NFL wideout Odell Beckham Jr. personified and verbalized the disconnect between pro athletes and regular citizens when he described why a five-year, $100 million contract isn’t enough.
“It’s five years for $6o million. You’re getting taxed,” Beckham said. Like taxation was some sort of thievery inflicted solely on him.
Beckham talked about spending $4 million per year, leaving $40 million at the end of the contract.
“Can you make that last forever?” Beckham asked.
Uh, yeah.
I’ve made approximately $6 million, before taxes, in my entire life, and I’m living OK. Everything is paid for. I’ve never spent $4 million in one year, which Beckham implies is standard.
But Beckham undoubtedly believes his spiel.
He’s dumb.
He’s entitled.
He never grew up.
He’s disconnected from normal life.
Being easily manipulated is another flaw to be found among rich, stupid athletes.
Ex-NBA player Sebastian Telfair made approximately $19 million over his 10-year NBA career.
“That’s about a million a year,” Telfair said. “That ain’t no money.”
In context, Telfair might be right: He supported his parents and 14 siblings.
Perhaps Telfair’s money would have gone further if he had told his brothers and sisters to get a job.
Charles Barkley cited guidance he got from Grant Hill’s mother, Janet: “Do not start taking care of your family and friends. They’re never going to stop. It’s going to ruin all your relationships. No matter what you do for them, the first time you tell them ‘no,’ they hate you.”
Barkley got good advice.
Not all athletes are morons.
After Beckham slobbered his narcissistic word-drool, Shannon Sharpe offered a voice of reason:
“If you get $60 million liquid and that can’t last you a lifetime, you’ve got a problem.
“Do you really need 10 houses? Do you really need 15 cars?”
There’s no exact count on what Sharpe mentioned. But Beckham has multiple residences and an extensive car collection.
When I worked for World Championship Wrestling, nWo founder Kevin Nash dispensed sound advice: “You only need one of everything. One house, one car, one wife.”
NBA player Kyle Kuzma took to social media to rebut Beckham’s nonsense:
“It’s exhausting hearing athletes break down how their millions ‘aren’t really millions’ after taxes and fees. $40 million after taxes is still $40 million.
“The real issue isn’t the system, it’s lifestyle. Nobody told you to live like a king, buy five cars or move with a 10-person entourage. Modest is allowed.”
Beckham doesn’t think so. He talked about needing money to “flaunt.” Yes, he used that word.
Beckham only has one child. He’s not overwhelmed in that department.
Many athletes are, not least ex-NFL cornerback Antonio Cromartie.
Cromartie has 14 children by eight women. He’s reportedly paying $330,000 per year in child support.
Cromartie made $47 million.
He used to own BMWs, Cadillac Escalades, Dodge Chargers and a vintage Chevrolet Caprice.
But Cromartie has since tightened his belt.
He drives a Toyota Prius now.
He lives on a strict budget.
His retirement is funded through age 100.
He provides for his kids.
Cromartie figured it out. He became an adult.
Beckham should call Cromartie. Learn how.