bobdog86

Touchy subject for all players, current and past. I'm sure part of what Drew was conveying and the reason for what Mr Adderley did with his money was valid. Every player has a story, some squandered millions, some made wise decisions and succeeded. I don't think what Drew said was wrong, nor entirely disagree with Mr Adderley's position. Every person is responsible for their own selves,,,it is what it is.

Beastmode

Big picture, most NFL players don't make that much. Factor in the length of the average career (2 years), additional medical costs, and having to get back to the real world for another 40-50 years. And how many of them live a modest lifestyle, almost none. Now add a divorce to it. Brees is right. Financial responsiblity falls on them alone. I'm willing to bet if the NFL said no, you can't cash out your pension the same ones complaining now would be complaining they could not get to the money they earned.

I do agree that things are better for players now than say 25 years ago but that is life. It happens in almost every line of work. Policies change, agreements change.

Papa Voodoo

There are only 5 or 6 people in the world that can do what Brees does. That's why he gets the big bucks.

Why isn't Jim Brown making a big deal about it?

xan

I'm not taking sides. Just pointing out that Mr. Adderly's salary in 1972 was almost $50,000, his 11th season in the league. Over that time period, he amassed more than $90,000 in bouses associated with playoff games. He was the first black man drafted by and to play for the Packers in 1961, and was underpaid during his first 9 seasons relative to other white players. His rookie contract was for 4 seasons and, at the time, with no free agency, Green Bay dictated his salary. When free agency was available, Mr. Adderly signed with the Cowboys, who, essentially, doubled his salary.

In today's dollars, his peak year earning (1972) was [(229.6/41.8)*$50K)] $274,600. Minimum wage in 2012 was $380,000.

I just want to remind some posters that being ignorant of history is no reason to post statements about what former players should have or could have done from that era. It's like the statement by the NRA lobbiest who said that if slaves had guns they might have had it better in the US.

Calvin: "I wish I was a Tiger."
Hobbes: "Common lament."

poydras

.... but that's true of any occupation from cab driver to neurosurgeon. I would hate for my counterpart from 50 years ago to come up and demand money from me, because they didn't save enough to live on, just because I make more now than they did then (when gas was 25 cents a gallon). The point is that no matter what you make, save enough to live on and don't expect to be taken care of by society.

TheOak

On face value of the original statement, removing the author. What the author makes is irrelevant, had the author had his hand out having burnt through all of his money that would be a different story.

"There are some guys out there who have made bad business decisions." This is true

"They took their pensions early because they never went out and got a job." This is true

"They've had a couple of divorces and are making payments to this place and that place, and that's why they don't have money." again true statement about at least one.

And they're coming to us to basically say, 'Please make up for my bad judgment.' " Again correct.

With the use of the word "some" the statement is entirely accurate. Had he said most, all, a lot, then I could see "some" people getting offended.

"Some" meaning at least one, followed by "guy(s)" meaning at least 2.

Some - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary

xan

Again, not taking sides, just pointing out that the conditions of segregation, wage discrimination, no freedom of labor competition, and the unwillingness of owners to invest in technologies that would mitigate injury are not present in the current system.

A more apt equivalency would be coal workers who worked in despicable conditions and poor wages, limited to no pension, and who suffered later in life, should have planned better for their unforseen catastrophic issues that nearly all faced.

Sure, they all could have been investment bankers, or they all could have chosen to be born in a period of history that recognized the real risks and opportunity costs.

I hope you aren't planning to take your social security, (a third of what you deserve based on what you contributed) or medicare (less than one tenth). "Society" picking up the tab for your inability to save or plan is probably abhorent to you. I will alert the Treasury to be on the lookout for your check.

Calvin: "I wish I was a Tiger."
Hobbes: "Common lament."

Jamessr

In 1972 the average house hold income was $10,000-$12,000. He earned $50,000.
I still don't understand why he is complaining.

NuNu318

IMO....I feel like some of these former players are just looking for a reason to be bitter. Brees' statement said SOME not ALL players squandered their money. and he feels like the new generation shouldnt have to come out of their pockets because of the older generation's mistakes. I don't see how that particular logic is flawed. If some of these guys feel like Brees is attacking them or being greedy or disrespectful...obviously they in part are in that SOME category and it struck a chord.

The continued bashing of Drew Brees is unwarrented IMO. He's telling the truth. The only guys, to me, that should be getting any kind of extra money are the guys that have onging physical issues because of their time in the NFL. And that should come from the NFL themselves, not from current players.

But its whatever....let these guys bash Brees in the media...its not gonna stop him from getting paid or making contributions to his community. All of it is just bitterness. These guys lived and played during a time where society and economy didn't dictate that they could possibly get paid millions. Its not the current players fault that the economy, society, and NFL changed to this point. And anyone of these guys complaining that they have no money and want the current players to come out of their pocket is a hypocrite....cuz they would be reluctant come out of their pocket if they were in the same situations.

Jamessr

I wish I could make 5x the average house income for 9 years. Some folks barely make now what he made in 1972!