I applaud NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for ripping the latest round of idiotic contracts being offered to untested rookies.

     Goodell zeroed in on the ridiculous money given to Michigan tackle Jake Long as the first overall pick of the Dolphins.  Total tally  5-year 57.75 million with 30M guaranteed.

     What boggles my mind is why did it take so long for an NFL Commissioner to publicly bring this point out.  Maybe it's timing.  Certainly posturing as Goodell opens negotiations with the players union on a new labor deal

      First of all, no rookie should ever receive a contract with a guarantee attached to it from the get-go.  That right should be " a kick-in clause" or come after two-three years of service. 

     Goodell is a practical and well polished executive who gets it. Frankly, I think he's expressed the sentiment of veteran players all through the league.  The " rookie salary" issue should be a slam-dunk in favor of the owners.  From there, it will be a crap-shoot.  

     Keep in mind, labor peace will remain status quo through 2011.  However,  if a new deal is not signed by March 2009, there will be changes in the NFL salary cap and contract signings.

     Goodell also acknowledged the owners messed up when they signed the last collective bargaining agreement.  Economics has taken a downturn.  New stadiums have no chance of flying at this point. 

    Still, ticket prices keep going up.  It will be interesting to see if any Bucs home games don't sell out.   A very wealthy man once told me, "you get greedy, you get needy."  Everything has a threshold.  Even the NFL.

    Tom Korun