Brandon Browner sent to prison for 8 years

[TheBostonStraggler]

Sign the beast...

 

[PP2]

A lot of posters are beating up on Browner instead of addressing the big elephant in the room, the NFL itself. How many of you realize what a cutthroat business the NFL is? Once you're no longer good enough to play in the league, you're out- that's it. No pension, no health care, no support system.

This, obviously does not excuse Browner from what he, and many other jobless ex-athletes have done. But you have to ask- would things have been different if he had a pension, health insurance (e.g., the ability to seek help), or in general, a support system for ex-players who suddenly have too much time on their hand, and a resume that has no application to the real world?

 

[Hyped]

A lot of posters are beating up on Browner instead of addressing the big elephant in the room, the NFL itself. How many of you realize what a cutthroat business the NFL is? Once you're no longer good enough to play in the league, you're out- that's it. No pension, no health care, no support system.

This, obviously does not excuse Browner from what he, and many other jobless ex-athletes have done. But you have to ask- would things have been different if he had a pension, health insurance (e.g., the ability to seek help), or in general, a support system for ex-players who suddenly have too much time on their hand, and a resume that has no application to the real world?

I have a hard time feeling sorry for anyone who plays professionally and has made at least 1M in career earnings. The average American household takes home 73k before taxes. For an American household to earn 1M, it would take 13-14 years. Even a practice squad player who spends 3 years on a squad earns about 400k (129k x 3 yrs) and then bounces around the league earning the vet minimum of 450kish will still come out ahead of the average American household income.

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

A lot of posters are beating up on Browner instead of addressing the big elephant in the room, the NFL itself. How many of you realize what a cutthroat business the NFL is? Once you're no longer good enough to play in the league, you're out- that's it. No pension, no health care, no support system.

This, obviously does not excuse Browner from what he, and many other jobless ex-athletes have done. But you have to ask- would things have been different if he had a pension, health insurance (e.g., the ability to seek help), or in general, a support system for ex-players who suddenly have too much time on their hand, and a resume that has no application to the real world?

No argument in general with what you wrote, but the league has been trying to educate players on life outside of football, both during and after their careers. First it was the league rookie symposium for almost two decades, then that was replaced by the team-centric equivalents a few years ago. How far are the teams and the league supposed to go?

I wouldn't mind seeing the teams or league offer living trust services. Give players the option to put aside signing bonus money, portions of paychecks, etc. into these trusts so post-career health insurance premiums and a stipend are covered if jobs are hard to come by.

Regards,
Chris

 

[BTTA]

I have a hard time feeling sorry for anyone who plays professionally and has made at least 1M in career earnings. The average American household takes home 73k before taxes. For an American household to earn 1M, it would take 13-14 years. Even a practice squad player who spends 3 years on a squad earns about 400k (129k x 3 yrs) and then bounces around the league earning the vet minimum of 450kish will still come out ahead of the average American household income.

I didn't see anything in @PP2 's post that suggests sentiment about an individual.

He's talking about a system which will, like all human systems, have predetermined outcomes within a very small range of variance due to individual human effort. And the proof is in the results we already see. The hypothesis is that if the system were different, and some of the resource that's put elsewhere were instead put into comprehensive post-career support, we'd have fewer tragedies like this one. And clearly, career income isn't a vaccination, and may not even be a significant factor.

 

[Raymond]

No argument in general with what you wrote, but the league has been trying to educate players on life outside of football, both during and after their careers. First it was the league rookie symposium for almost two decades, then that was replaced by the team-centric equivalents a few years ago. How far are the teams and the league supposed to go?

I wouldn't mind seeing the teams or league offer living trust services. Give players the option to put aside signing bonus money, portions of paychecks, etc. into these trusts so post-career health insurance premiums and a stipend are covered if jobs are hard to come by.

Regards,
Chris

And then there's the reliable Chris Carter rookie symposium reminding them to be sure you always have a fall guy.

 

[TB_Helmet]

On that Butler interception, though....he played it perfectly, did exactly his job. That's good enough to cancel out a few murders, in my book.

He was also found guilty of accessory to murder of the Seahawks budding dynasty!

