ufl
The football world has been hit recently with the “rookie tax”. What is the rookie tax and why are people reacting the way they are.
The rookie tax has been part of American footballers lives for quite some time according to legendary ex footballer OJ McDuffie who got his name as a star in American football when playing for the dolphins from 1993 to 2000. OJ describes the rookie tax as something where rookies pay their due for being in the team. Oj also adds that when he was a rookie the other players were much lighter on him then they where to other rookies. The rookie tax is where rookies are given chores and even have to pay bar bills and tabs of other players. The rookie tax has been in the spotlight recently after recent news of bullying in the same team OJ Mcduffie played for all those years ago the Dolphins. This goes to show that the rookie tax is still going on and at greater cost to the rookies then in Oj’s day. Allegations of bullying undermining, racism and even threats of physical violence have shocked the football world these allegations that are being looked at are between two players however more players are thought to be involved. It is alleged by Jonathan Martin who is a “rookie” at the dolphins had been bullied by another player Richie incognito of bullying him. Jonathan Martin even refused to play for the Dolphins because of the bullying. This brought the whole spotlight on bullying and the rookie tax on American football. Some football fans are outraged that this is going on in such big league teams like the dolphins.
Many are wondering how players can work together as a team when there is such divisions between players. The “rookie tax” is a example of how rookies must prove themselves off the pitch to gain respect from their other teammates to be takes seriously on the pitch. It is thought that some rookies must foot the bill for nights out costing thousands and thousands of dollars, sometimes the rookie tax may not be about paying for things but can be chores or dares. Many rookies will not say no to the other players in fear of being alienated and left out.
*Richie incognito is set to miss many games for the dolphins as he is suspended whilst the inquires continue, he has also released a statement saying how is will fully cooperate with the inquiries and has agreed for the hearing to be postponed until a full investigation is completed, he will not be playing until then however if any action is not taken against him that is.