ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

[RockinDaMike]

Honestly how can you say these are stupid if you never been in there situation? You don't have to be a pro athlete but are you someone your family would rely of for financial help or do you fully support yourself and others?

The money you do make, is that in investments, savings or do you buy the latest video games and go out to eat all the time?

It's easy to say they are stupid because your thinking with there money with your current bills. I work with people who make over 100gz a year and are broke all the time. People want cool stuff and want to live out of there means all the time.

It took me 5 years to understand that when I started making good money with the job I have now. I I would blow it on entertainment, and going to games, stuff for your house, go o, dates.

These guys are going through the same thing but everyone including there mom is asking for a handout and making you feel guilty for not helping them. You basically have to be an a hole to make sure you look out for yourself and may explain why athletes are looked as such sometimes.

I think everyone should learn from this movie. It's really a national issue not just athletes who keep spending and not saving.



Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[TheMatrix31]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

If you're making millions of dollars, you don't spend it all away. Bottom line. You don't even NEED "active" investments. Put your money in the damn bank and let it accrue interest. Live off the damn interest.

I mean, I'm a financially sound person. Anyone making 100k a year even like your friends, should never be broke. That simply should not happen, barring anything truly disastrous. Not in Arizona. 100k in Los Anghelles isn't that much for a family.

It's stupid because these guys have God-given talents and they're WASTING the fruits of their ability. I'd KILL to have even a shred of the athletic talent Michael Vick does because that means I'd probably be in professional sports and making a ton of money too.

I'm sure you know how many people in the real world bust balls every single day, single parents working multiple jobs just to make ends meet, and you have morons like this taking care of their boys, going and partying it up, buying 6 cars and making 50,000 square foot homes, fathering multiple children with multiple money-grubbing whores?

Where's the intelligence? Seriously WHERE is the intelligence. You make that much money, you draw boundaries. If you're going to help family, set the limit. I know there's "being nice", but there's a difference between being nice, and being a weak target.

Maybe that's just me. I lead a modest life. I am, as people on Twitter know, a fan of taking care of keeping fiscal houses in order overall. I don't need fancy cars. I don't need three closets full of clothes or jewelry. I don't need to go to the club and drop 25k on any given occasion. That's just stupidity. It's straight up, pure, unadulterated stupidity. Who the **** invests in the **** these guys invested in? How DUMB can you BE?!

[Chrisksaint]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

Yeah being smart is just what it all comes down to, they want to live this high life which is fine but they get that stuff and just keep wanting more and more. Not enough take advantage of that free education they most likely can get attending college(well NFL players at least, but some NBA players could probably definitely benefit from going back to college)

I remember this article during the NFL Lockout and didn't think much of it but now I kind of understand it more after this documentary

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2009/01/62135016/1#.UG0n9mjaSxI

[mb625]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

If you're making millions of dollars, you don't spend it all away. Bottom line. You don't even NEED "active" investments. Put your money in the damn bank and let it accrue interest. Live off the damn interest.

I mean, I'm a financially sound person. Anyone making 100k a year even like your friends, should never be broke. That simply should not happen, barring anything truly disastrous. Not in Arizona. 100k in Los Anghelles isn't that much for a family.

It's stupid because these guys have God-given talents and they're WASTING the fruits of their ability. I'd KILL to have even a shred of the athletic talent Michael Vick does because that means I'd probably be in professional sports and making a ton of money too.

I'm sure you know how many people in the real world bust balls every single day, single parents working multiple jobs just to make ends meet, and you have morons like this taking care of their boys, going and partying it up, buying 6 cars and making 50,000 square foot homes, fathering multiple children with multiple money-grubbing whores?

Where's the intelligence? Seriously WHERE is the intelligence. You make that much money, you draw boundaries. If you're going to help family, set the limit. I know there's "being nice", but there's a difference between being nice, and being a weak target.

