Ronaldo, the slave who “earns” $238,000 per week

Arguably the most recognizable athlete worldwide.  An amazing footballing talent.  Star midfielder and captain for his international team.  Superstar of Manchester United – the reigning title holder of both the EPL and Champions League and the most valuable sports brand in the world.

If I was writing this 6 years ago, everyone would know I was speaking of superstar David Beckham, right before he moved from Manchester United to Real Madrid and is now playing for LA Galaxy.  

An eerily similar script is unfolding before our eyes today, with Cristiano Ronaldo, the new Beckham.  Yes, Ronaldo is flirting with the idea of following in Beck’s footsteps even more by moving to Real Madrid.  If you are interested in this, plenty of sports writers are discussing it, check one of them out.  To be honest, I couldn’t care less.  That’s right, I really don’t care.  

What I do care about regarding this situation is the comments that have been made by FIFA head Sepp Blatter.  Blatter said that Ronaldo should be free to pursue a transfer to Real Madrid rather than be kept to the contract that he signed 18 months ago.  Fine that is all well and good.  However the “Mad Blatter” had to continue talking, and in those remarks, he went on to compare poor Ronaldo’s situation to “modern slavery”.  

Yes, slavery.

When asked about Blatter’s comments regarding slavery Ronaldo, the portugese international said, “I agree with the statements of [Blatter] … What he said is correct.  You know what I said, what I want and what I would like.  Now I have to wait and see what happens.”

Wow. Ronaldo who just signed a 5 year contract a mere 18 months ago feels treated like a slave.  A contract that pays him a mere $238,000 per week.  Yes, I said per week, as in there are 52 of them a year.

To compare this spoiled brat to a slave is an insult to slaves.  Ronaldo makes more money than he and his friends and his family could even think of spending.  He lives like a king in a great country.  He works out and plays a sport he loves 40 weeks of the year, and gets 12 weeks of vacation.  

If he doesn’t like it, he can quit, and go into another line of work (unlike slaves).  Now there isn’t another line of work that can offer him the limelight that his ego craves or a ludacris salary like that… so if he is complaining that the team that is paying him so much has requested that he not play for a rival team, that doesn’t seem like it is asking too much.  

Grow up Cristiano.  What little respect I had for you (off the field) has all officially eroded away.  I hope Man U “puts you out to pasture” by trading you to Real Madrid and you rot in the Spanish sun like so many others have.  

Yobo’s brother kidnapped

During the off-season for the EPL, news of player signings tend to dominate the headlines and tide the fans over until the games start again.  Sadly, Everton made the news this week for a tragic reason.  Joseph Yobo, one of Everton’s starting defenders, recently confirmed that his brother has been kidnapped in his home  country of Nigeria.

Authorities are assuming that this will be like many other kidnapping cases in the impoverished region, wait for the ransom, pay it, and he will be returned.  It is hard to imagine that there are cultures where this is commonplace and where it is almost an accepted practice.  So sad.

Ultimate Fighter Amir Sadollah in Richmond

While getting lunch with an old college friend today at Big Al’s Sports Bar I noticed an athletic looking guy walk in.  His haircut was a little strange, but I didn’t give it much more of a thought. Later, our waiter (who was a legit sports fan, so that was fun) came by and asked us if we were UFC fans.  We both said we are familar with it, but not really “fans” and he pointed at the athletic guy with the strange hair and said that he was the winner of the Ultimate Fighter (a reality tv show on Spike).  

A google search later, and sure enough, today I was sitting 10 feet away from Amir Sadollah. Apparently Amir just won the UFC sponsored Ultimate Fighter 4 days ago – and I didn’t see a bruise or cut on him (not that I really looked close).   

I haven’t watched mixed martial arts fighting in a few years, but one of my old roommates liked it and we’d watch matches frequently.  Kind of fun.  He was very kind to the fans that came up to him (took a few pictures and gave out some signed photos).  Seemed like a humble and very likeable guy.  Glad he is representing Richmond and Tucker High School well and hope he continues to.  So the next time I cross SpikeTV while flipping channels, I’ll take a moment to see if Amir is on and root for one of Richmond’s own.

So what did you buy with your Christmas money?

I’ve been debating whether or not to post this as it is far more personal than I usually choose to share in this public forum, but it has just been on my heart, and I wanted to share with the few that read this little blog…

A couple days ago I got a letter from Jackline (a child I sponsor in Kenya through an amazing organization called Compassion International). The letter was fantastic and heartwarming, but when I got to this line I just stopped and thanked God for my ability to help her.  

“Thank you for the christmas gift [...] I purchased a mattress.  Thank you for your support to my life.”

If anyone has ever thought about sponsoring a child, I strongly recommend it.  I’ve spent some money over the last 12 months:  An iPod Touch, a new iMac, a wii … but by far the best money I’ve spent was on Jackline and I’m thrilled that for the financial cost of a wii and a couple games I can provide the finances for a marked improvement in the quality of life for a child in need.  It is humbling that an extra $20 at Christmas buys her a mattress, a luxury I completely take for granted (in fact I have one in my house that sits unused in a guest bedroom).    

I live a very blessed life, and I thank God for my letters from Jackline as she helps keep me grounded.  I also had to smile as she closed the letter with:

“Many people are now planting their crops during this rainy season.  Are you planing your crops?”

What easy lives we live…

Family time

Had a great night with the family last night, got some good photos out of it too.  All the kids are my cousin’s kids and they are adorable.