 

[PatsFanInVa]

Should’ve used Ray Lewis’s lawyer.

Used Aaron Hernandez's.

edit - removed snarky comment about how we don't seem to remember our murderer when this stuff comes up, after I saw it was one of the first reactions

 

[PP2]

I have a hard time feeling sorry for anyone who plays professionally and has made at least 1M in career earnings. The average American household takes home 73k before taxes. For an American household to earn 1M, it would take 13-14 years. Even a practice squad player who spends 3 years on a squad earns about 400k (129k x 3 yrs) and then bounces around the league earning the vet minimum of 450kish will still come out ahead of the average American household income.

In contrast, Goodell will earn an obscene $44 million dollars this year for being little more than a dumbass. That's 391 times what a PS player will earn.

Your point is taken, but I'd like to point out that players, up to the time they enter the NFL, spend a great deal of their time and money training for what essentially is a flash in the pan (for most of them). A majority of them will be out on the street, without a safety net, applicable resume, or life skills to take care of themselves.

Surely if the NFL could afford to pay a dumbass that much money, they could set aside a pension for players who are not set up for regular life, like the average American household?

 

[PP2]

I wouldn't mind seeing the teams or league offer living trust services. Give players the option to put aside signing bonus money, portions of paychecks, etc. into these trusts so post-career health insurance premiums and a stipend are covered if jobs are hard to come by.

That's exactly what the NFL can easily afford to do, plus match player contribution- a 401k so to speak. After all, they pull in excess of $10 billion a year.

 

[Jackson 2]

so many players are so dumb....low iq

Sometimes, but far more often it's a combination of having gotten away with whatever they wanted to since fifth grade because of their rare athletic talent. It's learned behavior. Actually, I think that among offenders the higher IQ guys are more slippery and smarter and get away with more.

 

[TheBostonStraggler]

Just as an fyi based on the current subtopic (definitely not a comment on right or wrong of anyone's opinion), according to 247 sports Brandon Browner will receive $5,640 dollars per month per year in the league, starting at age 55 (a quick check shows years in the league for Browner). His newly acquired side bonus is he'll have no food, transportation or housing expenses for at least 7 years.

"The NFL could stand for "Not For Long," with the average career lasting only three years - just enough to qualify for the league's pension plan. The league's plan is based on years of service in the league. Players who retired in the '80s and '90s receive anywhere from $3,000-5,640 per month for every season played in the NFL. Newly retired players receive $5,640 dollars monthly for every year of service. Players with 10 years of service receive an additional retirement bonus in the form of an annuity.

Players are eligible to receive their full benefits at the age of 55."

 

[Hyped]

I didn't see anything in @PP2 's post that suggests sentiment about an individual.

He's talking about a system which will, like all human systems, have predetermined outcomes within a very small range of variance due to individual human effort. And the proof is in the results we already see. The hypothesis is that if the system were different, and some of the resource that's put elsewhere were instead put into comprehensive post-career support, we'd have fewer tragedies like this one. And clearly, career income isn't a vaccination, and may not even be a significant factor.

See below.

In contrast, Goodell will earn an obscene $44 million dollars this year for being little more than a dumbass. That's 391 times what a PS player will earn.

Your point is taken, but I'd like to point out that players, up to the time they enter the NFL, spend a great deal of their time and money training for what essentially is a flash in the pan (for most of them). A majority of them will be out on the street, without a safety net, applicable resume, or life skills to take care of themselves.

Surely if the NFL could afford to pay a dumbass that much money, they could set aside a pension for players who are not set up for regular life, like the average American household?

Fair enough. In my opinion, there comes a point when personal responsibility needs to come in play. Most of today's incoming rookies go to a symposium, have all kinds of support systems in place, and are well versed in the fact that most NFL careers don't even last 5 years.

Yes, the NFL has a "plantation owner" system in place but the owners still pay out 50% of the pie to all players and that is collectively bargained. I feel bad for Browner, but where did all of his money go that he was so desperate for a 8k-50k Rolex watch? Also, doesn't the NFL already have a pension system in place? I seem to recall a settlement with older ex-players who weren't covered. Bottom line, the players knew what they were getting into when they signed their contract and need to take some personal responsibility unless they have something like CTE.

