Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is seemingly a lock to win the NFL MVP award in just his second season, paid tribute to the linemen who helped contribute to his success by surprising them with Rolex watches over the holiday week. At least one fan thought Jackson’s thoughtful gesture was “very discouraging.”
In a letter to the editor published by the Baltimore Sun, a local fan criticized Jackson for his decision to spend a significant sum on his teammates, and suggested that Jackson should have donated the funds to charities instead.
Via the Baltimore Sun:
“So disappointing that in an age where professional athletes are making an insane amount of money he couldn’t have donated to charities — and done it in the name of his offensive line — then treated his teammates to dinner. Those players can all afford their own Rolexes, so it is very discouraging that someone didn’t give him a little guidance.
…. Sorry, Lamar, I am not such a big fan now.”
There are several reasons why this an awful take, the most obvious one being that Jackson has donated a significant amount of his own money and time to charity causes already in his young career. In 2018, Jackson held autograph signings to raise $29,000 for multiple organizations that help children in need. Many of Jackson’s teammates, whom the upset fan indirectly criticized, have also been active in charity work. Marshal Yanda, who received a watch from Jackson, has raised money for Aim for a Cure, while Ronnie Stanley has worked with the Casey Cares Foundation.
It should also be noted that Jackson, arguably the best quarterback in the NFL, is also one of the lowest-paid starters in the league. Jackson is still on his rookie contract, and has a base salary of under $1 million in 2019. Jackson will surely cash in down the line with a gigantic contract, but for the moment, he’s not making “insane” money, especially compared with his peers.
Unsurprisingly, football fans were not having it.
This reminds of the woman who wrote to a newspaper saying Cam Newton’s dabbing was ruining football.
LETTER: Instead of gifting Rolexes, Lamar Jackson should have given money to charity – Baltimore Sun https://t.co/1nWmiNTAuD
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) December 27, 2019
Someone seriously has a problem with it? Oh come on! Lamar Jackson does all kinds of charity work, a lot of it very quietly – nothing wrong with a nice gift for the guys that helped him have such a great season. https://t.co/kNCKiBUgvX
— Justin Ready (@JustinReady) December 27, 2019
I hate people who try to tell celebrities/athletes how to spend their money. Lamar Jackson shows his appreciation by gifting his O-Line luxury watches and now he’s “misguided.” GTFOH! Lamar HAS donated to charities, he’s as humble as they come, and it’s HIS money, Karen! 😒 pic.twitter.com/4vdIRdHbuB
— Da Kid Gowie (@DaKidGowie) December 27, 2019
I promise you. Karen is *not* on our staff. Plz stop calling and asking to talk with her. https://t.co/Els0f86Xmr
— McKenna Oxenden ☀️ (@mack_oxenden) December 27, 2019
Hey, Karen… do you have proof that #LamarJackson doesn’t donate to charities anonymously or doesn’t have a charity near to his heart that he donates to already? Also, which charities do you donate your time or money to? All of us non Karens would be interested to know. pic.twitter.com/exZ59NvRCW
— Jasmine Sadry (@JasmineSadry) December 27, 2019
y'all they really made a https://t.co/AiyFZ7Q4ZV petition to kick Karen out when she doesn't even work here pic.twitter.com/I1u1HYQpul
— Uly C-137 (@y00lz) December 27, 2019
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