Montana rips NFL

[Bob's your Information Minister]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2006-05-13-montana_x.htm

By Peter Keraotis, Florida Today

ORLANDO — Joe Montana is getting worked up, and I am worried about his blood pressure. Seriously.

Here we were, sitting in a fancy downtown hotel room, sipping Starbucks and talking about, of all things, Montana's battle against high blood pressure, when suddenly the arguably greatest quarterback in history goes off on the NFL.

Montana and the NFL have issues, and the more he talked about them, the more animated and irritated he became. You could see the blood rushing to his face.

Good thing a cardiologist was sitting with us. And not just any cardiologist, either. This was Dr. James Rippe, a Harvard-trained physician, one of the country's leading heart doctors. Together, Dr. Rippe and Montana have teamed to bring awareness to high blood pressure.

Theirs is a good team, too. Joe Montana, now 49, is better known to the masses as Joe Cool, the last guy you'd suspect of suffering from hypertension.

His tale grabs your attention, and thus he makes a good paid spokesperson for the cause. And Dr. Rippe? Well, suffice to say he knows his stuff. You can check it all out on their website — www.getbpdown.com.

Together, they travel the country. But not much. At least not for Montana. He hates being away from his boys, now 13 and 16, and not going to their games. He coaches them in AAU basketball — which, by the way, is Montana's first love, the sport he thought he eventually would play in college.

But it was football he made his mark in, winning the 1977 national championship at Notre Dame, and then four Super Bowl titles with the San Francisco 49ers.

So the talk turns to football and the conversation is going swimmingly until I mention Montana's absence at the Super Bowl this past February.

Perhaps you noticed the void, too, when one-by-one, the NFL honored all the past Super Bowl MVPs. Only three MVPs were missing, including the only guy to have won the award three times. That, of course, would be Joe Montana. Even Tom Brady was there, the guy most moderns compare to Montana. Brady offered the coin toss before the game.

Montana was home in California.

In the San Francisco Chronicle the following day, the paper quoted two sources close to the league and reported that Montana asked for a guarantee of at least $100,000 to appear.

Not true, Montana said.

"Money wasn't the issue," he said. "My one son had a basketball game Friday night and the other one had a game Sunday afternoon at 12:30, and that's where I wanted to be. I didn't want to miss their games."

He was already in Detroit for four days early in Super Bowl week, promoting BP awareness.

"I wasn't going to stay there another three days," he said. "For what? To walk out on the field with a bunch of other once-weres for a few seconds of applause? I don't need that. I'd rather be at my boys' basketball games. The NFL wasn't happy with that. But that's OK. My boys were happy."

He does acknowledge that when the NFL contacted his agent, he suspects that "my agent probably did what all agents do, and asked for an appearance fee."

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the NFL did provide the former MVPs with $1,000 for incidental expenses, as well as first-class airplane tickets, a hotel room, a Cadillac to use, and two tickets to the game as well as tickets to other parties and NFL functions.

Montana confirmed the $1,000 offer and called it "an embarrassment. A thousand dollars? That's all? They should have been embarrassed to offer guys just a thousand dollars. What are you going to be able to do with just a thousand dollars?"

This is where Joe Montana's ire rose, when he talked of how he believes that because he rejected the NFL, the NFL, in turn, tried to embarrass him. He's convinced that the NFL contacted the San Francisco Chronicle, instead of the other way around, purposely trying to make him look bad.

This particularly irks Montana because, he said, the NFL has fought him every step of the way when he's filed for workman's compensation. And he does have some residual health issues from his 15-year NFL career.

Two years ago, when he was promoting BP awareness before the Super Bowl in Jacksonville, he felt soreness in the bulging disc in his neck. But he went and worked out, anyway.

"I thought, 'Surely, I can lift this 20-pound dumbbell.'"

Not.

"From the lower part of my back up to my neck, it went numb," he said. "It felt like it does when you hit your elbow."

He recently had surgery to fuse his neck. Just the other day, he had three vials of fluids drained from a knee. He sees knee replacement surgery in his future, "but I'm trying to put that off as long as I can."

He says the NFL's fight with him over workman's compensation "went all the way to the California Supreme Court, and I won. Twice they've stopped payment, and I've had to fight them again. Just a few months before this last Super Bowl, they stopped payment again. Then they want me to skip my boys' basketball games to help them out.

"That's typical of the NFL. And then they tried to make me look bad."

He shook his head.

"You know what makes me mad? The way they treat former players. Not just me. But some of those old guys, too, those guys who can barely move and walk.

"But that's the NFL. They want you to do stuff for them, but they don't want to do anything for you, not without getting their money. A few years ago, I wanted them to do something for a charity I was doing for kids. It was like I was just another guy. They wanted me to pay full fee."

So he won't go out of his way for the NFL, especially if it means being away from home. But he will travel the country to tell his personal story about high blood pressure, hoping it might save lives.

Here's Montana's story in a nutshell:

Never smoked. Fit. Professional athlete. Bad diet. Some family history of hypertension. Early 40s. Feeling absolutely great. And then — boom! — a regular checkup showed his blood pressure so off the charts that he had an emergency visit with a cardiologist that afternoon.

Now he's on regular medication. More than one drug, in fact. He still maintains good fitness and definitely eats a whole lot better now.

"Used to be I'd skip breakfast and then grab a big burger at lunch," he said. "Especially if I was with my boys. We'd get burgers or maybe pizza. And I was the type of guy who put salt on everything, even before I tasted it. I loved salt. Oh man, if you put a bag of Lay's potato chips in front of me, I could eat the whole thing."

The old 20-ounce porterhouse steaks have been replaced by smaller, leaner cuts of meat, or, more often than not, fish.

His blood pressure is under control, and it mostly stays there. The only danger now is apparently when he talks about the NFL.

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/1551/montanalarge1co.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ZachKC]

Interesting. Good read.

[Kaylore]

Interesting. Good read. You really think so? I thought it was a directionless piece that kept changing gears just before it was turning into something substantive. By the time you think you're getting somewhere the article is over.

[ZachKC]

You really think so? I thought it was a directionless piece that kept changing gears just before it was turning into something substantive. By the time you think you're getting somewhere the article is over.
Heh, to claryify the styling of the article was a bit odd and unimpressive. The content? Interesting.

[watermock]

I have a dangerous BP problem that is stubborn. It's very high and I am on medication but it's still not under control. I go to the doc again Wednesday.

[watermock]

http://www.lotrel.com/info/tools/toolsprivate/selfquiz/bp_quiz_results.jsp

[Crushaholic]

He found out that Bob was comparing Brodie Croyle to Joe Montana and snapped...Ha!

[watermock]

HBP isn't anything to laugh about.

[fontaine]

I said it at the time when Joe Montana missed the Superbowl thing that I can respect a guy for wanting his privacy and spending it with the people he loves rather than being in the media spotlight.

Good to see he's getting on top of his medical issues and raising awareness of bp.

:thumbsup:

[Rausch]

I said it at the time when Joe Montana missed the Superbowl thing that I can respect a guy for wanting his privacy and spending it with the people he loves rather than being in the media spotlight.

Good to see he's getting on top of his medical issues and raising awareness of bp.

:thumbsup:

And as I said on CP, the NFL loves you when you're a star and spits on you when you aren't.

Look at the trouble Unitas had with his arm, or Jim Brown with his legs, or the thousands of claims the NFL turned down for medical coverage.

