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The most recent example was JaMarcus Russell, who was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2007. Russell held out during negotiations and, ultimately, signed a six-year deal worth $68 million, with $31.5 million guaranteed. Russell fizzled out in the league and was eventually cut by the Raiders at a huge financial loss to the organization.
The risk of taking a high-level player and overpaying him frightens many teams into trading down and giving up the high draft pick for a lower-ranked pick or a veteran player. At the same time, there are some teams still willing to take the risk.
Indianapolis Colts President Bill Polian says that the NFL Players Union needs to give in to help make the current system work. "The union has to give us a firm, definitive rookie salary cap. We're perfectly willing to have the money that does not go to the rookies go to the veterans. Nobody is looking to save money. But we're sick and tired of giving exorbitant, incredible sums of money to players who haven't proven they can do anything but play against Eastern Michigan."
Many don't expect the NFL Players Union to agree to the idea of a rookie wage scale. This is because some believe that higher rookie salaries actually benefit veteran players. When their contracts are up, they are able to compare their own salaries to the payments received by rookie players in order to demand a large raise.
The issue of rookie salary caps and other concerns of owners is leading to what some believe is a guaranteed lockout of the NFL in 2011. When DeMaurice Smith, current head of the NFL Players Union was recently asked if there would be a lockout for the 2011 season, he said this. "On a scale of 1 to 10, it's a 14."
Lawrence Watkins is founder of Great Black Speakers. He is also the owner of speakers' bureaus dedicated to Hispanic speakers and Christian motivational speakers. His book, 'Frame Your Future: 8 Principles to Effectively Focus on the Future and Not Dwell in the Past,' will be released in August. If you would like Lawrence's articles delivered directly to your e-mail, please click here.
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By: charles on 5/20/2010 7:00PM
I was born during the time of jim crow laws, I was one of black people that sat in the back of the bus as a child, I voted for the first black president now I hope see the day when atheletes will not be classified by their race.If you're not a proud black american by now you never will be .
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By: James on 5/21/2010 1:10PM
What is wrong with the union? A salary cap is very much needed. Our young players should earn the right to negotiate a higher salary based on performance. So often we have found the young players not able to step up to the plate and money has caused a great deal of problems for a lot of young players( and some older ones.) I think the player who is hungry in their quest will not only be a better player, but a better citizen as well.
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By: oooozzzzz on 5/21/2010 6:09PM
At the end of the day, the NFL is a corporation; a business that's about making money and due to this severe recession, money is extremely tight and players of out college who have college resumes that gives you a peek into the athlete's ability as untested rookies is a real gamble and just like JaMarcus Russel,who cost the Raiders much more than the $31 million signing bonus that he essentially robbed them off.
He is now the poster child and woke up the executives in the NFL about the rookie salary cap.
This kid had one good game in college bowl game and a bunch of edited college highlights, a good NFL Combine, drafted #1 and then held out for the first several games. He lost training camp, pre-season and on-the job training and adjustments that would have helped him progress. Instead he was only about the money(and he got it) and had no real skills, no heart, no real team leadership.
Yes he got over big time with a boat load of free cash and may be on the sidelines holding a clipboard as a 3-4 string QB or totally out of the league but the NFL business has to protect themselves against this if they want to remain open for business.
To many "one & done" college basketball players and too many college football players who leave school early (with a lot of ESPN highlights)who are not ready for the NFL.
The salary cap will happen and don't say it's racial in nature. The majority of these kids are stealing money without earning it.
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By: charles on 5/25/2010 3:21PM
A rookie salary cap would do wonders for the NFL and the public. First year the cap should be the amount the average governor earns. The second year should be the amount the average NLF head coach earns. The third they can negotiate based on a two-year performance record.
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