C.R.E.A.M

I think being a star is where it's at. The money, the attention, the love, the hate.

To have people completely involved in what you are, what you do and what you think is amazing to me. I want that. I want to be Hollywood. The paparazzi, the gossips columns, the tabloids, bring it. I swear I'm ready.


In spite of such wanting, I also know that there's more to being famous than the glamour. Along with such a blessing comes responsibility.

One you have to be accountable. There is a reason you got to where you are. Be true to the talent that elevated you. If you write then refine that talent. It you ball then continue to develop your skill. If you act then hone your craft.


Two you must always remember the circumstances surrounding your rise. There was a reason you made it. Someone or something helped facilitate the ascent to super stardom. Show your appreciation.

Lastly, you must make every performance one to remember. Play with heart. Play with passion. Perform with the grace of the greats that came before you. I'm fully aware that all of the above rhetoric probably makes me a dreamer. I may not see this world as it is. Perhaps I wear the rose colored specs. Whatever the case may be, it's how I feel and I tend to carry that when I observe those who are already in the limelight.


Maybe that's why I don't understand contract squabbles, holdouts, and the like. I hear people talking about fair market value and maximizing your window of opportunity. With me wanting to be famous and all I can't fathom doing something once I get famous (and paid) that may jeopardize it. Then again maybe being broke doesn't give me the best perspective.

In addition, my parents are conservative folks and they taught me to respect the things you put your name on. They kinda felt like Tony Montana, "All I got in this world are my word and my balls and I don't break them for no one." If you say you'll play for "x" amount of years at "y" amount of dollars then do that. Make your word mean something. Make that signature valuable.


What's really funny to me is that I've never heard of a ballplayer offering to give money back when they have a particularly bad season. When production goes down, when injuries flare up, when others are outplaying you the sense of fair play isn't brought up. I'd wager that there are more guys making $10 mil and playing like $2 mil than there are guys make $500 K and playing like $3 mil.


With that being said, there's always more to a story than what you think. Much is made of the business side of sports and entertainment. It's often uttered that there is no loyalty in sports. The owner is all about the bottom line, the player is all about getting paid and very often that leads to somebody getting screwed.


I'm far from a professional at anything but I've got some experience with contracts and it ain't good. The only three contracts I've ever signed, I broke prematurely. The end results of those being debt, repossession, and eviction for my troubles and a below average credit rating to boot.


Say I had a chance to break free of those contracts. When I signed them I was extremely happy with the situation I found myself in. I had money for school, I had a car to drive and I had a nice place to stay.

Because life happens, situations will always evolve. They (the situations) may even have the audacity to change without notice. So I lose a job, or have unexpected expenses arise, quite naturally I'd want out of those contracts. The value of my pocket book (income) decreased so I have to make a move before my value (credit rating) drops too far. The thing is I'm not a pro athlete so once I sign my name I'm bound. I can't jump in and jump out because my situation or the thought that I'm being treated unfairly.

What's the point here?

I guess it's that everyone is looking out for someone and more times than not, that person is THEM. Mr. or Ms. number 1.

Joe Ball Player and Jessica Athlete do your thing and get paid. If this is really strictly business and nothing personal then Pro Team Owner won't mind you working him over for a few extra million.