SB MVPs: Where was Bradshaw and Montana?

[Cringer]

Mike and Mike in the Morning were just talking about these guys not being with all the other Superbowl MVPs last night, and why.

Bradshaw: said he wanted to be with his family.

eh? He was in Detroit all week, so kind of odd to me but who knows.

Montana: There is a report he wanted $100,000 to be there, and they wouldn't give it to him so he said no.

If that is true, Montana is an ass.

Montana also declined the league's invitation for a news conference with all the MVPs after Commissioner Paul Tagliabue's Friday news conference.

"We were disappointed we weren't able to work it out with him," said Greg Aiello, the NFL's vice president of public relations.

The former MVPs were guaranteed $1,000 for incidental expenses while in Detroit. The NFL also provided each former Super Bowl MVP with two first-class airplane tickets, a hotel room, a Cadillac for the weekend, two tickets to the game, two tickets to the Friday night commissioner's party, two tickets to a Saturday night party and two tickets to a Sunday tailgate party. There also were opportunities for paid appearances arranged by the NFL.

To sources close to the league said Montana refused to attend over money. One of the sources said Montana asked for a guarantee of at least $100,000 for appearances if he came here, and the league said it would not make that guarantee. Tom Brady, who has won the Super Bowl MVP award twice, handled the coin toss to start the game, making him the first active player to perform that chore.

MVPs representing 32 of the 39 previous Super Bowls were on hand. Besides the 49ers' Montana, the only ones missing were Pittsburgh's Terry Bradshaw (a two-time MVP), Jake Scott (a Miami defensive back who was MVP in SB VII) and the late Harvey Martin (a Dallas defensive lineman who was co-MVP in SB XII). The issue with Bradshaw also reportedly was money; Scott is on vacation in Australia.

hxxp://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/02/06/SPG9QH3GD91.DTL&feed=rss.sports

[Ksyrup]

Have you seen Montana in that Fed Ex commercial? Apparently the guy has no shame. I thought Barry Manilow - his body double - looked less desperate for money on Dancing With the Stars on Friday night.

And yes, my wife forced me to watch that pile of shit.

[Cringer]

I just noticed the article I posted also says Bradshaw wanted money. Sad....

[Warhammer]

I remember hearing about rumors about Montana being an ass going back years and years ago.

[Ksyrup]

Well, Bradshaw I can believe. I hate that baffoon.

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by Warhammer

I remember hearing about rumors about Montana being an ass going back years and years ago.

This completely undoes any of the good feelings I had for him after his SNL masturbation skit.

Wait...that doesn't sound too good, does it? :o

[Darkiller]

Montana really seems to like being "OUT" of football....you don't see/hear him at all anymore.

Anyhow, it's a shame when the NFL asks to all of the former Superbowl MVPs to join and only one or two says no for financial purposes...not classy.

[Ksyrup]

You probably haven't seen his ridiculous Fed Ex commercial, where he's dressed up in 49er colors and makes an ass of himself running patterns in an airport. It's embarrassing, really.

[rkmsuf]

Montana was on The Best Damn Sports Show playing a version of The Newlywed Game with Jerry Rice. Now that is whoring yourself out.

[Bee]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

You probably haven't seen his ridiculous Fed Ex commercial, where he's dressed up in 49er colors and makes an ass of himself running patterns in an airport. It's embarrassing, really.

True, but Fed Ex pays great.

[Samdari]

Originally Posted by Darkiller

Anyhow, it's a shame when the NFL asks to all of the former Superbowl MVPs to join and only one or two says no for financial purposes...not classy.

I think you'll find they all got paid to appear. Those guys just wanted too much.

Riggins, for certain, would not have made a public appearance without getting paid. He goes nowhere there is not a check involved.

[Cringer]

Originally Posted by Samdari

I think you'll find they all got paid to appear. Those guys just wanted too much.

Riggins, for certain, would not have made a public appearance without getting paid. He goes nowhere there is not a check involved.

