Crabtree's X's and O's don't include math
By: Ken Garcia
Examiner Staff Writer
09/15/09 2:59 PM PDT
Michael Crabtree, the San Francisco 49ers top draft pick, is hardly the first player to hold out in a contract disupte, but he may be the dumbest.
Crabtree, who so far has refused to sign a $20 million contract because he believes he should be paid more than players picked ahead of him - a delusional move that defies the NFL's long-honored slotting system - is actually losing money. The team has decided that it will decrease their offer on a pro-rated basis for each game he misses, according to reports, meaning that he just lost 1/16th of this year's salary.
Now I realize 1/16th of nothing is not a lot, but Crabtree apparently is even more math challenged than most. His representatives apparently believe that by sitting out the season and re-entering the draft, the wide receiver will get more money next year from another team. That's after sitting out a year and cementing his reputation as a churlish, prima donna.
You think bucking the NFL's own payment system is going to make you a richer man? Don't drop the Hail Mary pass Michael.
Some people think he'll sign before the season ends, but even if he does, his season is already over. Can he avoid the sophomore jinx? Maybe he just really enjoys being part of draft day.
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