[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by GusFrerotte

I don't think it is a dumb post at all. The NFL seems to tolerate the Hip Hop culture and let's face it, it has permeated American society for almost 20 years. Are you telling me that there hasn't been a watering down of both the character, sportsmanship, and the quality of play in the NFL over the said time period? The kids raised in this culture have been programmed to chase two things: tail and $$$$$$$$. There is absolutely no incentive for these kids to really focusing on winning when they are getting millions up front before they play down one. They win they get paid, they lose they get paid. Yeah doing well will get them a contract extension, and if they really do well more $$$$$$$, but these guys are set for life with the initial contract anyway. How many players did you ever see joke or laugh on the sidelines back in the day if they were getting their arses handed to them? Now you always see it. Maybe I am wrong in focusing on hip hop culture, but the culture in general is all about $$$$$$. Have to give these guys some real incentives to win, and if it has to be restructuring the way they get paid, I am all for it. That is the gist of my posts.

skinzman is dead-on about the NFLPA and the CBA, owners did well with rookie wage scale, that in itself along with non-guaranteed contracts is plenty of incentive to play and stay employed at 400k+ per yr. only high first rounders are set for life on a first contract, most players are playing for around 300k or less after taxes, union dues, agent fees.

Hip-hop has nothing to do with this situation, maybe I missed something but I didn't see any joking and laughing on SF sideline today and you won't see it on PITT sideline either.