Marshall Faulk Doesn't Approve of Steven Jackson's Holdout

This is hardly shocking in light of last year's revelation that Steven Jackson didn't think Marshall Faulk mentored him sufficiently, but Faulk publicly undressed Jackson on Sporting News radio:

"I am surprised he's holding out. I don't know where he's getting his advice. He's played four years and he's played every game once and he's been hurt three times. I know if I was in the front office, even if it wasn't Steven, even if it was someone else on another team, it would be hard for me to justify giving them a lot of money, regardless if he was 'the team'."

There was more, mostly self-serving junk about how Jackson's trying to follow in his footsteps.

I really hate it when players or former players throw in their two cents about contract holdouts (Brett Favre vs. Javon Walker, ahem), because it shouldn't be any of their business. Sure, Faulk was asked about the situation and told the truth. He also didn't have to go after the fact that Jackson has been injured several times. It's especially hypocritical when you consider that Faulk himself held out once -- though not nearly this long -- and he did have a few injuries of his own over the years. It's not like Jackson has missed significant time -- out four games last year after playing every game in '06.

And let's be real about this: Jackson's doing what nearly anyone in his shoes would do. He's holding all the cards.

Think about it ... a RB's shelf-life in the NFL lasts until about age 30. Just ask Edgerrin James if he thinks he's getting another contract after his current deal expires. Jackson's current company in the St. Louis backfield is comprised of Antonio Pittman, Travis Minor, and Brian Leonard. The offensive line is banged up, and Marc Bulger's playing terrible.

Do the math, because the equation leads you to the Rams' two options:
1. Completely give up on the season before it starts.
2. Give Steven Jackson 50 million reasons to suit up. Immediately.

The choice is yours, Rams brass. Choose wisely, because your division is weak.

As for Faulk, he really just sounds bitter after being squeezed out before he thought he was done ... so Jackson could have his job.

Hat-tip: Larry Brown ... no, not that one.