Players love it while they're there but they don't really understand what happens when the spotlight leaves...

[fontaine]

And as I said on CP, the NFL loves you when you're a star and spits on you when you aren't.

Look at the trouble Unitas had with his arm, or Jim Brown with his legs, or the thousands of claims the NFL turned down for medical coverage.

Players love it while they're there but they don't really understand what happens when the spotlight leaves...

I don't know enough about it, but I'm sure the business side of the NFL can be very harsh, especially to no name players that accumulated just a couple of seasons as backups and had their career's ended by various injuries.

I always thought, as part of an NFL contract, there should be a standard medical insurance clause that would pay out a certain guaranteed amount of money if you end up not being able to play because of injury. Maybe such a thing is already done, I dunno.

[Rausch]

I don't know enough about it, but I'm sure the business side of the NFL can be very harsh, especially to no name players that accumulated just a couple of seasons as backups and had their career's ended by various injuries.

I always thought, as part of an NFL contract, there should be a standard medical insurance clause that would pay out a certain guaranteed amount of money if you end up not being able to play because of injury. Maybe such a thing is already done, I dunno.

There are a few all-time stars that can afford to get jobbed by the NFL but that doesn't remove the resentment.

Elway always made smart invesments, but ask him where he'd be if he had to depend on the NFL for medical coverage (which most NFL players do.)

[Odysseus]

HBP is nothing to play with. It is regulated as part of your kidney functions and when you blow a gasket that is pretty much game over. I've seen some semi professional marathoners in what appeared to be great shape die from it. Diet and excercise are important but not the only factors.

Joe Montana has right to speak out. This is a much more pervasive issue than the NFL would have you believe and I don't understand why they think fighting a guy who has money and resources is a smart thing. The league should be embarassed. $1,000 or to spend an important day with your kid? Are you nuts? Apparently Joe should be humbled by the opportunity to further erode time away from his family.

This article was trying to pan Joe Montana but it only succeeded in making the league look bad and the writer uncertain and arbitrary. It's a shame this story doesn't come out in more media outlets. This is why I bet I could get some of the retired Broncos to come on here and post up. Anybody want to chat with Steve Atwater? Steve Sewell? Any other former Broncos Steves?

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Who cares what this idiot (http://tinyurl.com/cvvja) has to say.

[Needa Pass Rush]

Who's Montana? ???

[elletrain]

Seems to me that the millions he made while playing in the nfl, especially with countless endorsements, would be enough "compensation" for him. I know people that never made millions as a professional athelete that have had knee replacements, back surgeries, etc. I say get over yourself, Joe. He's 49, there will be health problems anyway...
The NFL is what made him able to laugh at $1000 to appear at the SUPER BOWL, for crying out loud.

[BIM]

Montana confirmed the $1,000 offer and called it "an embarrassment. A thousand dollars? That's all? They should have been embarrassed to offer guys just a thousand dollars. What are you going to be able to do with just a thousand dollars?"

Hmmm...But he mentioned that money wasn't an issue. Yeah right.

It's fitting he went out as a chef.

[Mediator12]

This is why I think praising Gene Upshaw for his great work on the new CBA is full of ****! Upshaw has repeatedly backed off getting help for the former players who really need it in order to get more money for the current generation of players.

He is a glorified Union bitch who refuses to fight for what is worth fighting for, but thinks the new guys making MORE money is going to cure everything. All that happens is that these guys end up blowing MORE money than they have previously. The lack of understanding, discipline, and frugality these guys dismiss because they are NFL players is a serious problem for the average NFL player. However, they promote like hell their Player development program that helps very few players. The NFL tries to project a player conscious image, but in practice they are cutthroat to former players. If they treat the legend Montana like that, think how they treat the three year UDFA player.

This has always been my major gripe with the NFL office. They KNOW what they are doing is BS but they do it anyway.

[BIM]

Please!! You're gonna tell me Montana doesn't have the money to afford healthcare?

[Merlin]

Please!! You're gonna tell me Montana doesn't have the money to afford healthcare?
I don't think that is his point. In these cases someone has to stand up against the Goliath, and JM is as close to a David as any NFLer can come. He has the means to take them to the supreme court if necessary, whereas the avg retired NFLer cannot. By forcing them to provide him with workers comp he is in essence setting the precedence for all other players. His legal fees alone would supercede any benefit he received from the NFL's worker's comp.

[Mediator12]

Please!! You're gonna tell me Montana doesn't have the money to afford healthcare?

If that response is directed at me, then your are missing the point BIM. One of the greatest players the NFL has ever seen has trouble getting his legitimate benefits from the NFL. What does that mean for the average player who plays three years and makes 1.1 million and has less than 20K left when they bust out of the league? These guys do not qualify for the pension and Full medical plan that Montana has.

He has full benefits and has to sue the NFL to get them to pay what is his. The average player does not, and getting the league to pay for Workman's Comp after they have been "cleared" by team physicians is almost Impossible. That is why injury settlements occur. And the players, lose a ton of money in doing that.

I hope you never have to deal with Workman's Comp BIM. It sucks. And, if your employer wants to stick it to you, you have to sue them to get them to do what is right.

[Mediator12]

Montana confirmed the $1,000 offer and called it "an embarrassment. A thousand dollars? That's all? They should have been embarrassed to offer guys just a thousand dollars. What are you going to be able to do with just a thousand dollars?"

Hmmm...But he mentioned that money wasn't an issue. Yeah right.

It's fitting he went out as a chef.

Have you ever been offended by someone offering you a lowball offer? The money is not the issue, the issue is someone trying to screw you. That is the point. Sure a $1,000 is a lot of money to most of us. It is a pittance to these guys especially during a Superbowl week where that is worth 100 bucks. Plus, he is already getting screwed by the NFL on a lot of other levels.

[delany]

come on....its not like he is Mike Webster

[KipCorrington25]

This has no relevance to the Denver Broncos. Montana is an ass.

[Phantom]

What a joke. Just lost more respect for the guy. I don't want to hear about his problems - we all have them. Show up for the appearance (what, once in five years) and do it for your fans. Sounds like a spoiled celebrity. "It's all about me and mine, F the fans." It's not about the $1,000, or the NFL, or his beef with the NFL, it's about the fans. All the other past MVPS were there, do they not have families, is $1000 not a joke to them, do they not have beefs with the NFL? Why were they all present?

[Phantom]

Apparently Montana's time is more precious than Elway's and all the other past greats, who made a SACRIFICE to be there.

[ludo21]

And as I said on CP, the NFL loves you when you're a star and spits on you when you aren't.

Look at the trouble Unitas had with his arm, or Jim Brown with his legs, or the thousands of claims the NFL turned down for medical coverage.

Players love it while they're there but they don't really understand what happens when the spotlight leaves...


Yep, many all time greats are having trouble with health care and bills. Many cant walk, or barely can. The NFL is jobbing them.

NFL Players gotta realize to smart while your in the NFL, make investments, because once the spotlight is gone, they will dump ya quick!.

[bronco militia]

what a putz...get your wife to video the kids games for that week.

cry me a river, Joe "cool"

[fontaine]

What a joke. Just lost more respect for the guy. I don't want to hear about his problems - we all have them. Show up for the appearance (what, once in five years) and do it for your fans. Sounds like a spoiled celebrity. "It's all about me and mine, F the fans." It's not about the $1,000, or the NFL, or his beef with the NFL, it's about the fans. All the other past MVPS were there, do they not have families, is $1000 not a joke to them, do they not have beefs with the NFL? Why were they all present?