Read the article I linked to at the top, they discuss what was given to them. I guess Montana, and possibly Bradshaw, wanted guaranteed money of some kind. From the reports I have heard, both guys were in town all week doing appearances, and then left when game time came I guess.

As far as Riggins, he was in town all week, and for the game, anyways because he was there for NFL Radio on Sirius, he is part of their afternoon drivetime show.

[Solecismic]

I don't see the problem with it. I don't like to travel myself. If I were famous, I sure wouldn't like people pressing up against me asking for an autograph or shouting stupid things in my ear. And if I as much as frowned in response, the press would have a field day.

I see nothing wrong with someone putting a very high number on the amount of money required to get him to go through all of that. Some celebrities like the attention, some don't. What does it matter that Montana decided not to be there?

[rkmsuf]

Originally Posted by Solecismic

I don't see the problem with it. I don't like to travel myself. If I were famous, I sure wouldn't like people pressing up against me asking for an autograph or shouting stupid things in my ear. And if I as much as frowned in response, the press would have a field day.

I see nothing wrong with someone putting a very high number on the amount of money required to get him to go through all of that. Some celebrities like the attention, some don't. What does it matter that Montana decided not to be there?

Because he's does all kinds of other crap for a ham sandwich and a handshake?

[Coder]

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

Because he's does all kinds of other crap for a ham sandwich and a handshake?

A-ha! But did anyone offer him a ham sandwich!? Noooo..

[rkmsuf]

Originally Posted by Coder

A-ha! But did anyone offer him a ham sandwich!? Noooo..

Otis Anderson threatened to eat everyone's so they decided against the ham sandwiches.

[WSUCougar]

We're all whores. It's just a matter of our price.

[Coder]

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

Otis Anderson threatened to eat everyone's so they decided against the ham sandwiches.

Thus no Montana

[Samdari]

Originally Posted by Cringer

Read the article I linked to at the top, they discuss what was given to them. I guess Montana, and possibly Bradshaw, wanted guaranteed money of some kind. From the reports I have heard, both guys were in town all week doing appearances, and then left when game time came I guess.

As far as Riggins, he was in town all week, and for the game, anyways because he was there for NFL Radio on Sirius, he is part of their afternoon drivetime show.

I know he does NFL radio, I have it. I also know that because he works for the NFL, he had to get some sort of fee - not just expenses - to appear for the NFL.

I stand by my original statement that he does not show up anywhere without getting paid. He is not only on the NFL network, but does local radio once a week during football season. He did not go to the 75 best Redskins celebration because the Skins would not pay him. When asked about it on the next time he was on the radio, he said himself he does not make any appearances unless he's paid.

[Cringer]

Originally Posted by Solecismic

I see nothing wrong with someone putting a very high number on the amount of money required to get him to go through all of that. Some celebrities like the attention, some don't. What does it matter that Montana decided not to be there?

Reports are that Montana was in Detroit all week doing appearances, I don't think he just wanted to avoid the attention.

Originally Posted by Samdari

I know he does NFL radio, I have it. I also know that because he works for the NFL, he had to get some sort of fee - not just expenses - to appear for the NFL.

I stand by my original statement that he does not show up anywhere without getting paid. He is not only on the NFL network, but does local radio once a week during football season. He did not go to the 75 best Redskins celebration because the Skins would not pay him. When asked about it on the next time he was on the radio, he said himself he does not make any appearances unless he's paid.

Well, I wasn't really sticking up for him too hard. I just assumed he was there and it would have been easy for him. He did get something out of it though according to the article, so maybe that was enough for him I don't know.

[WSUCougar]

While we're at it...what the HELL is Jerry Rice doing dancing with the stars? He said in TSN that his agent talked him into it. But why? Why, Jerry?!? WHY?!?