 

[TBR]

Sometimes, but far more often it's a combination of having gotten away with whatever they wanted to since fifth grade because of their rare athletic talent. It's learned behavior. Actually, I think that among offenders the higher IQ guys are more slippery and smarter and get away with more.

You don't see this with NHL players.

 

[Jackson 2]

You don't see this with NHL players.

I saw it first-hand in Derek Sanderson's nightclub in Boson in the early 70s by the owner himself. If that had happened today, he'd be in jail.

 

[Deus Irae]

A lot of posters are beating up on Browner instead of addressing the big elephant in the room, the NFL itself. How many of you realize what a cutthroat business the NFL is? Once you're no longer good enough to play in the league, you're out- that's it. No pension, no health care, no support system.

This, obviously does not excuse Browner from what he, and many other jobless ex-athletes have done. But you have to ask- would things have been different if he had a pension, health insurance (e.g., the ability to seek help), or in general, a support system for ex-players who suddenly have too much time on their hand, and a resume that has no application to the real world?

I'm not sure where you're getting your information on this subject, but it's incorrect.

 

[DarrylS]

No argument in general with what you wrote, but the league has been trying to educate players on life outside of football, both during and after their careers. First it was the league rookie symposium for almost two decades, then that was replaced by the team-centric equivalents a few years ago. How far are the teams and the league supposed to go?

I wouldn't mind seeing the teams or league offer living trust services. Give players the option to put aside signing bonus money, portions of paychecks, etc. into these trusts so post-career health insurance premiums and a stipend are covered if jobs are hard to come by.

Regards,
Chris

OTOH Browner made 12.5 million dollars in his career, there should have been enough money to live on comfortably the rest of his life, or at least until his pension kicked in.. Compare to Gronk who has reportedly lived off of his endorsements and banked/invested all the money rec'd from the Patriots..

I suspect many players choose financial advisers who will help them plan for the future, but then there are always players are played upon by bad advisers and players who chose to navigate their financial future alone..

 

[PittPatriot]

@PP2
What makes you think a pension or health insurance would change the self serving, indulgent, and violent lifestyles of these players/explayers?
Most Americans do not have pensions or anything beyond Medicare or Medicaid after their “career” ends. Many are paying off school loans for decades.
Mr. Browner is welcome to go into law enforcement, EMS/firefighter opportunities, teaching/coaching to fill the financial/insurance void left in his life after making millions of dollars with no college loans, etc.

 

[BTTA]

Fair enough. In my opinion, there comes a point when personal responsibility needs to come in play. Most of today's incoming rookies go to a symposium, have all kinds of support systems in place, and are well versed in the fact that most NFL careers don't even last 5 years.

Oh, I agree entirely. Personal responsibility needs to be a core value all the way through an NFL player's career. And if we are talking about an individual player (Browner, or anyone), then that's right at the heart of the matter, because by the time we are talking about them, 99% of our other options for influencing the outcome of his life are over.

Still, over a large sample size, over a long period of time, we know from experience that emphasizing a single value like that will have marginal impact. We can improve that margin with effort, yes. But more important is to change the context of a group of people's lives. That drives behavior change far more effectively. Ironically, it also sets the stage for more effectiveness with individual behavior choices on values such as individual responsibility (or generosity, or any other value).

Here's an option: for every year of service as a player on the field, NFL contracts call for two years of community service afterwards, inside the context of a team of fellow ex-players that is engineered for comraderie and support just like the football side of things is. As a player, if I were to be paid $10M for a year of on the field service, my financial rewards are restructured to pay me $3.3M per year - 1 year on the football field, two years in the community. If that were standard, it would greatly improve the impact of the NFL on society, and dramatically change the trajectory of the lives of everyone in the profession.

 

[FirstAndGoal]

You don't see this with NHL players.

You're kidding right? A friend of mine's sister used to date Phil Esposito when he was a player and there was a bar called "King's Corner" in Leominster where they used to hang out. They did pre-season in Wallace Civic Center in Fitchburg. Trust me, the things that went on upstairs at King's Corner would make most NFL players blush.