OT: AJ Burnett starts college fund to get his jersey number.
Just heard this on Mike and Mike and looked up the story. I'm a Yankees fan so I haven't been too impressed with Burnett as a pitcher but I'm glad to see him putting some of the money we gave him to good use.
Burnett is starting a college 529 fund for his teammate Daniel McCutchen's daughter, who is due in May, to get his number 34. I know this may not be completely selfless because of the tax implications but I think it's a pretty ingenious way for both guys to get what they want. Commence with rabble rabble about pro athletes and their excessive wealth. I still think it's a good story.
What's one tiny downside of having most of our 2013 class wrapped up so early? Lots of OT this summer.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:10 AM ^
Better than blowing it on well...blow/strippers/cars/million dollar beats by dr dre headphones.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:17 AM ^
You've got my attention. That sounds like a fun weekend. That's just my life right now...
February 28th, 2012 at 9:22 AM ^
That or wasting it.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:47 AM ^
"I spent 90% of my money on women, drink and fast cars. The rest I wasted"
Now that is a guy that enjoyed his life.
February 28th, 2012 at 12:08 PM ^
For awhile anyway. On his deathbed, he was recorded saying, "Don't die like me."
February 28th, 2012 at 9:17 AM ^
Well known for making it rain for education.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:26 AM ^
Don't think that McCutcheon is really going to need a 529 fund to send his kids to college. Would have been better spent by starting a 529 fund for some of the poor in the area instead of for another millionaires kid.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:38 AM ^
Yes, for society that would have been better. But this option is better than Burnett buying him a car or watch or putting an addition on his house, etc.
February 28th, 2012 at 10:21 AM ^
He also could have donated said amount to McCutheon's sponsored charity (I'm assuming he has one.)
February 28th, 2012 at 10:42 AM ^
There are innumerable options. I'm tired of people assuming that someone with a lot of wealth should do more for this cause or that cause. We have no idea what someone in that position has gone through to earn, or "earn" if you prefer, that money. I'm sure every person on this blog could do more with their money or time to help out their fellow man.
I'm of the opinion that it was his money and he did some outside the box thinking about how to get the jersey number he wanted.
February 28th, 2012 at 5:55 PM ^
But what Burnett did hardly seems worth celebrating.
February 29th, 2012 at 12:41 AM ^
This. I don't get what OP really expected in starting this thread.
February 29th, 2012 at 7:39 AM ^
I guess I was expecting the reaction I had which was that it was kind of a cool story. How part of it developed, a conversation about how wealthy athletes spend their money, is fine with me too. It was never meant to be a celebration of Burnett. Did you miss the part that I'm a Yankees fan? I don't understand why you feel that some comments are ok but others aren't. I love hearing the opinions of posters as long as they are thought out and respectful. And no, IMO, F*#@ <insert name/fanbase here> is not an opinion but misplaced anger.
February 28th, 2012 at 10:32 AM ^
Sorry if this is OT but just wanted to share this pic of DWright wearing a Michigan jersey. Pretty excited for baseball again
February 28th, 2012 at 11:08 AM ^
...but very late - this was posted ad nauseum yesterday.
But welcome to MGoBlog!
February 28th, 2012 at 11:25 AM ^
I know i don't post much, but I love this board. People in Cali think I'm crazy for being an overzealous, F5 crazed Hoke nut. Anyway...
I played with Daniel in the Cape Cod league in 04, and he became/still is a good buddy of mine. He is by no means well off, since he signed for basically no signing bonus. He has made the minimum for parts of the last couple years, and is not guaranteed any sort of contract unless he pitches well this year. It is funny when people post about not giving a 529 plan to "another millionaires kid" since nobody knows about his situation.
He is one of the biggest diehard football fans (boomer sooner) unfortunately, and probably participates in their version of mgoblog during the season. He's one of the funniest guys I know, and a 5'11'' right handed pitcher with the confidence of Randy Johnson. Let's not rush to judge what the "millionaires" are doing...
February 28th, 2012 at 2:51 PM ^
Point understood, but you can't say that he is "by no means well off". It says in the article that he made $415,000 last year.
February 28th, 2012 at 3:28 PM ^
Thats not that much. You have to remember that these guys will be in the league for 15 years or so max (if they're lucky), compared to the 35-40 years a normal person works. Its not like he going to be making that kind of cash his whole life. While if hes smart with that money he should have no problem living off of it and sending his kid to college. That being said, it could all be gone tomorrow.