I know what you're trying to say, but if I was in Joe's shoes and it was a choice between attending some NFL function or going to my kids basketball game, then it would be no choice. The NFL can piss off.

I don't think Montana was saying F the fans as much as F the NFL!

[BIM]

Have you ever been offended by someone offering you a lowball offer? The money is not the issue, the issue is someone trying to screw you. That is the point. Sure a $1,000 is a lot of money to most of us. It is a pittance to these guys especially during a Superbowl week where that is worth 100 bucks. Plus, he is already getting screwed by the NFL on a lot of other levels.


Go to the streets of any big city and ask them if life is fair.

[Odysseus]

Have you ever been offended by someone offering you a lowball offer? The money is not the issue, the issue is someone trying to screw you. That is the point. Sure a $1,000 is a lot of money to most of us. It is a pittance to these guys especially during a Superbowl week where that is worth 100 bucks. Plus, he is already getting screwed by the NFL on a lot of other levels.

I think it shows how deeply engrained the NFL is in most people's thinking that Joe should have no opinion in the matter and that his entire point really wasn't focused on him but the larger issues in the NFL that are yet to be addressed.

The public, apparently, doesn't want Joe to have a family life. Apparently we own him and if he's upset about our $1,000 low ball offer to sell out his kids then we'll embarass him publicly as he should do whatever we ask because his only motivation is money. Money isn't everything and a $1,000 is an insult.

What does this have to do with the Broncos? Talk to some of the former Broncos players. You ever wonder why they don't show up even on the Broncos own website? You want to know why they don't show up on this website? Take a look at John Riggins face the next time you see the pre game crap for the last Superbowl and tell me he was a happy man. Ask yourself why was John Elway "happy" to be seen?

Maybe Joe wants to raise his kids better than us hard guys did. I admire him for at least giving it a try. Ask Colts Tony Dungy about sucking it up. I think he's got us beat.

[KipCorrington25]

Yes, the NFL has asked he make an appearance every time one of his kids is having a little league game... I can't speak for everyone but I had a father that had to work and couldn't make all my little league games, guess what, we survived.
The NFL gave him the opportunity to become rich and famous and I'm guessing with his looks and personality he wouldn't of pulled that model wife of his without the money and fame so to show up at the Super Bowl isn't any great scarifies... he's a tool.

[BIM]

I can totally understand not wanting to go because of his children. But to think he's owed something is wrong.

Rule #5 : Life is not fair, how I deal with it is what really matters.

[ZachKC]

What a joke. Just lost more respect for the guy. I don't want to hear about his problems - we all have them. Show up for the appearance (what, once in five years) and do it for your fans. Sounds like a spoiled celebrity. "It's all about me and mine, F the fans." It's not about the $1,000, or the NFL, or his beef with the NFL, it's about the fans. All the other past MVPS were there, do they not have families, is $1000 not a joke to them, do they not have beefs with the NFL? Why were they all present?
Was the little walk before the Superbowl that big of deal?

Talk about much ado about nothing.

[Rock Chalk]

What a joke. Just lost more respect for the guy. I don't want to hear about his problems - we all have them. Show up for the appearance (what, once in five years) and do it for your fans. Sounds like a spoiled celebrity. "It's all about me and mine, F the fans." It's not about the $1,000, or the NFL, or his beef with the NFL, it's about the fans. All the other past MVPS were there, do they not have families, is $1000 not a joke to them, do they not have beefs with the NFL? Why were they all present?
Moron.

Guy forgoe's a Superbowl appearance to be at his son's basketball games and you think he is a spoiled celebrity?

You are a fine example of why breeding restrictions need to be placed on the human species.

[ZachKC]

Moron.

Guy forgoe's a Superbowl appearance to be at his son's basketball games and you think he is a spoiled celebrity?

You are a fine example of why breeding restrictions need to be placed on the human species.
Bingo.

[clarker]

Moron.

Guy forgoe's a Superbowl appearance to be at his son's basketball games and you think he is a spoiled celebrity?

You are a fine example of why breeding restrictions need to be placed on the human species.Sure Montana said it was about his son's basketball game, but then he goes on to say $1,000 is a joke. To me that says if they would have paid him more, he would have skipped his son's game. But for a mere 1,000 bucks.

The guy whines about workmens comp like didn't make millions from playing and pimping various products.

Montana is a pompus ass. He slags on the NFL for him "acting like I'm just another guy" and doesn't even stop to think that if were not for the NFL he would be just another guy. The NFL made him, not the other way around.

[Rock Chalk]

Sure Montana said it was about his son's basketball game, but then he goes on to say $1,000 is a joke. To me that says if they would have paid him more, he would have skipped his son's game. But for a mere 1,000 bucks.

The guy whines about workmens comp like didn't make millions from playing and pimping various products.

Montana is a pompus ass. He slags on the NFL for him "acting like I'm just another guy" and doesn't even stop to think that if were not for the NFL he would be just another guy. The NFL made him, not the other way around.
Completely missed the point.

Hard to explain intricacies of working to ****ing lazy morons who dont even have the education to understand a pretty simple article.

[Ballhawk]

These guys are just entertainers and if he doesn't want to entertain then he shouldn't have to. I could care less if he wanted to wash his hair that day. He owes nothing to the NFL that he does not choose to give.

[Mediator12]

Go to the streets of any big city and ask them if life is fair.

No one said life is fair. I completely understand that and I work with people everyday to get them to understand that too. In fact, a lot of Social Problems come from the fact that life is not fair so it might as well be unfair in my favor ;D That is the dominant white male discourse in a nutshell.

However, if someone owes you something and they fail to provide you with it would you be upset? That is the issue with the healthcare and Workmans Comp. He has benefits that the NFL has tried to deny him on more than one occasion. Has he made a ton of money, yes. But those are still his benefits. Why should he pay out of pocket medical expenses when they are supposed to be covered?

The completely seperate other issue is that the NFL decided to "leak" that Montana wanted more Money to attend the SuperBowl function as an explanation as to why he did not attend. A whole bunch of responses have been well everyone else attended for what was offered, so that makes Montana a spoiled athlete. Everyone forgets that he has a choice whether he wants to attend or not. How about someone lying about you when you decide not to accept their invitation to something? Sounds like spoiled middle school behavior to me.

[Jason in LA]

I thought I was going to read something that would clear Montana's name, so to speak. Something that would give a better explaination on why he wasn't there.

I didn't get that at all. I'd even say Montana made himself look bad with some of those comments.

Somebody please hand me $1000, watch me light up like a Christmas tree. And a free trip to the Super Bowl, and a car. I guess the rich just can't appreciate stuff like that.

The NFL made him what he is, and he's still making huge profits off of his name, which the NFL made famous. You think he could skip a couple of his kids games, or fly back out there to be with the other "once-weres", as he called them. I hate to miss my son's games, but sometimes I have to. I'd say I've been to a good 95% of his football and basketball games, so missing one here and there isn't a killer.

Somebody tell Joe to get off his high horse.

I do understand that there are issues with the way that the NFL has treated their former players. A stand does need to be taken. But Joe obviously isn't the right spokesman for the former players. He's got more than enough money. He's well taken care of. He sounds like he's just looking for a handout.

