Devin Hester

In a perfect world, our employers would reward us for exceeding expectations.

Granted, there are a few fortunate souls out there who’ve been lucky enough to work for a company that actually believes in that. But for the most part, the rest of us must wait for an annual review, then pray for something more than a $.10 raise.

Then there’s the world of sports, where logic and common sense are thrown out the window when it comes to salaries.

What other reason than total insanity can explain the rational behind giving an unproven rookie more money than guys that’ve already made a name for themselves?

Even though I’m typically against athletes holding out for more money, the recent holdout really didn’t bother me.

The Chicago Bears are officially missing their most electrifying player. That’s right, Devin Hester, who attended the team OTA’s a few months back as a sign of goodwill, is now MIA.

In a statement to the Chicago Tribune, he said “I can’t go out and play this year making $445,000. Come on, man.”

Again, I’d normally yawn at this type of story, because $445,000 is a lot of money. Having said that, it’s crazy to think that Chicago isn’t going to give their only legitimate threat the money he deserves.

In addition to totally outplaying his contract, Hester’s the only athlete on that roster with proven big play potential. And please don’t give me Marty Booker, because that guy can barely keep his balance while making a catch, much less do anything after the fact.

While it’s the norm to lash out at a wealthy athlete who’s bickering over a contract, I can’t help but side with him in this case.

So, it’s with that in mind I’m giving up some MAD LOVE for Devin Hester. The kid understands he’s worth more than he’s earning, and if Chicago’s willing to fork out the dough for an aging Brian Urlacher, how can they not do the same with Hester, who will definitely put points on the scoreboard this year.

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