Maybe that's just me. I lead a modest life. I am, as people on Twitter know, a fan of taking care of keeping fiscal houses in order overall. I don't need fancy cars. I don't need three closets full of clothes or jewelry. I don't need to go to the club and drop 25k on any given occasion. That's just stupidity. It's straight up, pure, unadulterated stupidity. Who the **** invests in the **** these guys invested in? How DUMB can you BE?!

Can't say I disagree, the investments those guys made just weren't good ideas... at all.

[TarHeelMan]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

Too often, the problem is that the guy doesn't want to be viewed as a "sellout" or as having turned his back on the people that were with him when he didn't have anything... Which I understand to a certain extent. But just because I made it doesn't necessarily mean YOU made it, too... Just because you hanging with me, and I buy myself a Porsche, don't be looking for me to drop bread on one for you too. I don't care if we're eating at Applebees, don't think cause I'm sitting on millions that every time I have to foot the bill just because I can afford it.

It was crazy seeing how Bernie Kosar's own pops pimped him out like that for a cool milly on the side. Family will be the first ones to take you out if you come into some money. I remember this girl that I worked with, who was a distant cousin of Julius Peppers, and she told me not to be surprised if he left the Panthers, just to get away from his family. He's from a small town in NC, he went to HS, college, and started his career in the same state. Family members were always at him about some kinda handout, and his moms had to shut that down. So he wound up in Chicago, and I wasn't even mad about it.

[cjonesfan921]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

One thing I'll disagree with Matrix on is this...you are slighting them by saying it is god given talent. You aren't giving them credit for the hard work they have put in.

For any athlete growing up, to have a shot at being professional, it's not just about size and strength, you literally breathe the sport. Guys like Ray Allen, while we relaxed and played games and watched TV, he was out shooting jump shots probably every afternoon. That's hard work.

[cjonesfan921]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

Too often, the problem is that the guy doesn't want to be viewed as a "sellout" or as having turned his back on the people that were with him when he didn't have anything... Which I understand to a certain extent. But just because I made it doesn't necessarily mean YOU made it, too... Just because you hanging with me, and I buy myself a Porsche, don't be looking for me to drop bread on one for you too. I don't care if we're eating at Applebees, don't think cause I'm sitting on millions that every time I have to foot the bill just because I can afford it.

It was crazy seeing how Bernie Kosar's own pops pimped him out like that for a cool milly on the side. Family will be the first ones to take you out if you come into some money. I remember this girl that I worked with, who was a distant cousin of Julius Peppers, and she told me not to be surprised if he left the Panthers, just to get away from his family. He's from a small town in NC, he went to HS, college, and started his career in the same state. Family members were always at him about some kinda handout, and his moms had to shut that down. So he wound up in Chicago, and I wasn't even mad about it.

My friends brother went to school with Peppers' nephew. He's currently one of the highest ranked kids in the nation, Jibril Peppers. I watched one of his games last year, dude's ridiculous for that age.

[Hassan Darkside]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

In case anybody missed it and wants to watch it:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/r4HmfATSZ0E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[TheMatrix31]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

One thing I'll disagree with Matrix on is this...you are slighting them by saying it is god given talent. You aren't giving them credit for the hard work they have put in.

For any athlete growing up, to have a shot at being professional, it's not just about size and strength, you literally breathe the sport. Guys like Ray Allen, while we relaxed and played games and watched TV, he was out shooting jump shots probably every afternoon. That's hard work.

Oh of course. Didn't mean to begrudge them on their work. But that's what it is. You have the God-given talent, and you work hard to make it a reality.

All the hard work in the world wouldn't get me to hit a 90mph fastball or go 7/9 from 3 in an NBA game or throw for 400 yards and 3 TDs in an NFL game. Why? Because I don't have that ability whatsoever. I don't think I could put up those numbers in a ****ing little league game.

[RockinDaMike]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

I'm hearing you guys on this issue. I agree that they should save there money and not spend like what they are doing but they are just like any person you know that struggles with money and that's a lot of people.

