanation, especially considering your past struggles with substance abuse.
Hamilton is a tremendous role model, and you'd be foolish to criticize him. While reality may come in the form of walks and breaking balls, let's hope he keeps this run up.
19. Jimmie Johnson
2 of 20
He is a five-time Cup champion, and like Hamilton, a tremendous role model.
But all great dynasties come to an end.
18. Bryce Harper
3 of 20
The Washington Nationals No.1 pick is a huge piece of the puzzle for their future, but he's not some genetic mutation between Bo Jackson and Ted Williams.
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17. Shaq
4 of 20
Just call him the Big Journeyman.
He's one of the all-time greats, but certainly isn't going to put the Boston Celtics over the top against Orlando or Tim Duncan and the Spurs.
16. Manny Ramirez
5 of 20
The days of big contracts are over for the slugger. He's getting older, and there won't be a whole lot of teams who will tolerate his act anymore.
15. David Beckham
6 of 20
No, he did not make soccer America's favorite sport, and he really isn't one of the top players anymore if you think about it.
14. Marvin Austin
7 of 20
Hope the money's worth it, Marvin.
The North Carolina defensive lineman is among the Tar Heel players who have been suspended for the entire season. He was one of the country's top players entering the year, but let's think for a second: Play a whole season, and dominate again, and wouldn't that just increase your value in next year's NFL Draft (and bring you a fatter contract)?
Just thinking out loud.
13. Jon Kitna
8 of 20
The 38-year-old Dallas Cowboys quarterback is enjoying quite a run now that Tony Romo's out and Jason Garrett has replaced Wade Phillips.
It's fun to watch, but let's be realistic: This ride won't last forever.
12. Anthony Martinez
9 of 20
The Nevada Wolfpack kicker became a legend on Friday when his field goal knocked off Boise State in overtime for a 34-31 victory, snapping their 24-game winning streak.
But Martinez needs to be reminded: He's still a kicker.
11. Dirk Nowitzki
10 of 20
The Mavericks forward should've gone to a team last summer that truly could win a championship. Instead, he's stayed with Dallas, which will reach the playoffs but isn't built for a title.
10. Tom Brady
11 of 20
The Patriots quarterback says his team is only getting better, but does anyone really see them knocking off Baltimore or the New York Jets in the playoffs?
9. Derek Jeter
12 of 20
He may have lost his mind when it comes to his contract, but you've still got to hand it to him when it comes to his choice in women.
8. Vince Young
13 of 20
When you can't handle fans booing, and throw temper tantrums and yell at your coach, it simply means one thing: You're not cut out to be an NFL quarterback.
Got to imagine the Houston Texans are patting themselves on the back for passing on him, huh?
7. Cam Newton
14 of 20
He may win the Heisman and may lead Auburn to a national title, but the allegations of him being involved in a pay-for-play scheme will be just as much a part of his legacy long after his college career is over.
6. Tony Romo
15 of 20
The big numbers are nice, and no one doubts his ability. But does he have the mental toughness and ability to lead the Dallas Cowboys to a Super Bowl?
The greats thrive off the pressure and are only better when the games matter more.
5. Rampage
16 of 20
Nice win over Machida, now go get a rematch with Rashad Evans and do what you're capable of. Then maybe you'll gain some respect.
4. Lee Westwood
17 of 20
Do you really think his hold on the No.1 ranking will last long? Once Tiger gets his groove back, this reign will be a short-lived one for Westwood.
3. Anderson
18 of 20
The world's baddest man doesn't look so tough now, does he? Silva's aura of invincibility vanished in August when he escaped with a miraculous victory over Chael Sonnen.
Of course a rematch is necessary, and the pressure's on for Silva. Let's face it, anything less than a beatdown will be unacceptable.
2. LeBron
19 of 20
The Decision hasn't worked out quite so well, has it?
1. Floyd Mayweather Jr.
20 of 20
How long do you really need to decide you want to make history and face Manny Pacquiao? What's the holdup here? The longer the silence, the more people will be convinced "Money" wants no part of Manny.
And do you really think Mayweather could allow that to continue?
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