Let The Boys Play, Bettman!
So I know, this topic has been beating to death like a dead horse. But, let's talk plainly just for a second.
I understand that professional athletes are severely overpaid! In comparison to the way the vast majority of the world lives, it is absolutely shameful for athletes to be paid as much as they are.
Having said that, and maintaining to that throughout this entire article, I would like to say one thing. In comparison to other sports, the NHL players are not being selfish.
Since the lockout, as my colleague Kirk Lougheed aptly pointed out, the players have put a product on the ice that has resulted in the owners making THE MOST THEY HAVE EVER MADE! The players have never been asking to be paid more but rather the same amount. The owners want the players to take a cut from 57% of their teams' total revenue to 50%. That is a significant hit when you consider that the best players in the NHL do not make over 10 million a year. Again, the fact that they make 8 or 9 million is outlandish, but in comparison to 25 million dollar contracts baseball players make, and 30-40 million dollars football (soccer) players make, this is not a time to point the finger at NHL players.
I understand that Bettman does not represent the owners and vice-versa, but come on guys, let's get our "heads in the game," and out of our wallets! It's time to be grateful for what you have and drop the frackin' puck!
I don't know what to do on Saturday nights throughout this school year without Hockey Night in Canada. Then again, there is much more to life, and life is always a balance. Maybe the owners need to let that life lesson sink in a little more? Alas, I better go do some homework.
Let's get this CBA sorted out, and let's recall what "the love of the game" looks like.
I understand that professional athletes are severely overpaid! In comparison to the way the vast majority of the world lives, it is absolutely shameful for athletes to be paid as much as they are.
Having said that, and maintaining to that throughout this entire article, I would like to say one thing. In comparison to other sports, the NHL players are not being selfish.
Since the lockout, as my colleague Kirk Lougheed aptly pointed out, the players have put a product on the ice that has resulted in the owners making THE MOST THEY HAVE EVER MADE! The players have never been asking to be paid more but rather the same amount. The owners want the players to take a cut from 57% of their teams' total revenue to 50%. That is a significant hit when you consider that the best players in the NHL do not make over 10 million a year. Again, the fact that they make 8 or 9 million is outlandish, but in comparison to 25 million dollar contracts baseball players make, and 30-40 million dollars football (soccer) players make, this is not a time to point the finger at NHL players.
I understand that Bettman does not represent the owners and vice-versa, but come on guys, let's get our "heads in the game," and out of our wallets! It's time to be grateful for what you have and drop the frackin' puck!
I don't know what to do on Saturday nights throughout this school year without Hockey Night in Canada. Then again, there is much more to life, and life is always a balance. Maybe the owners need to let that life lesson sink in a little more? Alas, I better go do some homework.
Let's get this CBA sorted out, and let's recall what "the love of the game" looks like.
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