Even on this board, I see the new purchase thread and people are buying every single video game, blu ray, new shoes that are over 100 dollars, new tv's and they are putting it on credit on top of that. Do we ever tell each other, "wow that was stupid, you sure you should have bought that?" No we don't, we congratulate and like each post and approve what we purchase knowing its stuff that is not necessary. Is it any different for pro players? The difference is that you buy a video game they buy a diamond watch.

People often save up there money so they can buy stuff that really don't need and should be saving for the future. Do you really need that new electronic or that new tv when your tv was fine? How many people are showing off their iphone 5 or gs3 at your work? Everyone wants the newest phone and pro's want the newest super car.

Can you honestly say right now anyone of you if you lost your job tomorrow that you can support yourself for 3 or 6 months? Not a lot of people can say that. It takes discipline not to spend your money and put it in a bank and let it grow. If you can, congrats to you for working hard to save money. It is hardwork especially with a society that's so bent up on buying the newest thing.

I passed up on so many times going out, buying the newest game or going to games because I know its not important now. I'm glad I figured that out now before its too late. I can lose my job anytime but I'm glad I've saved enough where I can support my self for a year if that happens. Now that money is going towards starting a business.

I'm super glad that my dad taught me young the value of money and saving. I had good amount of years where I wasn't disciplined and bought whatever I wanted because I could afford it and one day it clicked when I looked at my account and I saw all the money I earned kept going out to stuff that I didn't need.

The point I'm trying to get across is that its easy to point fingers at these guys for making mistakes with their money but look at yourself first and ask yourself if you are financially stable and able to making smart decisions with your money. Do you save a third of what you make per year?

Matrix, you mention you can put money in the bank and live on interest but do you do that? I can do that but I would be living in a trailer park or an apartment in the ghetto. I know I wouldn't do that and most people wouldn't.

A lot families mortgage is either a quarter or half of what they make in a month. Why wouldn't you think an athlete would do the same? Its not just athletes with this problem. How many people you know foreclosed there homes in the last 5 or 6 years? I know TON. People were buying houses and getting approved for loans they couldn't afford.

I was lucky to not be part of that and bought a house more than two years ago with a low interest rate. I don't pay a single dollar of my own money to pay my mortgage or utilities, my 4 roommates do. I even charge them less than market rate for a room and I still make profit every month and I live free.

I'm glad this movie came out not because we can point and shake your head at them for what they are doing but to learn from their mistakes because they represent regular America with bigger bank accounts. I'm going to think of this movie as much as I can when I look at something that I want to buy and it would put even a slight strain on my bank account and hope I don't press that Pay Now button.

If anyone wants a challenge, don't buy anything you don't need for 1 month. No games, movies, going out to eat. Pay your bills, buy groceries and put away the rest. You'll see how much money you're really wasting.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

Yeah, I dunno man. I don't have a job so I'm basically throwing stuff on credit if I have to. My spending habits have changed drastically since I've been out of work. Never had a "permanent" full-time job anyway. Not when I'm graduating into this economy, lol.

I get ya.

[dsallupinyaarea]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

Sports and Entertainment are the only walks of life where you can obtain wealth before you're old enough to handle wealth. Raise your hand if you blew all your money when you were 20-25, I know I did. They don't really have the chance to grow up and make mistakes on a smaller scale like everyone else.

RE: friends and family. If you're 21, what good is the 5 star life if you're enjoying it alone? I imagine they pick up tabs simply because if they didn't the whole crew would be eating at Applebees.

Obviously some of these guys (Antoine Walker, Allen Iverson come to mind) just went overboard, but its alot easier to go broke then people think.

[cjonesfan921]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

If anyone wants a challenge, don't buy anything you don't need for 1 month. No games, movies, going out to eat. Pay your bills, buy groceries and put away the rest. You'll see how much money you're really wasting.

