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I want a contract ... this ... big ...

Jaguars Mike Sims-Walker and Titans Chris Johnson held a question / answer panel here at the Interactive Sports Conference in Vegas.  It was a welcomed change from the mobile applications and fantasy sports blogging sessions that have been driving a spike right into my hangover.

Athletes getting paid to show up at a conference to take pictures and answer some softball questions usually doesn’t reveal anything interesting.  But today the head of EA Sports and maker of the Madden video games happened to be in the audience, which lead to some amusing jockeying for player scores.

“I’m the only player with 68 catches last year and only one drop.  My hands rating should be 100 this year.”  Mike Sims-Walker poked.  The response from EA was that he was the top player last year for in-season improvements, so don’t worry about getting some respect.

“My speed should definitely be at 100.”  Chris Johnson added “and on the cover.  No one else deserves to be there but me.  I set the record.”  While I like the bravado, somebody needs to tell him that he’s not in the running as one of the official 3 finalists (Jared Allen, Reggie Wayne, Drew Brees).

Also troubling to Titans fans could be Chris talking about needing a raise.  He said “even though I signed a 5 year contract, nobody has done the things I’ve done in the first two.  Running backs don’t have a long life in this league.  I want to be the top paid offensive player in the league.”  Those are strong words and make it clear that some renegotiating is probably already going on in the background.