The Out Route

Tyrus Thomas is not interested in basketball for the game. And he certainly isn't going to particpate in any extra-curricular activities for the NB--oh, you'll pay him? He's fine with that, then.

Asked if he were excited about becoming the first Bull since Scottie Pippen in 1990 to participate in the event as part of All-Star weekend, Thomas barely looked up from untying his shoes.

"Not really," Thomas said. "I'm just going to go out there, get my check and call it a day."

Asked if an opportunity to rub elbows with some of the game's greats could be beneficial for a rookie, Thomas kept unlacing.

"I'm just into the free money," he said. "That's it. I'll just do whatever when I get out there."

Thomas makes $3.26 million.

The winner gets $35,000. The runner-up receives $22,500. Third and fourth place are worth $16,125.

You know, some might be rubbed the wrong way by those comments, but I embrace them. If you think anything else goes through the mind of pro athletes besides sentiments like that, I've got a bridge I'd like to sell you. I'd rather my athletes come right out and be honest with me than lie through their teeth.

And if you think Thomas is being trivial shooting for $35,000 when he makes $3.26M, obviously you haven't seen the Behind the Music on Hammer. Dude lost everything. And he had more than $3.26M. Way more. The lesson: take what you can get, when you can get it.