Only in Dreams

The other night I watched a brilliant sports movie. It was about a guy giving up loads of money because of his love for the game. He didn’t whine or complain. The story was told through the eyes of the reporter who could only write fabulous things about the athlete because he was such an upstanding fellow.

Then the harsh light of the sun woke me into the disgusting reality of sports entertainment in America:

“Citing unnamed players, The Washington Post reported that [Dre] Bly is miffed at being in Denver because the Broncos are unwilling to extend his contract, which has one year and $4.2 million remaining.” *

Silly me, I thought the prospect of playing alongside the only guy in the league better than you are, and for a team that is a perennial playoff contender, would be intriguing. I thought maybe a guy making more than 99.9% of the rest of the world might just say, “I’m excited to help Denver get back into the playoffs and play alongside Champ. I don’t know what my future holds, but I’ll play out the last year of my contract to the best of my ability.” That would have been an awesome way to start a career as a Bronco, and it might have helped convince Shanahan to give you the big bucks next season. We know he gives out cash to stars. Just take a look at Champ Bailey's contract.

But that type of thing only happens in movies starring Kevin Costner.

"Show me the Money!"