The Kufere Laing Lounge
With Shaquille O'neal set to join his fifth team in his 17 year career, a loyal reader of Garbage Time suggested a post about how great players no longer play with one team for their entire career any more. Making the matter more mind-boggling, the faces of franchises are finding new homes. Think about it, NBA greats like: Karl Malone, Gary Payton, Scottie Pippen, and heck, even the "best" of them all Michael Jordan didn't play their careers with the teams' that retired their jerseys or dedicated statues to them. The trend not only takes place in basketball, but in every other major sport.
After having a great tenure in Green Bay, Brett Favre was forced to pack his bags and move to a different city after a messy divorce over some guy named Aaron Rodgers. The late Reggie White, who is second on the NFL's all time sacks list, played for not one, not two, but three NFL teams over his 17 year career! This summer, All-Pro wideout Terrell Owens signed with his fourth NFL team, and while some may blame his attitude for the various changes of scenery, how does one explain Jerry Rice leaving the 49ers (after breaking every major league and franchise receiving record) to go play for the Radiers?
With Shaquille O'neal set to join his fifth team in his 17 year career, a loyal reader of Garbage Time suggested a post about how great players no longer play with one team for their entire career any more. Making the matter more mind-boggling, the faces of franchises are finding new homes. Think about it, NBA greats like: Karl Malone, Gary Payton, Scottie Pippen, and heck, even the "best" of them all Michael Jordan didn't play their careers with the teams' that retired their jerseys or dedicated statues to them. The trend not only takes place in basketball, but in every other major sport.
After having a great tenure in Green Bay, Brett Favre was forced to pack his bags and move to a different city after a messy divorce over some guy named Aaron Rodgers. The late Reggie White, who is second on the NFL's all time sacks list, played for not one, not two, but three NFL teams over his 17 year career! This summer, All-Pro wideout Terrell Owens signed with his fourth NFL team, and while some may blame his attitude for the various changes of scenery, how does one explain Jerry Rice leaving the 49ers (after breaking every major league and franchise receiving record) to go play for the Radiers?
Ken Griffey Jr. made his name with the Mariners, but after nine seasons in Seattle, Junior felt it was best if he packed his bags and moved east; to Cincinnati. Junior would also play in Chicago before making his way back west to Seattle. Another Mariner great Alex Rodriguez not only played for the Texas Rangers, but also played for the Yankees and entertained offers two seasons ago to play elsewhere. Even the legends like Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds (there's no denying Bonds as one of the all time greats), and Frank Robinson played for more than one team.
Since the creation of free agency, the possibility of star players staying with one team has become less likely, as players normally go to whoever offers the most money; and rightfully so, after all isn't that what capitalism is all about? Still, even before free agency, star players nearing the end of their careers would often be traded, sometimes against their will to either save money or to jump start the rebuilding process (see: Mays, Willie). Besides creating curses, these instances created a culture that placed no emphasis on loyalty. The owners do what's best for the team financially, and the players do what's best for their families. At this point in time, would you really be surprised if the face of your favorite franchise was traded tomorrow? I wouldn't. Nevertheless, I'm hoping I can remember Kobe Bryant, Derek Jeter, and Hines Ward the same way Orioles' fans remember Cal Ripken, Jr.
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