He Deserves It

I have a new respect for Mr. Heisley. When you first hear of the amount he sold the franchise for, it sounds like a whole lot of money. Which it is. But consider his initial investment. I now understand some of the safeguards he put in place. He had to make sure he got his money back. He seemed to be  the primary stakeholder in the team. He has probably had a lot of sleepless nights over the last twelve years. Wondering if he made a mistake moving here. He was  the owner in the Jason Williams days.  When ever he managed to have a decent game as a player. It was overshadowed by his lockeroom comments.  Begging to be traded and calling the Grizzlies the worst team in the league.

This could be used to explain the trickle down theory economics. Michael Heisley is the big man, but look at everyone he pays. The front office, the coaching and training staff and most of all the players. That's just the jobs dealing with the team itself. That doesn't include the vendors and concession workers and the FedEx forum maintenance staff. The staff of the bars and restaurants that feed the fans after the games. Even down  to the ticket scalper. Out of all those people, who creates a job? Not talking about personal assistants, barbers and tailors. There are some of  those here and there. Many of these guys are millionaires.  Where would a tax break help the most?

I asked a question the other day. I think I have my answer now. The Grizzlies starting lineup collectively upon the completion of their contracts. Will have made more than the owner  off the team. He invested $160 million of his own money and made $217 million in twelve years.  Zach Randolph came to Memphis with a bad reputation. If he keeps his nose clean.  He'll make $150 million in 10 years. He just has to play.The players played themselves when they walked out.  They already had a good deal. They were making more than the owners. Look at the Miami Heat's top three. He won't make as much as them.  Whatever Mr. Heisley gets, he deserves it.