Grieb Deserves Highest Paid Honors
Adam J Locascio
Tuesday October 26, 2004
The Soul are going to love you. Philadelphia is a town that lives and breathes football. The team has been on the cusp of a championship in almost every sport within the last 10 years. And now we’re throwing the AFL in the mix.
Unfortunately, the backs of Philly jerseys, albeit the Sixers, the Flyers, the Eagles and the Phillies, are covered with the footprints of other teams that have leapfrogged them en route to a championship.
They appreciate your help Tony. Hope that paycheck makes the move a little easier. After all, it is the richest contract in AFL history.
Oh, someone else wants to thank you, too. Meet Mark Grieb.
It appears that Mr. Grieb is currently at home watching Home Shopping Network, rubbing his hands together like Dr. Evil, waiting for his own contract to materialize. The SaberCats still have not locked him down to a deal that would return ArenaBowl XVIII’s Offensive Player of the Game to the helm of the defending champions.
Patience most certainly is a virtue. Meanwhile, Graziani locks down the richest contract in AFL history.
Yawn.
With Graziani’s paycheck as a benchmark, Grieb will demand (and will get) even more. So enjoy the distinction for a few more weeks, Tony. Grieb is about to break the bank.
This isn’t rocket science. Even I can get Grieb the richest contract in AFL history and all I would have to do is point to the two rings on Grieb’s hand.
Grieb played a big part in getting the SaberCats to ArenaBowl XVI, although he was injured for the big game. Last season, Grieb took the reigns and coasted to ring number two.
Graziani? Well, the Avengers are still looking for their first playoff win.
Look for Grieb to demand a payday higher and more lucrative than Grazini’s contract and the best part (for Grieb anyway) it is completely justified. How can he be out-earned by someone who has accomplished less in the league?
In a way, Graziani is the perfect fit for a Philadelphia franchise. He can get you to the playoffs, but championships are another story. The Soul might be roped into another “good, but not great” situation. Philly might have been better served by going after Grieb and his track record rather than an unproven commodity like Graziani.
Meanwhile, Grieb bides his time. As well he should. He’s earned it.
Adam J. Locascio is a financial advisor in the Tampa Bay area and a Board Member of the Tampa Bay Storm Surge Fan Club. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Phoenix and is a six-year season ticket holder for the Tampa Bay Storm.
