Dear Plax, Do What You Gotta Do

A contract is a sacred thing. It binds two parties such that one performance binds another party to perform. In the instant case, Plaxico agreed to play for the Giants and the Giants agreed to pay Plaxico $5 million per year. This is less than other wide receivers, but the important thing is that this is what Plaxico agreed to. Had Plaxico signed the contract under duress (either your name or your brains on the paper) then he would not be held to the contract. But no, Plaxico was well informed of what he was getting himself into. He should be forced to honor the contract, no?

Nope. If this were baseball, basketball, or even the sport formerly known as hockey, he should be forced to honor his contract. After all, NBA, NHL, and MLB players will get their money no matter how little they play. (See Pavano, Carl) But in the NFL, where the owners have the right to deny players their benefit of the bargain (except for signing bonuses) Frankly, as annoying as it can be for fans, there's no reason for any of these players to not hold out and get what should be theirs, because they could be out of a job within hours if they're not performing. And granted, they're not exactly in need of a welfare case worker, but still, do unto others as they would do unto you. Do what you gotta do Plax.