I'm going to do this. I get paid on a monthly basis, so I will start this on the 19th of this month.

I've had trouble saving money, and yes I am aware I waste it. Trouble as in, I'm not saving what I really should be saving. Aside from the guarantee 401K monthly, I put aside anywhere from 150-300 a month. Sometimes less, I just got back from FL and recovering from that lol.

I waste money on frivolous items. Convenience store items. I will try and do this and report back.

[VDusen04]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

I'm hearing you guys on this issue. I agree that they should save there money and not spend like what they are doing but they are just like any person you know that struggles with money and that's a lot of people.

Even on this board, I see the new purchase thread and people are buying every single video game, blu ray, new shoes that are over 100 dollars, new tv's and they are putting it on credit on top of that. Do we ever tell each other, "wow that was stupid, you sure you should have bought that?" No we don't, we congratulate and like each post and approve what we purchase knowing its stuff that is not necessary. Is it any different for pro players? The difference is that you buy a video game they buy a diamond watch.

People often save up there money so they can buy stuff that really don't need and should be saving for the future. Do you really need that new electronic or that new tv when your tv was fine? How many people are showing off their iphone 5 or gs3 at your work? Everyone wants the newest phone and pro's want the newest super car.

Can you honestly say right now anyone of you if you lost your job tomorrow that you can support yourself for 3 or 6 months? Not a lot of people can say that. It takes discipline not to spend your money and put it in a bank and let it grow. If you can, congrats to you for working hard to save money. It is hardwork especially with a society that's so bent up on buying the newest thing.

I passed up on so many times going out, buying the newest game or going to games because I know its not important now. I'm glad I figured that out now before its too late. I can lose my job anytime but I'm glad I've saved enough where I can support my self for a year if that happens. Now that money is going towards starting a business.

I'm super glad that my dad taught me young the value of money and saving. I had good amount of years where I wasn't disciplined and bought whatever I wanted because I could afford it and one day it clicked when I looked at my account and I saw all the money I earned kept going out to stuff that I didn't need.

The point I'm trying to get across is that its easy to point fingers at these guys for making mistakes with their money but look at yourself first and ask yourself if you are financially stable and able to making smart decisions with your money. Do you save a third of what you make per year?

Matrix, you mention you can put money in the bank and live on interest but do you do that? I can do that but I would be living in a trailer park or an apartment in the ghetto. I know I wouldn't do that and most people wouldn't.

A lot families mortgage is either a quarter or half of what they make in a month. Why wouldn't you think an athlete would do the same? Its not just athletes with this problem. How many people you know foreclosed there homes in the last 5 or 6 years? I know TON. People were buying houses and getting approved for loans they couldn't afford.

I was lucky to not be part of that and bought a house more than two years ago with a low interest rate. I don't pay a single dollar of my own money to pay my mortgage or utilities, my 4 roommates do. I even charge them less than market rate for a room and I still make profit every month and I live free.

I'm glad this movie came out not because we can point and shake your head at them for what they are doing but to learn from their mistakes because they represent regular America with bigger bank accounts. I'm going to think of this movie as much as I can when I look at something that I want to buy and it would put even a slight strain on my bank account and hope I don't press that Pay Now button.

If anyone wants a challenge, don't buy anything you don't need for 1 month. No games, movies, going out to eat. Pay your bills, buy groceries and put away the rest. You'll see how much money you're really wasting.

You make a series of good points. Even before watching this 30 for 30, I've been thinking a lot recently about things in life I need to spend money on vs. merely what I want. I've also tried to take a look at how folks I know (and folks I don't know) are living their lives. There's a strange pressure and expectation that tends to permeate where oftentimes we assume if one person has something neat, everyone else probably should. Sometimes I find myself fighting that as well.