[rkmsuf]

Originally Posted by WSUCougar

While we're at it...what the HELL is Jerry Rice doing dancing with the stars? He said in TSN that his agent talked him into it. But why? Why, Jerry?!? WHY?!?

that is one of the great questions of our time

[Samdari]

Originally Posted by Cringer

Reports are that Montana was in Detroit all week doing appearances, I don't think he just wanted to avoid the attention..

I think Montana and Bradshaw not being there was unbelievable.

Originally Posted by Cringer

Well, I wasn't really sticking up for him too hard. I just assumed he was there and it would have been easy for him. He did get something out of it though according to the article, so maybe that was enough for him I don't know.

I am pretty sure, since Riggins works for the NFL, he has a contractually negotiated amount he gets for making public appearances for them. Wouldn't yesterday have been considered a public apprearance, and he would have been paid that amount. Since he is a unique case among those guys (except maybe Marcus Allen, isn't he on the NFL's tv network?) a broad article would probably not get into that.

I was not trying to slam Riggo necesarily, just relaying his own publicly stated stance on the issue. Him missing the top 75 Redskins thing was a pretty big deal around here.

[SackAttack]

How many of you folks calling Montana an ass have received a phone call from a former employer asking that you come in and work for free on their biggest day of the year?

Doesn't really matter to me what he was paid when he played. Bottom line is, they were hoping to profit off of past association by getting people to watch to see all of these past heroes. Higher ratings = can ask for more the next time the contract comes up for renewal. Given that, the NFL can swallow their pride and pay a former player the appearance fee he wants.

If they choose not to, that's business.

If they try to smear him in the press (overtly or discreetly) for not showing up...that's personal.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by SackAttack

How many of you folks calling Montana an ass have received a phone call from a former employer asking that you come in and work for free on their biggest day of the year?

Doesn't really matter to me what he was paid when he played. Bottom line is, they were hoping to profit off of past association by getting people to watch to see all of these past heroes. Higher ratings = can ask for more the next time the contract comes up for renewal. Given that, the NFL can swallow their pride and pay a former player the appearance fee he wants.

If they choose not to, that's business.

If they try to smear him in the press (overtly or discreetly) for not showing up...that's personal.

[Ksyrup]

I don't have a problem with him declining. But there's two points here:

A. It should have been all or nothing. He looks like an ass because it wasn't some stand he was taking about wanting to be out of the spotlight or with his family or whatever, it was simply that they didn't meet his ridiculous demands. Perhaps he's represented by the same attorney who handled the Flutie drop-kick ball owner's "negotiation" with the Pats.

B. He has profited handsomely - and continues to do so - from his association with the NFL. He wasn't running around in that Fed Ex commercial in a bumblebee outfit. No, those were 49er colors. A little quid pro quo would have been nice. And let's face it, it's not like they asked him to show up for nothing. It was all expenses paid, with a nice tribute to him and the other MVPs.

He didn't have to go, but he didn't have to make it solely a money issue, either.

[Cringer]

Originally Posted by SackAttack

How many of you folks calling Montana an ass have received a phone call from a former employer asking that you come in and work for free on their biggest day of the year?

The former employer asks me to come into the office and wave my hand for 10 seconds, and they give me a Caddy for the weekend, 1st class airline tickets, $1000 for food and stuff, hotel room, tickets to two parties and tickets to a tailgate party, and then two Superbowl tickets....and I am going to be in town anyways. Yes I go see that former employer.

Originally Posted by SackAttack

Doesn't really matter to me what he was paid when he played. Bottom line is, they were hoping to profit off of past association by getting people to watch to see all of these past heroes. Higher ratings = can ask for more the next time the contract comes up for renewal. Given that, the NFL can swallow their pride and pay a former player the appearance fee he wants.

How many people were not going watch the game, then heard about the former MVP thing and decided to toon in? I never even knew about the MVPs being there before hand, it was just a nice surprise.

[SFL Cat]

Originally Posted by SackAttack

How many of you folks calling Montana an ass have received a phone call from a former employer asking that you come in and work for free on their biggest day of the year?