[-Slap-]

Its hardly surprising the NFL would leak this story to make a former player look bad. They do just about everything in a smarmy highhanded fashion.

[Jason in LA]

It's funny that Joe will show up at an NFL event to promote something that benefits him. I'm pretty sure Joe is getting paid to promote his cause. Knowing Joe, he's getting paid well. So he uses the stage that the NFL has set, and is making money doing it, but then when the NFL wants him to do one simple and quick act, he pretty much gives them the finger.

Okay Joe, then promote you cause on your own. Don't use the stage that the NFL has set.

[rbackfactory80]

The Nfl does not make people like Montana, he and other special players make the NFL. He built his own legacy, he was not given multiple super bowl trophies or MVP's. Loyalty in sports is non-existant. Leagues like the NFL make tons of money off these players and half of them cant even get off the couch after 10 years of playing. When it comes down to where his true love should be over something(NFL) that could care less about him or his family I think the choice is simple. The guy did not do this for the 100,000 dollars.

[Mediator12]

It's funny that Joe will show up at an NFL event to promote something that benefits him. I'm pretty sure Joe is getting paid to promote his cause. Knowing Joe, he's getting paid well. So he uses the stage that the NFL has set, and is making money doing it, but then when the NFL wants him to do one simple and quick act, he pretty much gives them the finger.

Okay Joe, then promote you cause on your own. Don't use the stage that the NFL has set.

Jason somewhere you missed reading this part I think:

He says the NFL's fight with him over workman's compensation "went all the way to the California Supreme Court, and I won. Twice they've stopped payment, and I've had to fight them again. Just a few months before this last Super Bowl, they stopped payment again. Then they want me to skip my boys' basketball games to help them out.

"That's typical of the NFL. And then they tried to make me look bad."

He shook his head.

"You know what makes me mad? The way they treat former players. Not just me. But some of those old guys, too, those guys who can barely move and walk.

"But that's the NFL. They want you to do stuff for them, but they don't want to do anything for you, not without getting their money. A few years ago, I wanted them to do something for a charity I was doing for kids. It was like I was just another guy. They wanted me to pay full fee."


Now Jason, who do you think is arguing over the money?

[clarker]

The Nfl does not make people like Montana, he and other special players make the NFL. He built his own legacy, he was not given multiple super bowl trophies or MVP's. Loyalty in sports is non-existant. Leagues like the NFL make tons of money off these players and half of them cant even get off the couch after 10 years of playing. When it comes down to where his true love should be over something(NFL) that could care less about him or his family I think the choice is simple. The guy did not do this for the 100,000 dollars.The NFL was popular before Montana. Montana is not from the generation of NFL players that didn't make sh.t for money. If were a player from the 170's on back, then I would say he has a point about worker's comp. But the guy made millions on and off the field during his playing days. Not as much as they are now, but millions none the less.

If he lost it all, then that is his fault.

[RhymesayersDU]

I don't blame Montana for missing the SuperBowl. Hell, he was there earlier in the week doing other stuff for his charity and the NFL.

But then to say "what can a guy do with $1000 bucks" was very contradictory. I do think that he genuinely wanted to see his kids, but when I read that statement, my first thought was "so it WAS about the money."

Like I said, good for him for skipping it. He wanted to coach and see his kids play, and that's great. And I think he is standing up for a lot of lesser known players who don't have zillions in the bank who could use help.

[Jason in LA]

Jason somewhere you missed reading this part I think:

He says the NFL's fight with him over workman's compensation "went all the way to the California Supreme Court, and I won. Twice they've stopped payment, and I've had to fight them again. Just a few months before this last Super Bowl, they stopped payment again. Then they want me to skip my boys' basketball games to help them out.

"That's typical of the NFL. And then they tried to make me look bad."

He shook his head.

"You know what makes me mad? The way they treat former players. Not just me. But some of those old guys, too, those guys who can barely move and walk.



"But that's the NFL. They want you to do stuff for them, but they don't want to do anything for you, not without getting their money. A few years ago, I wanted them to do something for a charity I was doing for kids. It was like I was just another guy. They wanted me to pay full fee."


Now Jason, who do you think is arguing over the money?

I didn't miss that point. In my post I wrote:

"I do understand that there are issues with the way that the NFL has treated their former players. A stand does need to be taken. But Joe obviously isn't the right spokesman for the former players. He's got more than enough money. He's well taken care of. He sounds like he's just looking for a handout."

I totally got that point. It's just that Montana isn't the poster child for the forgotten old timer who has hit hard times. When he complains, he sounds like a guy looking for a handout.

[Jason in LA]

Hell, he was there earlier in the week doing other stuff for his charity and the NFL.



I'd say he was doing a lot of his charity, which probably pays him, and probably not much for the NFL.

But he gladly used the stage that the NFL created.

[clarker]

I don't blame Montana for missing the SuperBowl. Hell, he was there earlier in the week doing other stuff for his charity and the NFL.

But then to say "what can a guy do with $1000 bucks" was very contradictory. I do think that he genuinely wanted to see his kids, but when I read that statement, my first thought was "so it WAS about the money."

Like I said, good for him for skipping it. He wanted to coach and see his kids play, and that's great. And I think he is standing up for a lot of lesser known players who don't have zillions in the bank who could use help.He wasn't at the Super Bowl for a charity. He was there as a paid spokesmen for a blood pressure med. I'm sure he really uses the product and cares about people with that problem. But it was far from charity work.

[Phantom]

Moron.

Guy forgoe's a Superbowl appearance to be at his son's basketball games and you think he is a spoiled celebrity?

You are a fine example of why breeding restrictions need to be placed on the human species.

FU you prick!

You have an opinion I have mine. Yours is no more relavent. So F off with the personal attacks punk.
The point is everyone else showed up. I'm sure they had to miss something to attend as well. Were you a 49er fan who said "Where is Joe" during that moment? No one said he had to go or owes the NFL something. He should have done it for the fans. His kids would understand.

[Jason in LA]

The Nfl does not make people like Montana, he and other special players make the NFL.

As a group, sure, the special players make the NFL. But as an indiviual, the NFL makes these players. The NFL made Montana. Take away the NFL and who the hell is Joe Montana? A car salesman? An accountant? A bus driver? Who knows. But he wouldn't be Joe Montana the super star. Take away Joe Montana from the NFL and the NFL is just as big as it is today.

[Phantom]

Bingo.

Some one spoke redneck and you agree. What a surprise. Loser - you and your team.

[ZachKC]

Some one spoke redneck and you agree. What a surprise. Loser - you and your team.
From the guy condeming others for personal attacks.

[Phantom]

From the guy condeming others for personal attacks.

The dude offered nothing to the thread but to call someone with a different opinion a moron. You dittoed the post. If you weren't pilling on - then I apologize.

[Mediator12]

I didn't miss that point. In my post I wrote:

"I do understand that there are issues with the way that the NFL has treated their former players. A stand does need to be taken. But Joe obviously isn't the right spokesman for the former players. He's got more than enough money. He's well taken care of. He sounds like he's just looking for a handout."

I totally got that point. It's just that Montana isn't the poster child for the forgotten old timer who has hit hard times. When he complains, he sounds like a guy looking for a handout.

The guys who have hit hard times can not have the stage that a legend like Montana has. Was his comment about the $1000 flippant to the average fan? Probably, because they are putting it into their context and not his. So, he might not be the perfect candidate to sell it to the fans, but its not about the fans here.

