Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Offseason Injuries? I don't think so.

If you were being paid millions of dollars to play your favorite sport, don't you think you'd be a little more careful during the offseason? ESPN addresses this issue in a recent article about pitcher Zack Greinke. Greinke was completely unconcerned about his health, despite warnings, as he played a game of pickup basketball with his friends in the middle of spring training. As the new pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, he is projected to be a key player in the Brewers' race for the NL Central Title. Now, with a broken rib, he will be starting out the season on... the Disabled List.
This brings up an interesting question. What if professional athletes want to play other sports for fun during the offseason? These players are naturally athletic and active, and surely want to enjoy other sports besides what they're getting paid to do. Should teams ban players from playing sports other than their profession? Unlikely, but maybe. Should players be fined, and if so, how much? Another possibility. The fact is that these players are being paid WAY too much to be hurt during the season, especially not from playing a pickup game. Also,post your comments and let us know what you think.

- JRod
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3 comments:

  1. BlizzMarch 21, 2011 at 8:34 AM

    I think that players should be allowed to play other sports than the ones they already play, but they shouldn't hurt themselves while playing other sports. They got to remember that they have a team to support too.

    -AC

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  2. News VultureMarch 21, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    I agree with AC.

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  3. Auxiliary CableMarch 22, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    Not all athletes are paid WAY too much. In this case, this star pitcher may be overpaid. Does this mean he can't live his life? If he wants to play basketball, he can play basketball. Most athletes are responsible enough to not push themselves too hard to the point when they get hurt. You can't outlaw athletes from having fun with their friends. A possible solution to this problem as you said could be a fine. If athletes are aware of this fine of being charged for getting hurt in the offseason, outside of their sport, less would take chances.

    Fly on the Wall

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