Rasheed Wallace saves that cheese, and other thoughts on the economy

He does save that Cheese. I’ve met him twice. Both times he had on busted AF1 ‘sheeds and cutoff shorts. He drives a 90’s Ford Bronco. Something I’d expect from a guy who racks up as many techs and fines as he has. I love that dude.

I’ve got such mixed feelings about this… and really sports salaries at large.

On the one hand, I think it’s absolutely absurd that athletes make as much money as they do. I admit, I’m a bit biased, because my job right now is working with mentoring programs who serve at-risk youth — the majority of whom live in overwhelming poverty.

So, when I am reminded that Sheed has made something 200 million in his career and then to hear him talking about having to go get a 9 to 5, I laugh, because I think that’s absolutely ridiculous. He’s made more money this season that 95% of Americans will earn in their lifetime.

So on this hand, I think: “Get real, Sheed. You’re clueless.”

You’ll never have to go get a 9 to 5, because you’ve made so much damn money already. And you’ll be able to retire before you hit 40, while millions of Americans will never be able to retire.

That part of me gets pissed when I hear about athletes bemoaning the bad economy, as if making 5 mil per year is such a sacrifice after making 11 mil per year.

That part of me wants to say: Shut the hell up, because you don’t know what the F you’re talking about. You don’t see people who don’t have enough money to put food on their plates…

Yet, I still keep paying for cable so I can watch the ‘stons. And I keep buying tickets to see them in person. It’s not as if I’m boycotting out of protest of these exorbitant salaries.

But on the other hand, I realize that a lot of these NBA players give a whole lot back. And they give more than just money.

For a lot of the at-risk youth I just mentioned, sports are one of the only legitimate options to break the cycle of poverty. How many stories do we hear of young people who got out of poverty by working their tails of becoming better athletes.

So, in short, I know Sheed (and lots of players like hiM) give money and time back, and they also serve as role models who demonstrate that these youth can make it out of poverty. Maybe they won’t make millions playing pro sports, but maybe they can win a scholarship and get a quality education in the process.

So ultimately, I guess I’m a bit of a contradiction. If someone offered me a million dollars to do what I do, it’s not as if I would turn it down. In that sense, I can’t blame the athletes for taking the money.

But on the other hand, I think a society that worships athletes the way we do might have some pretty big issues.

Or maybe it’s just me… I guess I don’t really know for sure.

/rant

And sorry for hijacking the thread.

I think Rasheed’s answers to those questions were as good as you could possibly hope from a superstar athlete. I literally found not a single thing to complain about. And if we keep devaluing the dollar at the pace we’re currently doing so, Sheed’s millions might not be worth shit in the not-too-distant future. He clearly takes none of his success for granted, and I’m sure without a shadow of a doubt that he would take a “9-5,” put on his work boots, and gladly go to “normal” work to take care of his family.

Ask Mike Tyson, MC Hammer, Michael Jackson, George Clinton, etc. about how long “millions and millions” of dollars lasts if you’re not smart (like Sheed).

rasheed using not just MONEY to save, but also saving CHEESE. good strategy for guy losing a STEP and looking at SMALLER contract this summer. just epinion

Rasheed said he would take a pay cut, now if only he would take a reduced role. I would be all for resigning Rasheed next summer.

But right now, I’m kind of on the line.

Or this summer to be exact.

Anyone want to put together a DBB bracket pick ’em?

@Shinons: Done. I made one on cbssports, but it looks like I have to invite everyone individually. So if anyone wants to be in on it, post your email address. I’ve never made one though so mine isn’t going to be very intense. If someone else makes one, that’s fine.

If Ra saves up enough cashmoney, could he buy Darko one of those Mach 3 razors? Dude has a pubic stache that is, by all accounts, inappropriate mitch.

I’d hope that Rasheed’s days as a Pistons starter are completed after season’s end, but I still really like that guy. If we re-sign him I hope it’s as a backup, but even if Rasheed signs with another team (sans the Celtics or the Lakers) I’ll always be rooting for Sheed.

Speaking of moolah, let’s hear it for Cheikh Samb getting a second 10-day! Wooooh, get that money!

Hahahaha coachDP is by far the most comical commenter on DBB. YOU DA MAN!!

i think sheed would be ok with taking the backup role. he’s always preferred to defer shots and leadership roles to others. though i think he’d prefer to give it up to a new acquisition rather than amir, max or kwame. but i could be wrong about that.

i don’t know what he’s going to do with all the CHEESE though, it goes bad quickly and doesn’t freeze well.

Mr. Stern, congratulations on upgrading to capital letters.