For instance, my older brother is frequently suggesting I rid of my '99 used Ford Taurus with 123,000 miles and buy a new car because, "You need to treat yourself sometimes" and "You can't take your money with you to the grave." Treating myself is buying a bag of assorted color Swedish Fish. Or, using the change I've saved over the year, it's buying NBA 2K. It's not spending $18,000 on a new car just because. Obviously, I'm not so easily swayed that I just blindly give in and buy a new car, but it's merely an example of how a lot of expectations are these days. It's not about just having a car capable of moving you from place to place, it's about having a new car with Bluetooth technology, built in GPS, and an outstanding sound system.

It's a tough fight, but I almost feel like a hipster in comparison sometimes. Even back around 2006ish, a popular retort I'd come across on OperationSports forums here when I posed a problem I was having with my Playstation 2 version of NBA 2K6 was, "That's what you get. Buy an XBox360 and you won't have that problem." I was always left to wonder how so many folks could seemingly treat a $400 purchase as an afterthought of sorts; an expectancy even. And your TV example also hit home, speaking as someone who has not yet bought an HD TV because my other one still works fine. And yet, I'm oftentimes the outcast for being the guy who won't willingly throw my money out there for a clearer picture or for buying a cell phone data plan.

I still often scoff at professional athletes who lose all their money, but I understand how it happens. I'm sure I'd waste some cash too if I were that rich. Though, I also think I'd be able to show a lot of restraint, just as I do now.

[cjonesfan921]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

You make a series of good points. Even before watching this 30 for 30, I've been thinking a lot recently about things in life I need to spend money on vs. merely what I want. I've also tried to take a look at how folks I know (and folks I don't know) are living their lives. There's a strange pressure and expectation that tends to permeate where oftentimes we assume if one person has something neat, everyone else probably should. Sometimes I find myself fighting that as well.

For instance, my older brother is frequently suggesting I rid of my '99 used Ford Taurus with 123,000 miles and buy a new car because, "You need to treat yourself sometimes" and "You can't take your money with you to the grave." Treating myself is buying a bag of assorted color Swedish Fish. Or, using the change I've saved over the year, it's buying NBA 2K. It's not spending $18,000 on a new car just because. Obviously, I'm not so easily swayed that I just blindly give in and buy a new car, but it's merely an example of how a lot of expectations are these days. It's not about just having a car capable of moving you from place to place, it's about having a new car with Bluetooth technology, built in GPS, and an outstanding sound system.

It's a tough fight, but I almost feel like a hipster in comparison sometimes. Even back around 2006ish, a popular retort I'd come across on OperationSports forums here when I posed a problem I was having with my Playstation 2 version of NBA 2K6 was, "That's what you get. Buy an XBox360 and you won't have that problem." I was always left to wonder how so many folks could seemingly treat a $400 purchase as an afterthought of sorts; an expectancy even. And your TV example also hit home, speaking as someone who has not yet bought an HD TV because my other one still works fine. And yet, I'm oftentimes the outcast for being the guy who won't willingly throw my money out there for a clearer picture or for buying a cell phone data plan.

I still often scoff at professional athletes who lose all their money, but I understand how it happens. I'm sure I'd waste some cash too if I were that rich. Though, I also think I'd be able to show a lot of restraint, just as I do now.

There has to be a balance though. Don't just save money to save money. Or don't not spend just to not spend. Buy a TV. Why? Because once you go to HD, you won't regret it. You do have to treat yourself to something sometimes. At the end of the day, I've learned to save enough money so that I don't have to live pay check to pay check, but also just don't save money so you have money saved up.

I've done a ton of research, my ultimate goal is to have immediate available liquidity to afford to live unemployed for 18 months. Why 18? That's a number I came up with. Do all your other savings in a 401K or such, one you can't get to as quickly. Don't just save money to save money.

I have a cousin in FL who is about to be 26 and sitting on 60 in his savings account...this would be perfect time to invest in a house and make your money, make money while also getting rid of rent payment a month....he won't do it simply because he's used to not spending on anything.