Larry Johnson, the soon-to-be 28-year-old (November 19th) Kansas City Chiefs running back, is a preseason holdout.
JaMarcus Russell – the first overall NFL draft pick and once-presumed starting Oakland Raider quarterback – is another preseason holdout.
Every NFL preseason begins and ends with at least one notable holdout threatening to sit out as many games of the regular season as necessary to obtain what they consider to be fair market value for their services, and every NFL season, they’re chastised by the media, the general public and key figures around the league.
Why is that?
Johnson reportedly wants $28 million in guaranteed cash, which is irrefutably a king’s ransom.
JaMarcus Russell – the first overall NFL draft pick and once-presumed starting Oakland Raider quarterback – is another preseason holdout.
Every NFL preseason begins and ends with at least one notable holdout threatening to sit out as many games of the regular season as necessary to obtain what they consider to be fair market value for their services, and every NFL season, they’re chastised by the media, the general public and key figures around the league.
Why is that?
Johnson reportedly wants $28 million in guaranteed cash, which is irrefutably a king’s ransom.
Then again, Johnson was on the sideline of the Chiefs–San Diego Chargers game when his predecessor, the 34-year-old Priest Holmes, sustained a career-threatening neck and head injury on a hit from Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman.
As Johnson continues to hold out, the question for the Chiefs is whether or not they’re going to keep Holmes around, and shell out the several million dollars necessary to retain his “damaged” services. That decision will more than likely be made before Johnson decides to report to camp, but it has to be a factor in Johnson’s rationale for doing so.
Russell is reportedly waiting for a deal that would give him a sizable guaranteed purse; in his opinion, what the first overall pick is worth. Raider chief Al Davis has never been known for his flexibility when negotiating contracts, but more importantly he’s failed to orchestrate a sufficient offensive line to protect the value which is Russell.
As Johnson continues to hold out, the question for the Chiefs is whether or not they’re going to keep Holmes around, and shell out the several million dollars necessary to retain his “damaged” services. That decision will more than likely be made before Johnson decides to report to camp, but it has to be a factor in Johnson’s rationale for doing so.
Russell is reportedly waiting for a deal that would give him a sizable guaranteed purse; in his opinion, what the first overall pick is worth. Raider chief Al Davis has never been known for his flexibility when negotiating contracts, but more importantly he’s failed to orchestrate a sufficient offensive line to protect the value which is Russell.
As such, Russell’s perspective is that if he’s going to be in danger of repeatedly getting sacked and ultimately injured, he needs to have some financial security to justify putting his John Hancock on the dotted line.
At the end of the day, professional athletes have to make the same decision that any other gainfully employed person must make –are they being paid fairly for the service that they are offering? Most employees are evaluated annually, and subject to a compensation change that reflects performance (good or bad).
In the case of Johnson, he’s definitely earned the right to request such a lofty increase. For Russell, he’s simply saying that five years from now he'll have added more value to the storied Silver and Black franchise than the current offer reflects.
In the case of Johnson, he’s definitely earned the right to request such a lofty increase. For Russell, he’s simply saying that five years from now he'll have added more value to the storied Silver and Black franchise than the current offer reflects.
Now the question becomes whether or not their respective franchises are willing to place their bets at those prices.
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