What happened to just playing?

I would like to start off saying Jay Cutler is a baby for whining about how his new coach has treated him. Now that this is out of the way, we can move onto more pressing matters of players trying to force their way off their current team.

John Elway, Eli Manning, Wayne Gretzky are a few of the players who did this in the past well.

Mostly, this is seen in the NFL, granted the players' full contract is not guaranteed, which is to blame for this issue. In the NBA it has taken place, the most notable of recent memory is Steve Francis refusing to play for the Vancouver Grizzlies who drafted him, and a trade to Houston ensued.

This has become a trend in recent history, and I have somewhat of an oldschool view on the subject. I believe the player has rights, but not to the extent of forcing a trade upon the club. A number of reasons can lead to a players malcontent--poor management decision, lack of a committment to winning, or in Jay Cutler's situation, the way he feels he is being treated poorly.

The prime example of how a player should behave in a bad situation is Kevin Garnett. Years of being the centerpiece on a bad team, stemming from poor management decision you would think he would perform the bitching and moaning so often seen from players this day in age. But no, NOT ONE WORD out his mouth on the terrible Minnesota Timberwolves, the mark of a true team player and champion. We all know how this story ends, former Celtic teammates (McHale & Ainge) teaming up in a trade that brought Garnett to Boston, with a ring following.

If these "prima donna" players cared more about their team than themselves, as Garnett showed your professionalism will carry you far beyond any forcing of management's hand will. Yes I know Manning's refusal to play for San Diego got him a ring with the G-Men. But he will always be remembered as Elway is, for refusing to play for the team which granted them access to millions of dollars professional sports brings to athletes.

Peace, for now until later.

-Aaron