Firstly, let’s clearly state “Sonny Bill Williams (Aka SBW) is not the first, nor will he be the last, professional sportsman to dictate the terms of his employment contract. Long gone are the days of amature sport”.
Sometimes, being passionate rugby fans, we forget that there are other sporting codes. Some that are way more professional than rugby union. Sports like European-soccer, American Football, Baseball, Basketball and and certain motor sports F1 all have sportsman who dictated the terms of their contracts. Payton Manning, David Beckham, Dennis Roman, Babe Ruth and Nigel Mansell all come to mind.
So what makes SBW so special. Is it because he imfamously walked out on Rugby League in 2008, is it because he gave up on the Crusaders (for fear of his family’s safety due to earth quakes) or is it because he is a sporting talent that refuses to be caged?
Let’s face it, New Zealand Rugby Union have long recognised their most important commodities and allowed Richie McCaw and Danial Carter to dictate the terms off their contract. They allowing them to “cash” in on sabbaticals to go earn some extra pocket money or just to take a few months off freshmen up and get married. Simply put, the NZRU could not match or better any of the contracts offered to SBW.
SBW is the modern day professional. He uses his God given talent/s to rake in the as much money so that one day he can sit back with his family and know that they are taken care of. Is that not what we all work towards?
In his short time playing rugby union, SBW has revolutionized our game (much to P DIV’s disgust). Today we have youngsters at school working the SBW Off-Load and we critises them. How stubborn are we? Let’s praise his talent and say thank you lets say “I was blessed to watch you play”.
- BRUCE MERCER
Below are a couple of the 100 000 plus tweets either ridicouling the man or praising him. The two of us from @RugerbBuggersSA say thankyou and godspeed on your travels….
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“If I ever came back I’d definitely come back to the Chiefs. Even if there was no money here I’d come back for free.” Really? #rugby — Graham Jenkins
SBW – ‘I gave someone my word on a handshake’ didnt seem to matter when it was a legally binding contract at the Bulldogs — David Lyall (@davidlyall)
Heard peeps are hating on SBW?? If another job asked if you wanted a 100% increase on your wages I’m sure you’d say no too??!! — ryan lamb (@ryan_lamb)
You can say what you like about SBW, but man he is class. There are few players in the world who would score a try like that. #superrugby — Brenden Nel (@BrendenNel)
People come & go but memories stay. We know what amazing things my boy SBW has done 4 rugby! appreciate his services & support his future. — Quade Cooper (@QuadeCooper)
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOp7BpNk9t8&noredirect=1]
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