Seems to me the players leaving for the money are the ones that have an image problem. After all their talk of team and togetherness, they scramble for the extra dollars faster than duck finding water.
Respect is all they want until they get a better offer. I have no problem with Givens or Willie Mac taking the money - but please, don't whine about being disrespected because we did not feel you were worth the money you found. DGIV where is the appreciatoin for all that you were taught by the Patriots? F where is the realization that they tool you from a lowly 2nd day choice and molded you into a number two. Yes, you worked hard, but you learned from the best. Willie Mac - shame on you, all those years, all the love, all the 55 jerseys, all the talk about respect, you sir, disrespected the Krafts and the area by the comments you made on the way out as you grabbed your 12MM goldmine. Your comments this afternoon may be to little to late for my liking.
I can only imagine what we will hear from the "disprespected idiot kicker" if he leaves. How can he embrace Gino one year and leave the area that idolized him the next? Is he nuts? Is his agent on drugs? He could have years of endorsements, appearances, radio & TV spots for years to come. I cannot believe he will leave for what may amount to but a few more million over 3 or 4 years.
Please, Mr. modern athelete, do not bite the hand that fed you and do not disrespect the game.