Also, the NFL is the one that is making the money an Issue. They stopped payment on his claims two months before they asked him to show at the Superbowl! They lost two Court cases and still decided to screw him!

On top of that, they want him to pay the NFL for doing Charity Work that he does not get paid for LOL It was a children's chariity they asked to get a cut of, not the BP issue. Now, would you put your life on hold and go represent your former employer after your former employer screwed you like that?

That is why the 1k is an insult. It is a pittance to all the money the NFL wants back from Montana. From all the money it wants to take away from a children's charity. Just because someone made a dirtload of money does not make them liable for continuing to pick up the tab that someone else has a duty to provide.

[clarker]

The guys who have hit hard times can not have the stage that a legend like Montana has. Was his comment about the $1000 flippant to the average fan? Probably, because they are putting it into their context and not his. So, he might not be the perfect candidate to sell it to the fans, but its not about the fans here.

Also, the NFL is the one that is making the money an Issue. They stopped payment on his claims two months before they asked him to show at the Superbowl! They lost two Court cases and still decided to screw him!

On top of that, they want him to pay the NFL for doing Charity Work that he does not get paid for LOL It was a children's chariity they asked to get a cut of, not the BP issue. Now, would you put your life on hold and go represent your former employer after your former employer screwed you like that?

That is why the 1k is an insult. It is a pittance to all the money the NFL wants back from Montana. From all the money it wants to take away from a children's charity. Just because someone made a dirtload of money does not make them liable for continuing to pick up the tab that someone else has a duty to provide.I have ripped on Montana and still think he is an a**, but if what he is saying about that children's charity is true than that is not cool.

But Montana is not a good spokesmen for the old vets. He made millions and has no ground to stand on in that area.

[Jason in LA]

If Montana wants to speak up for those who can't speak up, fine, I'm all for that. But to act like he's hit hard times and needs the NFL to pay his bills, BS. He's not fighting for those who can't fight. Sounds like he's trying to stick it to the NFL.

[BIM]

No one said life is fair. I completely understand that and I work with people everyday to get them to understand that too. In fact, a lot of Social Problems come from the fact that life is not fair so it might as well be unfair in my favor ;D That is the dominant white male discourse in a nutshell.

However, if someone owes you something and they fail to provide you with it would you be upset? That is the issue with the healthcare and Workmans Comp. He has benefits that the NFL has tried to deny him on more than one occasion. Has he made a ton of money, yes. But those are still his benefits. Why should he pay out of pocket medical expenses when they are supposed to be covered?

The completely seperate other issue is that the NFL decided to "leak" that Montana wanted more Money to attend the SuperBowl function as an explanation as to why he did not attend. A whole bunch of responses have been well everyone else attended for what was offered, so that makes Montana a spoiled athlete. Everyone forgets that he has a choice whether he wants to attend or not. How about someone lying about you when you decide not to accept their invitation to something? Sounds like spoiled middle school behavior to me.

To expose one as a fake will usually bring out the fighter.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

[QUOTE=Mediator12] They stopped payment on his claims two months before they asked him to show at the Superbowl! They lost two Court cases and still decided to screw him!
QUOTE]


Med - was it the league or their Workers Comp Insurance carrier that stopped the payments and lost to court cases?

[-Slap-]

NFL logic:

Joe Montana = Bad Guy

Ray Lewis = Good Guy

[BIM]

Lol!!

[clarker]

NFL logic:

Joe Montana = Bad Guy

Ray Lewis = Good GuyMy logic(for what it is worth.) Joe Montana=jerk, Ray Lewis=bigger jerk. That is putting in a nice way.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

NFL logic:

Joe Montana = Bad Guy

Ray Lewis = Good Guy

Ray can benefit the league in his present incarnation. Once he retires they will drop him like a hot rock.

[bendog]

Hold the Phone (in the words of Kinky Friedman)

Montana gets workers comp? WTF? I'm more than fine with the players getting the maj of the gate, generous retirement and healthcare benefits, but for God's sake, workers comp is for some poor asshole who falls off a ladder on his head or gets a bad back lifting **** for a 25 bucks per hour. What a frigging cheap bastard this guy is.

[GonzoLays]

Who cares what this idiot (http://tinyurl.com/cvvja) has to say.

You believe anything you read don't you?

http://www.endzoneaction.com/classicphoto%20steveyoungandjoemontana.jpg

Mortal enemies such as Montana and Young don't seek each other on the football field and share laughter.

That stupid link you provided suggested that Montana did not show up to the Super Bowl because of Steve freakin' Young. Wow.

[Northman]

I said it at the time when Joe Montana missed the Superbowl thing that I can respect a guy for wanting his privacy and spending it with the people he loves rather than being in the media spotlight.

Good to see he's getting on top of his medical issues and raising awareness of bp.

:thumbsup:

You mean he cant take one day out of his busy schedule to appear with other great NFL Qbs during the Super Bowl? Im sure his kids play tons of games and they most likely would understand if he wanted to be part of the ceremony. I feel like Montana is just whining here, hell he even balked at the idea that the NFL would only give him a thousand dollars ( among other things ) to use. I believe family is important but not when the NFL is just asking you to appear with other HOFamers.

[clarker]

You mean he cant take one day out of his busy schedule to appear with other great NFL Qbs during the Super Bowl? Im sure his kids play tons of games and they most likely would understand if he wanted to be part of the ceremony. I feel like Montana is just whining here, hell he even balked at the idea that the NFL would only give him a thousand dollars ( among other things ) to use. I believe family is important but not when the NFL is just asking you to appear with other HOFamers.If he puts family over the NFL, I'm cool with that. But when he talks about how $1,000 is an insult, it makes me think that putting family before the NFL is not the whole reason if the reason at all for skipping it.

[Northman]

What a joke. Just lost more respect for the guy. I don't want to hear about his problems - we all have them. Show up for the appearance (what, once in five years) and do it for your fans. Sounds like a spoiled celebrity. "It's all about me and mine, F the fans." It's not about the $1,000, or the NFL, or his beef with the NFL, it's about the fans. All the other past MVPS were there, do they not have families, is $1000 not a joke to them, do they not have beefs with the NFL? Why were they all present?


And this is what im talking about. It isnt like he is away from his kids all year long. Good post.

[Tredici]

Sounds like Montana did show up for his fans. His sons.

What a joke this thread is. Like all the old geezers are obligated to get trotted out at Super Bowl half times.

Who gives a ****?

[bendog]

Sounds like Montana did show up for his fans. His sons.

What a joke this thread is. Like all the old geezers are obligated to get trotted out at Super Bowl half times.

Who gives a ****?
I'd agree, but for his claim to workers comp. Truly work disabled guys, who didn't get paid on the basis of knowing it was a short career, deserve every dime they can get, and guys like Montana are ripping off the system, AND I strongly suspect he wouldn't be paying some disabled grape picker full wages.

[Jason in LA]

You mean he cant take one day out of his busy schedule to appear with other great NFL Qbs during the Super Bowl? Im sure his kids play tons of games and they most likely would understand if he wanted to be part of the ceremony. I feel like Montana is just whining here, hell he even balked at the idea that the NFL would only give him a thousand dollars ( among other things ) to use. I believe family is important but not when the NFL is just asking you to appear with other HOFamers.

I'd go as far as to say that he's using his kids as an excuse on why he wasn't there. Makes everybody feel bad for questioning him.

