Empty the Bench

In an age where professional athletes are grossly underpaid, disrespected, and basically treated like society’s doormats, ETB salutes New England Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel for finally taking a stand to the injustices permeating his profession. At the old age of 26, Samuel has earned a meager $2 million over his first four years of work in the NFL, a sum that most Americans laugh at behind his back. “Hahaha, you’ve only made $2 million? I make more at my garage sales! You’re a joke!”

Well, Samuel is no longer content being the poor, underpaid laughingstock that he is. As a free agent, the Patriots designated their young cornerback as their franchise player, which would guarantee him a paltry $7.79 million salary for the 2007 season. That’s right, one season. But Samuel has shown he’s wise beyond his earth years and is adamantly refusing to sign the offer, instead holding out until he gets a long-term deal laden with a lot more cheese. He’s so serious, in fact, that yesterday he declared that the Patriots should not expect to see him until Week 10 of the upcoming season:

“I’m not coming to camp,” he said. “I’m not showing up until the 10th week [of the season]. I feel unappreciated. The way they’re treating me is just wrong.”

The 26-year-old Samuel, who entered the league as a fourth-round draft choice in 2003 and has made about $2 million over his first four seasons, has a few options if a contract extension is not reached. He could sit out the entire season, hoping that the Patriots don’t place the franchise tag on him in 2008. But the drawback to that scenario is that he goes a full year without a paycheck, and without keeping his on-field skills sharp.

Another option is showing up in the 10th week of the season by signing the franchise tender and earning a six-week prorated portion of the contract. Samuel would also earn an accredited season, qualifying him for another year toward his pension and other benefits.

Or he could sign immediately and play for the $7.79 million tender, with the idea of having another top season and cashing in via free agency next year (assuming the Patriots don’t place the franchise tag on him again).

What kind of a world do we live in when young men are being held at gunpoint to play a game they supposedly love for a measly $7.79 million? Life is just not fair, and we applaud Asante Samuel for sticking it to the man and standing by his high morals. You go, girl, you go.