The possible return of Le’Veon Bell this week or next is a testament to the nature of the modern game, and the lengths to which players have to go to ensure their post-playing days financial & physical viability. Returning during a scheduled bye not only guarantees him no contact for another week, it makes sure he collects a cheque.

However, rather than continue to voice opinions on social media, he has taken the opportunity to put his energies into reworking the inspirational poetry of his hero, Walt Whitman.

Much like Walt Whitman was initially derided by his peers for his collection of poems, Le’Veon Bell has been chastised by fans & management for the stance he has taken. Furthermore, it surely is a better use of his time than sniping at teammates like Maurkice Pouncey, who as we all know comes from the Aaron Hernandez “DIE MOTHERFUCKER DIE!” school of settling interpersonal disagreements.

Will history look as favourably on his decisions as Whitman’s? Only time will tell. But it does make for compelling reading, doesn’t it Hank?

Today, he shows us how he’s dealing with the vagaries of the franchise tag and the salary cap, and the ownership he believes exploits these for their own benefit. Specifically, the notion that the use of the tag was intended to exploit two further years of his employ at a rate he didn’t feel was commensurate to his talents.

Quicksand Years

Quicksand years that bind me to the team with tether,

Their schemes, economics, fail, lines give way, substances mock and elude testing,

Only the claim I sing, the great and strong-possess’d soul, eludes not,

One’s-self worth must never give way—that is the final substance—stand

firm in the belief in your value,

🤑🤑🤑 #MackMoney https://t.co/WkfhvbyOL7

— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) September 1, 2018

Out of economics, triumphs, battles, life, what at last finally remains?

And Earl Thomas is down and getting carted off with a cast. Exactly why he wanted to get paid. And why no one — NO ONE — should criticize a player wanting to get his when he can.

— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) September 30, 2018

Getting paid. The bank account’s the thing!

To Rich Givers

What the Rooney’s give me I cheerfully accept,

A little sustenance, a hut and garden, a little money, as I

train for my limited career,

A player’s fair compensation on his journey through the League,—

why should I be ashamed to demand such wages? why to lobby for them?

For I myself am not one who bestows nothing upon Yinz man and woman,

For I bestow upon any Steeler fan the chance to watch the team win

a seventh ring.

When I Peruse the Conquer’d Fame

When I peruse the conquer’d fame of heroes and the victories of

mighty franchises, I do not envy the quarterback,

Nor the Coach in his tape room, nor the owner in his great house,

But when I hear of the brotherhood of champions, how it was with them,

How together through seasons, through dangers, injuries, scandals long

and dong,

Through rookie deals and through playoff defeats, how unfaltering, how

affectionate and faithful they were,

But each of them got paid! — I hastily walk away fill’d with the bitterest envy.

sometimes a simple “thank you” can go a long way…I feel like too many ppl take me for granted…

— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) September 23, 2018

Honest and raw, it’s all you can accept from a writer put in the position of debating when & how to sign a one-year, $14 million contract that binds him to an organization clearly looking to exploit his talent and use it up before they can suitably reward him for his efforts. How’d that work for you, Earl?

It makes it kinda easy to understand why he wouldn’t even show up during the bye week, even if it costs him $855K without having to even get hit.

Tomorrow, Part Three in our series examines how Le’Veon will resume interactions with his teammates, the fellows who would help him earn the lofty sums he seeks, if or when he decides to return. The opinions he has are surely the most delicate, as he will rely on their conduct & counsel if he hopes to achieve his goal of getting paid or getting out.