Devaluing Devin

First things first. Brett, if you are going to have contact with Vikings brass, at least use the cell that was not provided by the Pack. I know it was an oversight, but it's 2008. Everything gets tracked buddy. I'm sure that this phone isn't the only one that you have. And if it is, well, I'm actually impressed by your frugality. We need more of that in our athletes today...

Surprise! Surprise! Another whiny Chicago Bear is making news. No, this time it isn't Brian Urlacher, who weasled his way into more money. Now it's "Superman" Devin Hester, apparently the greatest return man in NFL history according to pretty much every NFL "expert" and talking head. Hester is holding out of Bears camp, unhappy that he would be the last Bear to receive his big payday after brass re-upped with Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Tommie Harris, Robbie Gould, Kyle Orton, Desmond Clark and Sexy Rexy. While there is no question that #23 has been arguably the most valuable Bear the past two seasons, the move to hold out is a classless joke on his part. If he was an established receiver making $445,000 a year, I would be in his corner. But for a guy who is still a baby at the wideout position, it speaks volumes to his dedication to the game of football to miss valuable camp time working with your QB's and going through reps.

I certainly have never been a Jerry Angelo fan, particularly during his time running the Bears. And even though I agree that Hester arguably should have been a bigger priority in the offseason, at least he has been in negotiations with Hester's agent Eugene Parker and genuinely is has been trying to hammer out a deal. While he and Lovie Smith, in my opinion, have miscast Hester as the team's number one wideout, he knew going into this season that renegotiating with Hester was the fair prudent thing to do. And he was doing just that.

Devin Hester wants more money. The Bears want to give Devin Hester more money. The action being taken by Hester is deplorable, which fits right in with the Bears players' way of doing things apparently. If reports are true that the Bears offered to make Hester the highest-paid return man in league history with bonus clauses that would kick in as he develops as a receiver, then Hester is delerious. Sit out all you want Devin, but I hope you understand the multiple risks involved.