Re: Stern's message about agents -Reply

[bocelts@scsn.net (R. Bentz Kirby)]

Cecil:

You haven't been complaining about Gaston not wanting to resign Walker for a
ridiculous sum of money have you?  But you have seen the numerous posts to this
list saying that they are out of here if he doesn't haven't you.  The owners
offer these sums because they have to as a result of fan reaction.

Cecil Wright wrote:

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ryan Falcone <FalconeR@nvg.com>
> To: celtics@igtc.com <celtics@igtc.com>; hartleyo@ix.netcom.com
> <hartleyo@ix.netcom.com>
> Date: Thursday, November 05, 1998 2:17 PM
> Subject: Stern's message about agents -Reply
>
> >Hart wrote:
> >
> >>>> Sherry & Hart <hartleyo@ix.netcom.com> 11/05/98 11:32am >>>
> >Hail to the commish telling Hunter and the players that it is  those
> >scumbag agents (IMO agent have ruined all sports) preventing any
> >settlement of the lockout/strike. I advised this list yesterday that
> >this whole situation is due to the greed of 10% of the players who are
> >directly involved with the Bird exemption and that they don't give a
> >rat's ass about the rest of the players. They are the ones that have
> >been the most outspoken and it now appears that those few players and
> >the agents have backed Hunter in to a corner, which he is not able to
> >get out of.  <<<
> >
> >I agree with Hart 100%.  Unfortunately, the players who comprise the
> >aforementioned 10% are the most visible, the most popular, and--in
> >general--the most talented players in the NBA.
> >
> >In short, they are the minority of players that (1) fans most identify
> with,
> >and (2) the media glorifies.  That gives those players a tremendous
> >amount of leverage over the interests of the other 90%.
> >
> >Essentially, Falk and his evil brethren have created a Have / Have-not
> >"members' only club" amongst the players...first in contractual salary
> >scale, and now in the representation of their collective bargaining
> >interests.  It's a bad situation.
> >
> >Thoughts?  (Cecil, Dorine, & Greg, I know you're out there!)
> >
> >Ryan
>
> Yeah I'm out here lurking in the shadows, sickened to death by the
> collective actions of everyone even remotely connected with this work
> stoppage.  Someone mentioned previously that the sneaker companies and
> sporting goods stores are really going to take a hit here at Christmas time.
>
> I personally am boycotting anything which resembles an association with the
> NBA.
>
> The top players can afford to sit out the season.  In fact, I would be
> totally surprised if they weren't financially stable enough *right now* to
> never have to work another day again.  And I also think they average, more
> marginal player, will rebel against these power mongers before too long.  I
> mean, have you heard any of the average players make any comments lately?
>
> I do not completely absolve the owners of all responsibility.  After they
> dole out obscene amounts of money to the likes of Garnett, LJ, Ewing, Shaq,
> Kemp, Juwan, Zo, Payton, Mutumbo, Admiral, Penny, Webber and of course,
> Mikey.  Do you know which of these players makes the least amount per year?
> LJ *only* makes  7 million per season!  But someone idiot owner offered him
> a contract for that amount.  What's he sposed to do?  Say "sorry man, that's
> too much money?"  C'mon!  The owners set the market value and the
> players/agents are going after the maximum sum.
>
> I'm pissed at the owners for their shortsighted greed for offering
> outrageous amounts to players who did not deserve such a lofty contract.
> (Donyell Marshall makes more than John Stockton for goshsakes!!)  And I'd
> like to shake the players for; A. Depriving me of my beloved Celtics, B.
> Threatening the livlihood of the players less fortunate than the top
> percentage, and, C. Showing such greedy personalities to the most
> impressionable, our youth who aspire to be like these spoiled, pampered,
> millionaires.
>
> Cecil

--

Peace,

Bentz
bocelts@scsn.net
http://www.scsn.net/users/sclaw