It looks like Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson was offered the Madden 08 cover and turned it down. Not because he was afraid of some kooky "curse", but because EA weren't going to be paying him enough for the job.

According to CNBC's Darren Rovell, EA like to think of the Madden cover as a "wheaties box" deal, where athletes will supposedly feel honoured to be chosen and do it on the cheap. Tomlinson wasn't having any of it. The deal normally pays "only" $100-200,000, but requires public appearances to pimp the game, especially in the leadup to release. This is way below the supposed "market value" of other similar deals, and Tomlinson just couldn't be bothered.

Remember, this guy makes millions, and probably knows that it doesn't matter who's on the cover of Madden, as it'll sell regardless. So while it may look like he's just being a greedy sports star, I like to see it as him flipping off a cocky and cheap-ass EA. Luke Plunkett

Tomlinson Turns Down Madden [CNBC, via Game|Life]

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