Reed says he gave 'blood,' but don't teams give bonuses?

News item: Ravens safety Ed Reed has ramped up his one-sided war of words with the team over the past two days, justifying his desire for a new contract by saying — among other things — that he has given his "blood, sweat and tears" to the organization and wants to be appreciated for playing hurt last year.

My take: Guess I'm old-fashioned, but when you sign a long-term contract and take a huge signing bonus, doesn't that mean you're getting your appreciation in advance?

Bonus take: Yes, I realize that NFL players do this kind of thing all the time, but that doesn't make it right. When you sign a long-term contract, you're agreeing to trade some future earning potential for immediate financial security. When did it become all right to break that promise and demand to be paid on both ends of the risk/reward equation?

(baltimoresun.com)