Matt Forte May Not Play for the Chicago Bears Until Contract Is Settled
Published by Bob Warja on August 9, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte is considering not playing in the preseason until he has a new contract. Bears GM Jerry Angelo says he’s “motivated” to get it done but that it’s “complicated.”
Now, there are two schools of thought when it comes to players refusing to play due to a contract impasse. One possible reaction is to empathize with the player, while the other is to be critical of the stance.
Personally, I don’t blame Forte if he is hesitant to play a meaningless exhibition game. Why risk injury when it could cost you millions of dollars?
Yet, I understand that he is under contract and is being paid by the Chicago Bears. Yes, he deserves more, and yes, GM Jerry Angelo has promised him more. Still, many of us would love to be paid what Forte is earning right now.
But look, we aren’t professional athletes so it’s not fair to compare our situations with his.
Forte is one of a handful of men in the United States who can do what he can do as well as he can. No, Forte isn’t the best at his position.
But when you consider that there are 32 NFL teams employing perhaps two quality running backs apiece, that’s only 64 jobs available. How many jobs are in our professions?
I’m guessing that unless you are the President of the United States, or the Head of the Anti-Mafia Taskforce in Sicily, there are thousands of people that can do what you do for a living.
Now, that fact alone does not mean that it’s acceptable for Forte to simply disregard his job.
But remember, it’s the preseason, so all he may be missing is a relatively meaningless football game in which the starters play a couple of series at most.
Right now, Forte is playing under the terms of his rookie deal, making about $550,000. The Bears are working to extend his contract, but like all teams, they have been busy since the lockout ended.
So, what if the regular season comes around and Forte is still without a new deal? Should he sit out or should he play?
Forte knows he has leverage, but the Bears aren’t the type of organization to throw manhole covers around like they were nickles.
A 2008 study has shown that injuries are far more likely during preseason games than during training camp practices. And you can’t go half-speed; that’s a recipe for disaster.
Meanwhile, Lovie Smith expects Forte to play on Saturday night against the Bills. If not, there’s always recently signed Marion Barber.
If this contract situation doesn’t get resolved before the regular season begins, Marion Barber may be replacing more than Chester Taylor on the field.
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