Since I don't know the man personally, I can't say whether he is an ass or not.

However, he certainly comes across as one based on the printed story.

[Crapshoot]

Originally Posted by Solecismic

I don't see the problem with it. I don't like to travel myself. If I were famous, I sure wouldn't like people pressing up against me asking for an autograph or shouting stupid things in my ear. And if I as much as frowned in response, the press would have a field day.

I see nothing wrong with someone putting a very high number on the amount of money required to get him to go through all of that. Some celebrities like the attention, some don't. What does it matter that Montana decided not to be there?

Don't you understand Jim - everyone should be at beck and call of the people! People calling Montana an "ass" are the asses here - I sure as hell wouldn't make an appearance for my former boss unless there was some sort of reason on my part to do so.

[Crapshoot]

Originally Posted by SackAttack

How many of you folks calling Montana an ass have received a phone call from a former employer asking that you come in and work for free on their biggest day of the year?

Doesn't really matter to me what he was paid when he played. Bottom line is, they were hoping to profit off of past association by getting people to watch to see all of these past heroes. Higher ratings = can ask for more the next time the contract comes up for renewal. Given that, the NFL can swallow their pride and pay a former player the appearance fee he wants.

If they choose not to, that's business.

If they try to smear him in the press (overtly or discreetly) for not showing up...that's personal.

Well said.

[Crapshoot]

Originally Posted by Cringer

The former employer asks me to come into the office and wave my hand for 10 seconds, and they give me a Caddy for the weekend, 1st class airline tickets, $1000 for food and stuff, hotel room, tickets to two parties and tickets to a tailgate party, and then two Superbowl tickets....and I am going to be in town anyways. Yes I go see that former employer.

To put it bluntly, its because your time isn't worth that much compared to Montana's. But they key point is that its his decision and his life - imposing your value criterion does what, exactly ?

[SFL Cat]

Yes, football in general...and the NFL in particular, certainly hasn't enriched Joe Montana, has it?

[rkmsuf]

Originally Posted by SFL Cat

Yes, football in general...and the NFL in particular, certainly hasn't enriched Joe Montana, has it?

Not to mention he was in Detroit for the game. That 30 second walk to be with his fellow MVPs is a killer.

Stick to making commercials for the football tied to a bungie cord that you throw to yourself.

[theclassic]

If my former employer offered me $1,000 dollars, plus travel expenses, you better believe I would be there. Or better yet. If my former employer led me to millions of dollars, free medical care, and added prestige to my name, I would have gone for free. Like someone said, it's not like he wasn't in Detroit anyways. Joe Montana showed a lot of class during his career, why can't he now? Isn't this the same guy that snubbed Steve Young a number of times?

[Crapshoot]

Originally Posted by SFL Cat

Yes, football in general...and the NFL in particular, certainly hasn't enriched Joe Montana, has it?

And he's enriched them far far more. So ? What kind of asinine arguement is that ?

[SFL Cat]

Originally Posted by Crapshoot

And he's enriched them far far more. So ?

That's debatable. He is simply one of many great players who have played in the league.

[Cringer]

Originally Posted by Crapshoot

But they key point is that its his decision and his life - imposing your value criterion does what, exactly ?

Well now, this here be a message board where guys and gals do such things. We go on about givin' our opinions, yes sir indeed.

[BYU 14]

Originally Posted by Crapshoot

To put it bluntly, its because your time isn't worth that much compared to Montana's. But they key point is that its his decision and his life - imposing your value criterion does what, exactly ?

I don't think anyone can argue it is a personal choice, I think it is the way he did it that rankles people. He was there all week, he did plenty of appearances, and, he presented it solely as an issue of money. On Cold Pizza they said he indicated to someone he needed to go catch a Basketball game of his sons, but he apparently was still in Detroit when he said the game was??

