Larry Sanders...Why I quit Basketball

[Nerf DPOY]

good find.
hope all the best for him. Looks like a genuine guy, unlike how the media portrays him. There will always be a place in the league for a talent like him if he ever decides to return.

Let's recap, he signed a big fat contract last season, then figured out that he really "didn't want to be in the NBA" and wants to do "what's best for his family". As a result, he's going to collect $11 million this season and roughly $2 million per year for the next 7(!) years. Seems real "genuine" to me.

I've got no problem with what he's doing, and I actually applaud him.

Whatever Sanders' inner turmoil is, I still don't see what of his actions is worthy of applause. So far, all he's done is quit his job to pursue other interests and is going to be compensated well despite breaking his contract. I don't see what's admirable about that.

He didn't break his contract. If he did break the contract, he'd get nothing. Instead, he and the Bucks agreed to a buyout. Does he get a lot of money? Yes, he does. Do I wish I had that money instead? Yes, I do. But, life isn't always fair. If I lived in a world where people paid millions of dollars to touch red hair, I'd be doing really well for myself. Instead I live in a world where people pay millions to watch tall, athletic people throw balls in hoops. Such is life.

I don't have red hair, but I wouldn't mind living in that world either. I once saw a Married With Children where Peg almost sold her hair to a rich couple but ultimately tricked them by dyeing their dog, 'Buck's hair. That's the closest I ever came to that world.

I was more questioning the applause aspect, and you're not the first person in this thread to use that term, I think. I still don't see what's admirable about him getting a cushy buyout to go pursue his hobbies etc.

[timobusa]

good find.
hope all the best for him. Looks like a genuine guy, unlike how the media portrays him. There will always be a place in the league for a talent like him if he ever decides to return.

Let's recap, he signed a big fat contract last season, then figured out that he really "didn't want to be in the NBA" and wants to do "what's best for his family". As a result, he's going to collect $11 million this season and roughly $2 million per year for the next 7(!) years. Seems real "genuine" to me.

Welcome to the world of contract negotiation.

Also, he clearly gave the Bucks more value than he was paid in the first three years of his rookie contract -- otherwise they wouldn't have signed him to such a large extension.  The Bucks aren't victims.

It's also really okay to not be angry all the time at people you've never met.

TP.

But you do know that kozlodoev is all knowing and is never wrong about everything, right?

[Forza Juventus]

So many ignorant people here that clearly don't understand or want to understand mental illness and mental health. Anyone that is being critical of Larry Sanders should just stop talking, keep it to yourself, because your making an ass out of yourself. What Larry Sanders is doing is great, I applaud him and hope he gets better.

[TheFlex]

good find.
hope all the best for him. Looks like a genuine guy, unlike how the media portrays him. There will always be a place in the league for a talent like him if he ever decides to return.

Let's recap, he signed a big fat contract last season, then figured out that he really "didn't want to be in the NBA" and wants to do "what's best for his family". As a result, he's going to collect $11 million this season and roughly $2 million per year for the next 7(!) years. Seems real "genuine" to me.

Yeah, I feel real bad for the billionaires paying him.

[KeepRondo]

I don't have a problem with the drugs.  I don't have a problem with him deciding that there are more important things in life than basketball.  But everything he's saying is kind of hollow when he hasn't had to make any sacrifices to pursue what makes him happy.

It's really easy to say that this is the best decision for his family when he gets a buyout for doing nothing at all.  How are these NBA contracts written that he's entitled to even one cent?  In any other job if you decide you don't feel like working anymore, your contract is torn up.  I wonder if he would be singing the same tune if that was the case here.

Go google 'guaranteed contracts.'

Are you going to explain the point you're trying to make or do you just want me to Google "guaranteed contracts" for no particular reason?

The term "guaranteed contact" is purely agent-speak.  It has no legal definition whatsoever.  It doesn't even have a consistent definition across the NBA.  What is called a "guaranteed contract" by the media can have any number of clauses in it which makes it anything but guaranteed.  I'm asking how they managed to write a contract which seemingly entitles one party to compensation without any tangible value going in the other direction.  This is not a valid contract under U.S. law.

All of this is to say that what must have actually happened was that Larry Sanders told them, "I don't feel like playing basketball anymore", to which they responded, "Fine, we'll just keep our money then" (which is 100% within their rights as an employer).  So Sanders came back and said, "Okay, I changed my mind.  I'll be happy to half-ass my way through a few seasons for a paycheck."  Then they negotiated a buyout.  What I'm trying to understand is why everyone seems to be so quick to profess their respect for a guy that basically just extorted millions from the Bucks?