I think the reasons why he wasn't there is his beef with the NFL and that it wasn't enough money. Seeing his bitterness towards the NFL, I could see him asking for $100,000.

If he was cool with the NFL, and the money was right, I bet he'd miss his kid's games for one weekend.

[Jason in LA]

Sounds like Montana did show up for his fans. His sons.

What a joke this thread is. Like all the old geezers are obligated to get trotted out at Super Bowl half times.

Who gives a ****?

After reading Montana's comments, I, and a few others in this thread, don't buy into him skipping the event to watch his kids play.

Like I said in my last post, it sounds like he's using that as an excuse so people can't question him.

[Tredici]

After reading Montana's comments, I, and a few others in this thread, don't buy into him skipping the event to watch his kids play.

Like I said in my last post, it sounds like he's using that as an excuse so people can't question him.

So he has an excuse. So what? I mean really, what does it matter in the whole scheme of things whether Joe Montana or Joe Blow shows up at a frickin' half time show?

As for the workman's comp. He was injured on the job. It qualifies.

[sisterhellfyre]

Who's Montana? ???


The second-greatest QB of all time. :-)

Regards,
m.

[Jason in LA]

So he has an excuse. So what? I mean really, what does it matter in the whole scheme of things whether Joe Montana or Joe Blow shows up at a frickin' half time show?

As for the workman's comp. He was injured on the job. It qualifies.

You're right, it doens't really matter. So Joe shouldn't be so bitter about the whole thing, and come up with BS excuses to cover it up.

No, I'm not saying his sons are BS. But I don't think they were why he didn't show up, so it's a BS excuse. Judging from his comments and attitude, it's a money thing, which he's trying to say it isn't.

[Tredici]

You're right, it doens't really matter. So Joe shouldn't be so bitter about the whole thing, and come up with BS excuses to cover it up.

No, I'm not saying his sons are BS. But I don't think they were why he didn't show up, so it's a BS excuse. Judging from his comments and attitude, it's a money thing, which he's trying to say it isn't.

Well if it's a money thing, he probably moved into hero realm. I mean it is all about the Benjamins. Right?

[Pendejo]

So he has an excuse. So what? I mean really, what does it matter in the whole scheme of things whether Joe Montana or Joe Blow shows up at a frickin' half time show?

As for the workman's comp. He was injured on the job. It qualifies.

Joe Montana should just shut up and mind his own business.

Don't you understand Tredici...that the NFL clearly does not take care of their players once they hang'em up? Clearly Joe Montana made so much money during his career...that the NFL is excused from it's responsibilities as layed out by the California Supreme Court. Forget the precedent it would set for the players without the tremendous career of a Joe Montana (In layman's terms...the cripples)...to be afforded reasonable healthcare for their battered bodies...if the NFL actually abided by that decision. Pro football players lead charmed lives, and deserve whatever they get. So what if they have plastic knees, and hips by the time they're 40. Vertebrae are overrated anyway.

So let's recap. Montana didn't want to be a part of a dog and pony show...a la the Superbowl halftime. He took the $1,000 dollars offered by the league as a slap in the face. (It's not like the league earns tons of dough throughout the year, and during the superbowl festivities.) Then he has the gall to get litigious over the fact that the NFL should provide healthcare for their own. Finally he concocts some assinine story about how he would rather watch his own kids play basketball than be paraded around by Tags and Co. Yeah right. Who does that? Can you believe this guy? He has his own thoughts, and opinions and has the audacity to go his own way. What a prick!

He should be tarred and feathered.

[Bronco LB 59]

Joe Cool is getting a bad rap here. He's all of the sudden a scumbag because of a "$1000" quote that was taken out of context. You can go back 30 years in Joe's life in the public eye and this interview is the probably the most signficant dirt you can dig up on him.

Next subject!

[DomCasual]

Here would be my question for Joe in response to his "I had to go to my kid's game - it wasn't about the money" argument.

How did his NFL career affect his family? When he decided to continue his career in that rathole, Kansas City, was it his family's idea? Or was it his idea that he imposed upon his family. What about all the weekends he was gone? What about all the training camps where he would be gone for weeks? The first days of school he missed, year after year? What about when he tried to do television work after his career? Was that good for his family? If you took his oldest child's age in days, how many of those days do you think Joe spent away from home?

So, the bottom line is, when the money was better, his kids' basketball games didn't mean as much. When the NFL offered him what he considered to be a pittance to attend a function, his kids' basketball games meant more.

And where was this righteous indignation about the League's treatment of its former players when Joe was playing? Are you telling me he didn't know about that then? No. It was only when he had taken all that he could from the NFL that he started to b****. Now that he is in the retired players' shoes and has very little leverage with the League, he b****es.

Please!

If it wasn't for the NFL, Joe would be plugging away in some accounting job right now like the rest of the slobs that paid to see him play all those years.

[Pendejo]

Joe Cool is getting a bad rap here. He's all of the sudden a scumbag because of a "$1000" quote that was taken out of context. You can go back 30 years in Joe's life in the public eye and this interview is the probably the most signficant dirt you can dig up on him.

Next subject!

Only self righteous knuckledheads think he's a scumbag because of the thousand dollar quote. There are a lot of lemmings out there that bow to their NFL masters, and are outraged when someone calls them out on their nonsense.

[DomCasual]

Only self righteous knuckledheads think he's a scumbag because of the thousand dollar quote. There are a lot of lemmings out there that bow to their NFL masters, and are outraged when someone calls them out on their nonsense.
I don't think he's a scumbag. I just think he's a hypocrite. Does that make me a lemming? Give me a rebuttal to my post of a few hours ago if you think so. I'm openminded.

[Just Another Joe]

The bottom line of extended health care does not sit with the NFL. When I leave employment, my choice or their choice, I am on my own for my health care. If I have a claim for workers compensation the employer/state handles that (the NFL might be different).

With the money the players get now days they need to look out for their future, both financially and considering health care. It is not good to depend on Medicare for all of your needs, it might not be there when you need it.

All of the rest of America looks out for their future, if a player isn't smart enough to do so that is their problem.

[Tredici]

Here would be my question for Joe in response to his "I had to go to my kid's game - it wasn't about the money" argument.

How did his NFL career affect his family? When he decided to continue his career in that rathole, Kansas City, was it his family's idea? Or was it his idea that he imposed upon his family. What about all the weekends he was gone? What about all the training camps where he would be gone for weeks? The first days of school he missed, year after year? What about when he tried to do television work after his career? Was that good for his family? If you took his oldest child's age in days, how many of those days do you think Joe spent away from home?

So, the bottom line is, when the money was better, his kids' basketball games didn't mean as much. When the NFL offered him what he considered to be a pittance to attend a function, his kids' basketball games meant more.

And where was this righteous indignation about the League's treatment of its former players when Joe was playing? Are you telling me he didn't know about that then? No. It was only when he had taken all that he could from the NFL that he started to b****. Now that he is in the retired players' shoes and has very little leverage with the League, he b****es.

Please!

If it wasn't for the NFL, Joe would be plugging away in some accounting job right now like the rest of the slobs that paid to see him play all those years.

I'll give it a shot DM. When he was playing, clearly his career came first. Is that any different than any working parent who has had to make that choice? His family made the sacrifice when required. Now it's his turn to give back to the family. Now it's their turn to chosen above anything else.

