Don't Show Them The Money

When Canadian Football League star DOUG FLUTIE last week signed an incentive-laden contract with the Buffalo Bills that could be worth $5 million, he proclaimed, "It is not about money." That may be true in the case of the 38-year-old Flutie, the former Heisman Trophy winner from Boston College, but is it always true?

KEVIN GARNETT, Minnesota Timberwolves
You Mean I Actually Get Paid? "It was never a money issue," the 21-year-old forward said. Dollars He Doesn't Care About: Turned down Wolves' first offer of $103 million over six years; eventually signed six-year deal worth $126 million.

SERGEI FEDOROV, Detroit Red Wings
You Mean I Actually Get Paid? "It's not about the money," the 1993-94 MVP said. "It's about what I believe in." Dollars He Doesn't Care About: Spurned five-year, $26 million offer from Wings; hasn't played this season and may sit it out entirely.

JAY BELL, Arizona Diamondbacks
You Mean I Actually Get Paid? "It's not about the money," said the 32-year-old shortstop.
Dollars He Doesn't Care About: Left Kansas City Royals for five-year, $34 million pact with expansion team that will probably finish last in N.L. West.

DARRYL KILE, Colorado Rockies
You Mean I Actually Get Paid? "It was not about money," said Barry Axelrod, agent for the righthanded starter. Dollars He Doesn't Care About: Rejected Houston Astros' three-year, $21 million bid to retain him and accepted Rockies' $8 million-per-year offer.

MO VAUGHN. Boston Red Sox
You Mean I Actually Get Paid? "If it was all about money, we would be a Grand Canyon apart," said Mark Gillam, financial adviser to the first baseman. Dollars He Doesn't Care About: Has turned down $25 million, three-year contract extension—he's asking for $50 million over five seasons.