Maybe if you googled that phrase, you'd be able to find the answer to your questions and complaints, namely:

How are these NBA contracts written that he's entitled to even one cent?

I'm asking how they managed to write a contract which seemingly entitles one party to compensation without any tangible value going in the other direction.

That's information that you can easily find out on your own, instead of griping about someone you don't know involved in something you clearly don't understand. 

Here, I'll get you started:
http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm#Q64

Come on, there's no need for that.  Especially when the article confirms that my understanding was pretty accurate.  The only thing I didn't account for was the inability to render services due to mental health issues.  That explains why the Bucks were left on the hook for the balance of his contract.  It also makes me even more skeptical that he actually has a mental health disorder, but I'll admit that that is complete conjecture.

Fair enough -- apologies. The smile was to lighten it a little bit since things tend to read more seriously than the sound in person.

Ah, sorry.  I thought it was a sarcastic smile.

you had it right the first time.

It's certainly sarcastic, but it's not meant to be mean/insulting. Hence the clarification.

In the future, though, please feel free to tell other posters what my intentions are.

so you were being sarcastic and saying the poster doesn't know what he's talking about and that isn't insulting how?

[kozlodoev]

good find.
hope all the best for him. Looks like a genuine guy, unlike how the media portrays him. There will always be a place in the league for a talent like him if he ever decides to return.

Let's recap, he signed a big fat contract last season, then figured out that he really "didn't want to be in the NBA" and wants to do "what's best for his family". As a result, he's going to collect $11 million this season and roughly $2 million per year for the next 7(!) years. Seems real "genuine" to me.

Welcome to the world of contract negotiation.

Also, he clearly gave the Bucks more value than he was paid in the first three years of his rookie contract -- otherwise they wouldn't have signed him to such a large extension.  The Bucks aren't victims.

It's also really okay to not be angry all the time at people you've never met.

TP.

But you do know that kozlodoev is all knowing and is never wrong about everything, right?

No, he signed that extension because the Bucks agreed to compensate him handsomely for the prime years of his career. Except it didn't really happen, as we all know. Also, he pretty much had 1 decent season on his 3-year rookie deal.

I have no doubt what Sanders did was the smart thing to do in the NBA as we currently know it. But don't sit up there giving me platitudes when you chose to take the money and walk, instead of fight through whatever is ailing you. You're not getting any admiration and sympathy from me, not in the land that has seen Schilling's sock and Rondo's elbow.

That is all.

[Jonny CC]

good find.
hope all the best for him. Looks like a genuine guy, unlike how the media portrays him. There will always be a place in the league for a talent like him if he ever decides to return.

Let's recap, he signed a big fat contract last season, then figured out that he really "didn't want to be in the NBA" and wants to do "what's best for his family". As a result, he's going to collect $11 million this season and roughly $2 million per year for the next 7(!) years. Seems real "genuine" to me.

koz, honestly, you are talking out your ass here aren't you? you don't know him or his justifications or reasoning. you do have a personal take and that is what i see here. you post better stuff than this.

I don't really care about his rationalization ... or justification, if you wish. He chose to sign an NBA contract and is refusing to honor it without being physically unable to perform. You tell me one good reason why he should be entitled to any part of his salary.

That's where you are wrong.  Due to his depression, he is physically unable to perform.  If he needs to leave his JOB to fix his LIFE, then so be it. 

[Nerf DPOY]

So many ignorant people here that clearly don't understand or want to understand mental illness and mental health. Anyone that is being critical of Larry Sanders should just stop talking, keep it to yourself, because your making an ass out of yourself. What Larry Sanders is doing is great, I applaud him and hope he gets better.

Kindly explain to me what about Sanders' actions regarding this are great, or worthy of applause. You seem to obviously have a firmer grasp on the subject than anyone who would ever disagree with you.

[Jonny CC]

good find.
hope all the best for him. Looks like a genuine guy, unlike how the media portrays him. There will always be a place in the league for a talent like him if he ever decides to return.

Let's recap, he signed a big fat contract last season, then figured out that he really "didn't want to be in the NBA" and wants to do "what's best for his family". As a result, he's going to collect $11 million this season and roughly $2 million per year for the next 7(!) years. Seems real "genuine" to me.