I doubt his kid's were playing competitive basketball while he was playing football. That's speculation on your part. I'm sure he missed more of their functions than he wanted to. Because he missed those while he was playing does that justify continuing to miss his kid's events when he is not playing?

How was Joe supposed to pursue these injury issues while he was playing? Puhlease, yourself. Think of it this way. If the NFL treats a former player of Joe Montana's status with this type of disdain towards the injuries he sustained while employed by the NFL, how do you think the guy who gets injured the first year of his career fairs? You think no name who played a season with the Lions is going to bring any attention to the issue?

The fact is, Joe didn't plug away as an accountant. He plugged away in the NFL and is to some one of the greatest to ever play the QB position. The NFL doesn't respect him then what does he owe them?

The answer is, nothing. Quid pro quo.

[BroncoBuff]

If he's being honest when he says "it wasn't about the money," then why does he complain so much about the $1000 appearance fee? He called it "an insult." But if the money doesn't matter, where's the insult?

The problem I have with the workers' comp claim is this: sure, it's probably a valid claim, in that he was injured on the job. But there's a few oddities there:

1. His claim would be against his employers, the 49ers and Chefs, and maybe even Notre Dame, not the NFL.
2. Workers Comp benefits, at least in California, are capped. The top scale is around $1800 a month, plus medical bills of course. The issue here MUST be medical bills ... but ....
3. ... his ongoing medical bills should be paid by whatever team he was under contract to when the injuries occurred. Unless he signed an injury settlement/waiver with the Chiefs or 49ers, that case should be open. I can't believe those teams are denying coverage.

So my legal knowledge doesn't understand all this. Sounds to me like me might be, well... broke?

[Pendejo]

Here would be my question for Joe in response to his "I had to go to my kid's game - it wasn't about the money" argument.

How did his NFL career affect his family? When he decided to continue his career in that rathole, Kansas City, was it his family's idea? Or was it his idea that he imposed upon his family. What about all the weekends he was gone? What about all the training camps where he would be gone for weeks? The first days of school he missed, year after year? What about when he tried to do television work after his career? Was that good for his family? If you took his oldest child's age in days, how many of those days do you think Joe spent away from home?

So, the bottom line is, when the money was better, his kids' basketball games didn't mean as much. When the NFL offered him what he considered to be a pittance to attend a function, his kids' basketball games meant more.

And where was this righteous indignation about the League's treatment of its former players when Joe was playing? Are you telling me he didn't know about that then? No. It was only when he had taken all that he could from the NFL that he started to b****. Now that he is in the retired players' shoes and has very little leverage with the League, he b****es.

Please!

If it wasn't for the NFL, Joe would be plugging away in some accounting job right now like the rest of the slobs that paid to see him play all those years.

Montana retired about twelve years ago. The article stated that his kids are 16 and 13. My math is very bad, but I'm pretty confident in saying that he didn't miss many games or first days of school when his kids were four and one.

Neither of us can say with any certainty what Montana knew about the plight of former NFL players, and their need for medical care. It really doesn't matter...because he's speaking about it now. There are a lot of veteran's out there who didn't make the big money, and are physically hurting. The NFL has the money to take care of them, and when you factor in the sacrifices those players made to make the NFL a great product...they have a responsibility to them as well.

Furthermore...Montana didn't take a gawd damned thing from the NFL. That is just a belligerently stupid comment. He earned everything he got, and then some. I still harbor a slight grudge against him for 55-10, and providing more mile high magic for the Chiefs than Elway was able to come up in '94...but saying he took anything from the league is moronic.

Montana, and any former player has the right to gripe about the way the NFL does business...especially in regards to how they treat alumni. Their opinions should certainly be considered...especially over internet message boardniks like us. Although...it's clearly not uncommon for people to dismiss their concerns out of hand, and immediately revert to the spoiled athlete card.

So, after being in Detroit for four days...he wasn't interested in being on the field for that extravaganza that is the super bowl half time show. A thousand bucks wasn't worth it. He wanted to watch his kids play ball. Big deal.

[watermock]

If he puts family over the NFL, I'm cool with that. But when he talks about how $1,000 is an insult, it makes me think that putting family before the NFL is not the whole reason if the reason at all for skipping it.

I remember very surprised Montana would risk his image for such a childish stunt as he was in several SuperBowls. Hell, it wasn't an appearance fee even, it was a honor to be invited just like to get in the Hall in the first place. Even more surprising was the fact tha the Steelers were playing and he would of gotten more cheers than anyone. Bad PR. He's got plenty of time to do whatever he damn well pleases now. This was a once in a lifetime event. I'm sure his kids will have plenty more important games. How lame.

[DomCasual]

Montana retired about twelve years ago. The article stated that his kids are 16 and 13. My math is very bad, but I'm pretty confident in saying that he didn't miss many games or first days of school when his kids were four and one.
Okay, agreed. But the thing about missing his kid's games, etc. was more for a basis of comparison. And this isn't just about the NFL. The point is that his career sacrifices (be they from playing or other business endeavors) are justifiable when there is enough money involved. Thus, to say, "It isn't about the money!" is hypocritical. Tell me honestly - do you think he would have showed up if the appearance fee had been, say, $1,000,000?

Like I said - please!
Neither of us can say with any certainty what Montana knew about the plight of former NFL players, and their need for medical care.
Come on, now. The NFL is a fraternity. Players, past and present, are constantly mingling at charity functions, signings, etc. I was just watching something a few weeks ago where Joe Montana (taped while he was still playing) was talking about his respect for the history of the game, and the players that came before him. He wasn't vocal about it (treatment of retired players) then because it didn't affect him then.
Furthermore...Montana didn't take a gawd damned thing from the NFL. That is just a belligerently stupid comment.
That's silly and short-sighted. Of course, he took something from the NFL. Have you ever had employees? Your comment makes me believe that you haven't. It's akin to an employee saying, "This place would fall apart if it wasn't for me!" Meanwhile, that employee goes home and sleeps every night without having to worry with the stresses of making the next payroll. Every time I hear it, I feel like saying, "Well, if it is so easy, why don't you just go and do it?" But I digress.

Joe Montana was paid fairly for his services in the NFL. That doesn't take away the fact that the NFL - and a lot of people far bigger than Joe Montana - worked hard to give him (and other players) the opportunity to play. An employee ideally works hard to earn his paycheck. But at the end of the day, all his hard work will get him nothing if the company for which he works ceases to exist. Thus, it's a mutually-beneficial relationship. But as a general rule, it is easier for the company to replace the employee than it is for the employee to find a new company.
Montana, and any former player has the right to gripe about the way the NFL does business...especially in regards to how they treat alumni. Their opinions should certainly be considered...especially over internet message boardniks like us.
And any fan has the right to be critical of them for it.
So, after being in Detroit for four days...he wasn't interested in being on the field for that extravaganza that is the super bowl half time show. A thousand bucks wasn't worth it. He wanted to watch his kids play ball. Big deal.
Have you missed the point of most of this thread? He says it wasn't about the money. You call my comments "belligerently stupid," then turn around and say, "A thousand bucks wasn't worth it." Huh? So it is about the money. Saying it isn't makes him a hypocrite.

[-Slap-]

My only complaint is that Joe used his family as an excuse. The same excuse Terry Bradshaw used without a bit of criticism from anyone.

I wish Joe would have simply said he doesn't see eye to eye with League management and he has no intention of participating in any of their ceremonies.

