Albert Haynesworth just became one of the richest athletes in the world. The All-Pro defensive tackle recently signed a seven-year contract with the Washington Redskins worth $115 million that included a $41 million signing bonus. Haynesworth will be thanking Redskins’ owner Dan Snyder for years to come.
Snyder has developed a reputation for being overzealous when it comes signing athletes. Several days before signing Haynesworth, Snyder threw $54 million at the underachieving corner back, DeAngelo Hall. However, Snyder has been less then generous to the Redskins’ employees who make it happen off the field. In January, the Redskins fired 23 employees who worked in the marketing, legal and technology departments in order to save money. But Snyder isn’t alone. As a league, the NFL has cut 10 percent of its workforce since December 2008.
There aren’t many people who can supply a professional team with the awe-inspiring feats of a LeBron James or Randy Moss. But with much of the nation reeling over soaring unemployment rates, how can an owner of a professional franchise justify paying one person $115 million as other employees are given pink slips due to the recession?
Snyder will likely justify those contracts by increasing the price of tickets at home games. However, sports fans should return the favor by boycotting games until Snyder and other team owners increase employment opportunities. As much as we enjoy being wowed by extraordinary athletes, it’s important that we make sure that the franchises are providing opportunities for the people who support them. –amir shaw
