Are Fans and NFL teams too demanding of players?

[ArtMonkDrillz]

Originally Posted by 724Skinsfan

I would say the same thing for any professional sports athlete, including Ricky Williams. I'm going to lunch but I'll comment further later on.

I all these players are, when it all comes down to it, people who should be free to make their own decisions, but I just feel like someone like Ben or Ricky should really think about the responsibility that comes with their huge contracts. They should realize that they are being paid these outrageous sums of money because they are expected to be able to perform at a certain level. From all accounts, it seems like Ben was asked repeatedly to stop riding, or at the very least to wear a helmet, because of the risks involved.

I just feel like he has a responsiblity to his team to try and avoid off-field activities that could result in on-field problems.

[724Skinsfan]

I don't think Ben has to take the responsibility to act in such a way that he minimizes his chances for off-field injuries just for the sake of the Steelers and its fan base. He seems to be a nice guy who is going to enjoy himself while it lasts. Unfortunately for him he got a reality check a little earlier than I'll bet he expected.

[ArtMonkDrillz]

Originally Posted by 724Skinsfan

I don't think Ben has to take the responsibility to act in such a way that he minimizes his chances for off-field injuries just for the sake of the Steelers and its fan base. He seems to be a nice guy who is going to enjoy himself while it lasts. Unfortunately for him he got a reality check a little earlier than I'll bet he expected.

So, he has no responsibility to try to live up to his contract? I feel like he's really lucky that his agent was able to keep some kind off the field injury clause out of his contract, especially since they didn't want him riding in the first place.

[724Skinsfan]

He does try to live up to his contract to a certain degree but he's not required to seal himself up in a huge plastic bubble until football season. You will hard pressed to find an athlete that doesn't do something that could be considered dangerous.

By the way, I thought I read somewhere that he does have a clause in his contract that allows the Steelers organization to attempt to recoup some money. Given Ben's super-status, it's doubtful the team will persue this though.