Webb signs with Nike - big article in USA Today

So this confirms that he is making 250K for the next 6 years right?? Where are all the haters out there who said there was NO WAY possible he could make that much guaranteed money.

I think it still says "reportedly" will make that cash number.

And are you really a "hater" if you don't think the guy would be offered that kind of money? If you say "I dislike the guy, think he sucks, and shouldn't make that $$$", then I guess you are a hater. If you say "Wow, I don't think an unproven talent could, would, or should get that kind of $$$" it just makes you a realist or skeptic.

"Most runners will not see $1.5 million over their entire career much less without having to ever step on the track."

- Krummy

Obviously, this is a sarcastic response to flawed logic above.

"If I run like crap, I'll be worth nothing to (Nike)."

Alan Webb

I wonder if he'll be a good corporate whore.

I don't understand why everyone hates this kid. He chose Michigan, it didn't work out. He wanted to go back to his hs coach, which worked great for him before. He's making tons of money, enough to pay for college many times over. What it comes down to is Alan Webb made a decision that he thinks is best for him. I think that he knows whats better for him that a bunch of people posting on the internet. This is just another reason why we don't have people winning at the WC's and Olympics, we don't support the guys we need to. We bicker at each other trying to be the best on a bad team. If you're the best guy at Podunk U but get 200th in the district, who cares? I am jealous of Alan Webb he ran faster than I ever will, gets more press than I ever will, and makes a lot of money doing something I could only dream about. But I will still cheer the guy every chance I get. WEJO and ROJO put loaded polls on the front page knowing what the results will be. They are very publicly critical of Webb, and I don't know why. I think they should take what they know of the pro circuit and maybe try to talk to the kid whne they see him and help him out instead of just being another obstacle. But hey, that's just me, maybe I should start trying to tear guys down and maybe i'll finally make the final at the US trials, but if not, at least I'll feel better about myself.

KM wrote:

I think it still says "reportedly" will make that cash number.

'Although Webb, Nike and agent Ray Flynn declined to provide terms, the deal is believed to include a $250,000 annual salary plus incentives, college costs and a $25,000 salary for Raczko.'

It's actually more than $250G's considering college costs.

Why do we believe the press when Barry Bonds is 'reported' to have signed a contract for $20mil but not this report on Alan Webb?

Before I retired, I worked for a major company that hired celebrities as spokespersons for product lines. They were not paid anywhere near the amount of money that was leaked to the press. You generate more publicity if you paid someone $250,000 than if the salary was $10,000. Only a few people know what Alan Webb is getting and it really isn't very important, except to Alan and his agent. Whether he runs well is much more important.

I'm just saying that I remember all the haters out there that said, "A shoe rep would be FIRED if he offered that type of guaranteed money (250K per year)." I guess we should assume Nike has one less Shoe Rep today than yesterday.

Why is it a big deal that he went back to his H.S. coach? Jim Ryun was fortunate to get to run his college days under his H.S. coach(Timmons to Kansas). I think this is a proven formula, if it isn't broken don't fix it. Unfortunately, Webb didn't have that option, he probably should have just stayed home and trained under his H.S. coach and gone to George Mason as a freshman. I like Michigan, and I like Warhurst, but Webb's

training was working for him, and leaving that training program was his biggest mistake. Now he gets a second shot at making things right again in his world.

Goodbye

Webb's pro journey is just starting.

"I wish the guy luck," Holman says. "If he thinks college was a tough adjustment, college is a trip to Disneyland compared to the pro circuit.

"He's going to have a phenomenal amount of attention and pressure the next six years. I have a fear if he doesn't develop at this accelerated rate, he'll get frustrated and the track public will turn on him quickly."

Give the kid some time.

I think the above statement from the article makes a great point. Why are some suddenly expecting Webb to kick down El Gerrouj next year? let him develop, just as everyone else has. Time and experience will be important.

Wejo..I am looking for at least a "well you were right " on this..my source was very accurate on almost everything..

An interesting aside in the article was the fact that Webb's salary is a fraction of a HS basketball player who signs to the pros.

Let alone basketball players who show more talent than anyone else in the last 30 years, or ever for that matter.

Nike is trying to raise the bar for American track athletes by taking a gamble on expanding the market. We can only hope that Webb does go on to take the gold in Athens, sparks an American running revolution, and helps elite runners get the respect and financial rewards that they deserve.

This would also prove that the NCAA system is not the only viable route for people with elite talent. It may work great for a Ritz, but not for everyone. I applaud Webb's guts and vision.

King99, any concession to you on this matter would not be meaningful to me. If you continually provide accurate information (as you did), then your credibility grows. If you don't, it diminishes. Rightfully, credibility is one of those things that can take awhile to grow, but can be destroyed quickly. Keep up the super-sleuthing good work (smile)!

First of all, I am still a fan of Webb and I want him to succeed on the next level. However, I also think that he is being to impatient in regards to leaving UofM.

3:53 is not going to make it on the pro circuit, and he needs to change/increase his workload to do so. Upping your mileage and gaining more strength (which is something Warhurst promotes) may take a few years until you notice the payoffs. Just look at Sully as an example. It took Sully a few years at UofM until he finally started to improve on his High School track times.

On the other hand, I think it made sense economically for Webb to leave UofM, but I still think he needs to realize that in order to get under 3:53 (and 3:50) he must show patience and invest the miles, time, and conditioning needed. Just going back to his HS coach is not going to fix that automatically.

-Clay

King99 maybe on to something...

WeJo did write this a month ago:

>I don't know who your sources are, but mine have said the >market for Webb is soft. One source after the $250,000 8 >year guarantee figure in the Washington Times said >something to the effect that any shoe rep offering that >much guaranteed money for such a long time would get fired.

>So I still think mid $150,000s give or take some through >2004 or 2005, and the rest all bonusses. This is still an >unbelievable contract.

I guess it isn't 8 years, but 6 is pretty damn close.

And thank you S davis,,for Mr. JEH I can understand your non acknowledgement on this one..but check my rep on Dyestat..it is regal ...I'll give you more on ther topics..who looks more credible here me or WEJO..just kidding on that!!

I wish for A. Webb to go as far as his magnificent

talent will take him; however, I think that there are

at least 5 other middle distance and long distance runner

who deserve such a deal! Webb has the ability to develop

into a great runner, but what about Deena Drossin, David

Krummenacker, Meb, Adam Goucher, Jen Rhines, & Bryan

Berryhill! Imagine what impact those individuals would make on the world scene, knowing that they only had to train and race when ready! I know that all of said above

have sponsors but not the reportedly $250,000 a year!

That kind of many will allow any athlete to pick and choose

their races & schedules (which I don't feel Webb deserve

been unproven on the world scene)! However as a supporter of American running Good Luck A. Webb.

Vipam