All points well stated and duly acknowledged. I do understand the attraction to showcase top talent along w/putting a higher premium on that talent. It's called "putting meat in the seats." I also fully understand the afterlife woes of professional athletes. Battered bodies, etc. Hell, I didn't play at any such level and I have trouble putting on my socks. Very painful. I have empathy for some of them. Others who don't want to honor their agreements, I got no patience for that. The world already has enough whiners and quitters. But most have more to whine about and quit over than the jack these guys are knocking down.

Hey, maybe I should quit life. I make way less money (next to none these days), I can barely walk, it takes me forever to do nothing, and I hurt like a sumbirch every second of every day. I'll trade spots w/Ocho Cinco in a New York second. If he can't deal w/his "problems" now he would commit suicide after a week in my shoes.

-Mike Pratt