[SureShot]

HBP isn't anything to laugh about.



The Chefs are!Hilarious!

[Odysseus]

My only complaint is that Joe used his family as an excuse. The same excuse Terry Bradshaw used without a bit of criticism from anyone.

I wish Joe would have simply said he doesn't see eye to eye with League management and he has no intention of participating in any of their ceremonies.

Good point but I think the league pimped him out on this deal. Joe doesn't keep track of a $1,000. The fact he mentioned it was probably in response to being ambushed by a reporter. It's kind of hard not to respond to "What about the $1,000 retainer" and not look stupid.

[fontaine]

You mean he cant take one day out of his busy schedule to appear with other great NFL Qbs during the Super Bowl? Im sure his kids play tons of games and they most likely would understand if he wanted to be part of the ceremony. I feel like Montana is just whining here, hell he even balked at the idea that the NFL would only give him a thousand dollars ( among other things ) to use. I believe family is important but not when the NFL is just asking you to appear with other HOFamers.


Man, you're entitled to your opinion.

But I'm looking at it from the point of view of a football player who has a family. The guy already missed a ton of time when he was an active player.

Now that he's retired and wants to spend time with his kids, how could you begrudge him that?

I don't care if it's 1 day or a hundred days. It's his choice, who are we to criticize and question that? How do you think his kids felt when he skipped the superbowl to be with them? Actions speak louder than words.

As far as a $1000 dollars? That's his right. If someone low balls you then you have every right to tell to phvck off!

Besides, it wasn't Joe that went to the media FIRST and complained about the lowball offer. It was the NFL that spread that nugget and Montana is now responding to it.

[Northman]

Man, you're entitled to your opinion.

But I'm looking at it from the point of view of a football player who has a family. The guy already missed a ton of time when he was an active player.

Now that he's retired and wants to spend time with his kids, how could you begrudge him that?

I don't care if it's 1 day or a hundred days. It's his choice, who are we to criticize and question that? How do you think his kids felt when he skipped the superbowl to be with them? Actions speak louder than words.

As far as a $1000 dollars? That's his right. If someone low balls you then you have every right to tell to phvck off!

Besides, it wasn't Joe that went to the media FIRST and complained about the lowball offer. It was the NFL that spread that nugget and Montana is now responding to it.



Montana has been out of the league for quite some time now. Yes, it doenst matter if it is 1 day or 100 days but my point is still this was a one time thing where all the NFL greats were together and i dont think it was much to ask him to be a part of it. And who cares about the money? i dont, **** i would be honored to be a part of that ceremony if i was a Hall of Famer as many of the gentlemen who showed up felt. I can criticize him because i find it ridiculous that he would miss this opportunity that probably wont come up again in his lifetime whereas his kids BBall games will. Again, i highly doubt the kids would have been that upset by him doing it. I would be proud if my dad took part in something like that. You act as if he still hasnt seen his kids in ages but he's been out of the league for over 10 years. And your right, it is my opinion and my opinion is i think he is being a selfish snob. ;)

[Taco John]

If I'm Joe Montana, and the league wants to sell the sport on my back because of my image and the things that I've done for the sport, I take back, just as the sport is taking from me. I have no problem with Joe asking for marketing money for showing up to help market an event. It's a business. Nothing more nothing less at that level. Joe isn't as starry eyed about the whole thing as the rest of us might be.

[fontaine]

Montana has been out of the league for quite some time now. Yes, it doenst matter if it is 1 day or 100 days but my point is still this was a one time thing where all the NFL greats were together and i dont think it was much to ask him to be a part of it. And who cares about the money? i dont, **** i would be honored to be a part of that ceremony if i was a Hall of Famer as many of the gentlemen who showed up felt. I can criticize him because i find it ridiculous that he would miss this opportunity that probably wont come up again in his lifetime whereas his kids BBall games will. Again, i highly doubt the kids would have been that upset by him doing it. I would be proud if my dad took part in something like that. You act as if he still hasnt seen his kids in ages but he's been out of the league for over 10 years. And your right, it is my opinion and my opinion is i think he is being a selfish snob. ;)


I hate it when the other poster comes back with a logical and well thought out argument like this one!

-still wrong though!
;D

[watermock]

If I'm Joe Montana, and the league wants to sell the sport on my back because of my image and the things that I've done for the sport, I take back, just as the sport is taking from me. I have no problem with Joe asking for marketing money for showing up to help market an event. It's a business. Nothing more nothing less at that level. Joe isn't as starry eyed about the whole thing as the rest of us might be.

I respectuflly dissagree. First, it wasn't a promotional event. Second , it tarnished him. Tell me again what the sport took from him again?

Yes it's a business, but when all the other HOF players show up free he demands an appearance fee? Well gosh..free airfair, lodging, food and all you have to do is prance for 10 seconds and watch the game...how horrible it must of been for him.

[Taco John]

Tell me again what the sport took from him again?
.

In this latest episode, they publically dressed him down for not immediately jumping to their demands, and even pushing back asking for a fee for this little marketing gig.


Yes it's a business, but when all the other HOF players show up free he demands an appearance fee? Well gosh..free airfair, lodging, food and all you have to do is prance for 10 seconds and watch the game...how horrible it must of been for him

Somehow I don't think Joe cares about free airfair, lodging, and food... I'm not sure why he should.

[smalltowngrll]

Well, the superbowl wasn't any less meaningfull because Joe wasn't there (it was less meaningful because WE weren't there...but that's another story).

So, there seems to be a bit of confusion regarding workers comp and health insurance. These are two different animals. Workers comp is compensation (to the injured) for not being able to continue to work and payment of medical bills instead of a regular health policy paying. A lot of times this is between two different insurance companies arguing over who should pay the bill. Workers comp just pays everything where a good health policy will make you pay your deductible/copay. Typically the employer (the NFL) pays a workers comp premium and the workers comp insurance company fights the battles with the employee. Not a whole lot the employer can do unless they self insure.

So, is Joe getting insurance payments for on the job injuries? Hmmm...just curious.

[Old Dude]

...
The answer is, nothing. Quid pro quo.

Be careful how you say that.

http://liberal.home.comcast.net/spy-vs-spy1.gif

There are still some people out there hunting for the Mole. :)

[BIM]

Who was the mole?

[kappys]

Well, the superbowl wasn't any less meaningfull because Joe wasn't there (it was less meaningful because WE weren't there...but that's another story).

So, there seems to be a bit of confusion regarding workers comp and health insurance. These are two different animals. Workers comp is compensation (to the injured) for not being able to continue to work and payment of medical bills instead of a regular health policy paying. A lot of times this is between two different insurance companies arguing over who should pay the bill. Workers comp just pays everything where a good health policy will make you pay your deductible/copay. Typically the employer (the NFL) pays a workers comp premium and the workers comp insurance company fights the battles with the employee. Not a whole lot the employer can do unless they self insure.

So, is Joe getting insurance payments for on the job injuries? Hmmm...just curious.

The other side to that is that it can be very difficult to prove certain injuries are work related. Low back injuries in particular. Just about everyone has low back pain, whether they are laborers or office workers. A worsening of the pain while lifting a bag of cement is not per se a work related injury. Anyways, the NFL does offer a better retirement package than other sports, or so I've heard.

[Tredici]

I think we need to rip Bradshaw more. I mean, why are his "family reasons" for not appearing so much more acceptable than Joe's?

Don't get it.