Briggs saga shows a unique side of sports

I'm glad Lance Briggs is going to play for the Bears this season. Looking back now, I feel silly for ever doubting he would accept the Bears franchise offer of $7.2 million. Maybe it was when he said, "I'll do everything that's within my power to not be with this organization." Or maybe it was when he said, "I am now prepared to sit out the year if the Bears don't trade me or release me, I've played my last snap for them. I'll never play another down for Chicago again." Really, how could I think he wouldn't play in Chicago this season?

I usually try to avoid comparing an athletes job with a more conventional job, but I can't help it on this one. At almost any job if you said these things, you would be told where the door is and given a map showing the quickest route to said door. Of course, Lance Briggs doesn't have just any job.

I think more than anything this shows that when it comes down to it, sports is nothing more than a business. With the contracts the Bears have given Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher as well as Tommie Harris due for a raise sometime soon, there's no way this team is going to keep Briggs beyond 2007. Hopefully $7.2 million is enough compensation for Briggs not to feel too awkward about this mess. Excuse me while I go tell my job I'll do everything in my power not to be with them.