Welcome to the world of contract negotiation.

Also, he clearly gave the Bucks more value than he was paid in the first three years of his rookie contract -- otherwise they wouldn't have signed him to such a large extension.  The Bucks aren't victims.

It's also really okay to not be angry all the time at people you've never met.

TP.

But you do know that kozlodoev is all knowing and is never wrong about everything, right?

No, he signed that extension because the Bucks agreed to compensate him handsomely for the prime years of his career. Except it didn't really happen, as we all know. Also, he pretty much had 1 decent season on his 3-year rookie deal.

I have no doubt what Sanders did was the smart thing to do in the NBA as we currently know it. But don't sit up there giving me platitudes when you chose to take the money and walk, instead of fight through whatever is ailing you. You're not getting any admiration and sympathy from me, not in the land that has seen Schilling's sock and Rondo's elbow.
That is all.

Depression is much harder to play through than a bloody sock or hurt elbow.   

[kozlodoev]

That's where you are wrong.  Due to his depression, he is physically unable to perform.  If he needs to leave his JOB to fix his LIFE, then so be it.

See above comments for Schilling's sock and Rondo's elbow. Throw KG's right knee and both of Amare's knees while you're at it. Just because you have a medical condition doesn't mean you're physically unable to perform.

[Forza Juventus]

So many ignorant people here that clearly don't understand or want to understand mental illness and mental health. Anyone that is being critical of Larry Sanders should just stop talking, keep it to yourself, because your making an ass out of yourself. What Larry Sanders is doing is great, I applaud him and hope he gets better.

Kindly explain to me what about Sanders' actions regarding this are great, or worthy of applause. You seem to obviously have a firmer grasp on the subject than anyone who would ever disagree with you.

It is great that Sanders is getting help and trying to get better. I know people who have struggled with mental illness and struggle myself so I do have a pretty firm grasp on the subject.

[CelticD]

i can definitely respect his reasoning. id rather this, than someone who's openly disinterested in basketball but still takes up a roster spot.

although i wouldnt be surprised if he regretted it soon. at some point u get used to ur new standard of living, and will eventually want it back. goin from a yearly 8 digit salary to 2m, 2m, 2m, etc., may have an effect.

[moiso]

good find.
hope all the best for him. Looks like a genuine guy, unlike how the media portrays him. There will always be a place in the league for a talent like him if he ever decides to return.

Let's recap, he signed a big fat contract last season, then figured out that he really "didn't want to be in the NBA" and wants to do "what's best for his family". As a result, he's going to collect $11 million this season and roughly $2 million per year for the next 7(!) years. Seems real "genuine" to me.

koz, honestly, you are talking out your ass here aren't you? you don't know him or his justifications or reasoning. you do have a personal take and that is what i see here. you post better stuff than this.

I don't really care about his rationalization ... or justification, if you wish. He chose to sign an NBA contract and is refusing to honor it without being physically unable to perform. You tell me one good reason why he should be entitled to any part of his salary.

That's where you are wrong.  Due to his depression, he is physically unable to perform.  If he needs to leave his JOB to fix his LIFE, then so be it.

I know a lot of people who dealt with depression who have real jobs that they didn't quit to be an artist, writer, musician, and painter.  Quitting one's job isn't the main focus  of the treatment of depression.

[elcotte]

That's where you are wrong.  Due to his depression, he is physically unable to perform.  If he needs to leave his JOB to fix his LIFE, then so be it.

See above comments for Schilling's sock and Rondo's elbow. Throw KG's right knee and both of Amare's knees while you're at it. Just because you have a medical condition doesn't mean you're physically unable to perform.

You really don't get it....
Easy to be hard....easy to say no....

[Jonny CC]

That's where you are wrong.  Due to his depression, he is physically unable to perform.  If he needs to leave his JOB to fix his LIFE, then so be it.

See above comments for Schilling's sock and Rondo's elbow. Throw KG's right knee and both of Amare's knees while you're at it. Just because you have a medical condition doesn't mean you're physically unable to perform.

Not sure how that supports your argument.  You are proving my point.  Schilling's sock, Rondo's elbow, KGs knee, Amare's knees...all examples of players who had injuries that they could play through.  It may have been painful, but it didn't physically stop them and they were able to play through it.  On the other hand, depression can physically stop you from playing if you are not mentally able to do it.  It can be debilitating and you are obviously unaware of how bad it can be.