Reading comprehension..its a wonderful thing

[a1sports]

(Deleted by moderator)

But since 06er is curious, here ar a few comments from players on the ABA:

1. It was ther worst experience in my basketball life.
2. I had to ask over and over when I will get paid.
3. I was suppose to get 100 Bucks per game and I got 75 dollars.
4. No one knew when practices were.
5. I was just told to suit up and be quiet as a replacement player.
6. The worst officiating ever.
7. ABA is all lies lies and the more lies.
8. We had about 10 people watch us per game.
9. My friends said dont play in the ABA it will ruin yourt career
10. MY check bounced twice then I had no more problems because I didnt get anymore checks.
11. I was told I would be paid by the game, then by the week then by the month..then I wasnt paid at all.
12. We had to go to a sports store and get shorts becuase we didnt have any prior to our first game.
13. The Newark owner was never to be founf when it was pay day...We had to chase her down every time. If you bugged her to much for your pay she cut you.

[The Magician]

... But since 06er is curious, here ar a few comments from players on the ABA:

The remarks made above are very damaging to the game of basketball and to the people who are involved in the game. The issues do need to be addressed.

Here is one of my previous posts:

Have a listen to:

ABA All Access Show # 37 from Sat., April 14
Interviews with various owners attending the Spring Owners Meetings in Indianapolis, IN on April 12, 2007

http://www.audiosportsonline.net/ABA/AllAccess.htm?abalive

Pay particular attention to what ABA CFO and Strong Island Sound General Manager - Darren Cioffi had to say from 16:55 - 21:01

What did you think about Mr. Cioffi's comments about minor league sports and the ABA Salary Cap (?), which the "recommended" ABA Salary Cap is $120,000. (18:35 - 21:01)

Pretty interesting remarks I'd say ...

In reality, the $120,000 salary cap recommended by the league does not mean anything. Teams are not legally bound to adhere to that ABA recommendation nor are teams legally bound to pay any player salaries!

So ... IMO, It's not a matter of a Salary Cap ... It's a matter of stable ownership, financial management, fisical responsibility and overall integrity of the organization.

I'm not totally convinced that the ABA has an ever increasing % of elite pro basketball players who are playing themselves into a position to command the larger scaled salaries being offered by the top international teams around the world.

What I think the ABA does have, is a large pool of players who have the ability and potential to develop their game and move on to the next level; both domestically and internationally. And if they could be afforded the opportunity to situate themselves in a comfortable and competitive professional playing enviroment; that's when, to me, the players create the value for your organization!

And part of that opportunity for players to situate themselves in a positive atmosphere, is for them to feel that they are being $ compensated for their work and dedication both on and off the basketball floor.

My ideology is ... Take care of you players ... And they will take care of you!

So ...

Do ABA teams need to compensate the players (?) - Yes!

Do ABA teams need to pay salaries beyond their means (?) - No.

Do ABA teams need to pay salaries equal to, or higher, than the international market salaries in order to secure these players services for the ABA (?) - No.

Should ABA teams try to compensate players with the most competitive salaries available to secure their services for the ABA (?) - Yes!

Should ABA teams believe they can justify not paying players a competitive and equitable salary by openly stating their organization has no money to do so, or their operations have not yielded the sales to satisfy the committment to player salaries (?) - No.

Further, Should ABA teams believe they can justify not paying players a competitive and equitable salary by selling players on the notion, that based solely on that individual's love for the game of basketball, that they should go ahead sign a contract (or not sign a contract), even though that individual may be making huge concessions and sacrifices in their personal life (?) - No.

Do I understand there's a CHOICE involved (?) - Yes. But IMO, if players play for free (or for very little), they do not create value or security for themselves nor establish a launching pad or momentum toward fulfilling future goals and dreams.

What happens to these players who play for free (or for very little)? A better player gets recruited, and they get released. And what happens to those players?

Read the very 1st post under the thread below - They become a statistic! :(

The ABA: The #1 Leader in causing unemployment for basketball players across America!
http://www.oursportscentral.com/boards/showthread.php?t=4913

That's not my idea of promoting and providing a foundation for personal growth and development - for individuals and organizations alike!

So, What should ABA ownerships be doing?

IMO, #1 ... They really need to think deep and hard about their current financial situation/backing. If the money is not there to begin with, or it appears that there is a good chance that the market will not support and maintain a cash flow level that will fully cover anticipated expenditures and payables - STOP. Do not go further ... time to re-evaluate the business plan and your venture into minor-league sports.

On the flip side of things ... If you KNOW that the organization will be liquid enough and have the required and available resources to fulfill the committment to your organization and to the league ... Then the owners should be trying their very best to recruit and retain the best players available within their own internal budgeted salary limits.

Ladies and Gents, Like Mr. Cioffi mentioned during his ABA All Access Interview - "Every owner is a competitor ..."

Basketball is about competition.

Players who give it their all to the ABA and their team, deserve the opportunity to compete on the floor for an entire 36 game season and a playoff run; along with being compensated with the most competitive salaries possible!

So owners ... be honest, be smart, be hardworking, be a competitor.

But most important - Be a champion for your players!

If you consider yourself a competitor but feel the need to do it on the cheap, then that's a decision made on your part.

You determine your own level(s) and reach(es) of entrepreneurship.

But people who are true competitors ... Get out there and get it done.

And to me ...

That means paying your players for their worth and their value; as athletes, as individuals, as members of your community and team family ...

These are the individuals who are bringing in the entertainment dollar!

[WHAFAN]

Like I mentioned before........anyone who gets involved in this rec-league deserves exactly what they get. You know damn well going in that this will never change. It hasn't and it won't. You could make more money hustling games of horse on a city playground court than you will earn playing for this amateur trash league. At least there you could kick someone's ass for your money.........thats easier than trying to find a snake oil salesman owner with a rubber checkbook. Smarten up, wise up, and move on........this ABA crap will ruin your reputation of ever playing anywhere again.