No one is hammering Jake Scott, because he is on vacation with his family. It's all in presentation, and Montana's makes him look greedy and selfish. You know he makes a ton of money in appearances and it doesn't hurt to do something for the game that gave him that opportunity, especially when he was already there. It was an honor the NFL wanted to bestow on those players and while it is a personal choice to accept or decline, don't say pay me........Oh yeah, he sure didn't ask for $100,000.00 to come to his HOF induction now did he?

I could give a fuck about whether he goes or not and don't even criticize him for the reason......It's his life and peoples perception of him and it is not a life and death issue, it's sports. But, I can see why people feel the way they do and that is their right too.

[panerd]

Originally Posted by Cringer

The former employer asks me to come into the office and wave my hand for 10 seconds, and they give me a Caddy for the weekend, 1st class airline tickets, $1000 for food and stuff, hotel room, tickets to two parties and tickets to a tailgate party, and then two Superbowl tickets....and I am going to be in town anyways. Yes I go see that former employer.
.

Let's say they wanted you to come in for $20 of free merchandise at the Lion's gift shop, two tickets to the Super BBQ tailgate tent (alcohol not included), 10% off you Super 8 hotel, a hot dog and soda at any consession stand, a half price Ford Focus rental, and free parking at any of the outdoor parking lots. This would be similar compensation relative to Montana for an avergae FOFC poster. (Cam Edwards not included)

[BYU 14]

Originally Posted by panerd

Let's say they wanted you to come in for $20 of free merchandise at the Lion's gift shop, two tickets to the Super BBQ tailgate tent (alcohol not included), 10% off you Super 8 hotel, a hot dog and soda at any consession stand, a half price Ford Focus rental, and free parking at any of the outdoor parking lots. This would be similar compensation relative to Montana for an avergae FOFC poster. (Cam Edwards not included)

That's not even close to similar, he still got everything free, plus a stipend. It would be more like a free room at Super 8, a ford Focus provided free for 2 days and a flight in coach paid for and $50 for incidentals. The only thing Cringer would not get is people to buy his drinks like Montana would.........Now if Cringer held out for an Escalade, Embassy suites and $500 in scores bucks people would call him a dick too.

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by Crapshoot

And he's enriched them far far more. So ? What kind of asinine arguement is that ?

It's a two-way street. That's the point.

And again, doesn't matter if he chose not to go. It's the way he did it and the transparency of his money-grubbing that got to me. He's a public figure; I have every right to express my opinion about what he did. I hope it turns out not to be true, actually. But if it is, it just makes me think less of him. I'm sure he'll stay up at night worrying about what I think of him...

[Cringer]

Originally Posted by panerd

Let's say they wanted you to come in for $20 of free merchandise at the Lion's gift shop, two tickets to the Super BBQ tailgate tent (alcohol not included), 10% off you Super 8 hotel, a hot dog and soda at any consession stand, a half price Ford Focus rental, and free parking at any of the outdoor parking lots. This would be similar compensation relative to Montana for an avergae FOFC poster. (Cam Edwards not included)

And I am going to be in town anyways, sure thing. It would be nice to see some people I haven't seen.

I will just have to cross my fingers that they have veggie-dogs or atleast turkeydogs, I don't eat beef at all.

[Kodos]

I think in this case he is definitely being an ass. And that FedEx commercial is pathetic as well. Too bad, because I generally have a good impression of him, even though I have as much reason to hate him as anybody.

I agree with the idea that the sport has given a lot to him, and he could give back by being burdened by going out and waving to an adoring crowd for less than $100,000.

[BYU 14]

Originally Posted by Kodos

I think in this case he is definitely being an ass. And that FedEx commercial is pathetic as well. Too bad, because I generally have a good impression of him, even though I have as much reason to hate him as anybody.

I agree with the idea that the sport has given a lot to him, and he could give back by being burdened by going out and waving to an adoring crowd for less than $100,000.

The Fed-ex commercial rocked, you're just bitter cause there were no aliens in it.