Life Worth More Than NBA’s Millions
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JEFF GREEN
By DERON SNYDER
The Sacramento Kings announced Monday that forward Chuck Hayes failed his physical because of a heart abnormality. The four-year, $21.3 million contract that Hayes signed last week was voided.
The Boston Celtics made a similar announcement Saturday regarding forward Jeff Green, stating that he’ll undergo heart surgery and miss the upcoming season. Green also signed his contract last week, a one-year deal worth $9 million that he won’t receive now.
If the problems had been detected after the routine physicals that teams conduct when players sign new contracts, Hayes and Green would have been paid in full. And if there were a way to ensure full payment and subsequent good health, they certainly would have chosen that option.
But it’s better that the heart problems were discovered now, before the players engaged in one more workout, scrimmage or game. Because you never know when or where trouble might surface, and no one wants to endure another situation like the one the Celtics faced with Reggie Lewis.
