Ryan Howard fighting with family over money

[capitaleagle]

This is really sad. I remember years ago that family looked the picture of harmony and happiness, and Ryan seemed especially close to his brother. Now this.

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/The_family_legal_fight_over_Ryan_Howards_finances.html

[Sect 236]

I've met him a few times, and he really is a genuinely nice guy. Sounds like his family used that to their advantage to swindle him.

[Sugar12]

Damn, really sad to read through that. I have never heard anything but good things about him off the field. It's a shame and just another example of business and family not mixing well at all.

What kind of Dad demands $5 mil to stop managing his finances? Sickening.

[capitaleagle]

What kind of Dad demands $5 mil to stop managing his finances? Sickening.

Seriously. The fact that that demand found it's way into the lawsuit language tells you he wasn't playing around -- he was taking his son to court to get a huge payout. Grotesque.

[TerpEagle]

What kind of Dad demands $5 mil to stop managing his finances? Sickening.

I think once you incorporate a business with him he's no longer just Dad.

[Sugar12]

I get what you are saying...However I would never do it. It's not worth $5M to me to ruin a relationship with my own son.

My attitude with my kids is I am more than happy to sacrifice my own desires and possessions so they can have more (assuming they earn/deserve it). I don't get the attitude of trying to sue your own son..Regardless. It was a business we both know only existed because of his stardom...And likely he threw them a bone letting them run it and also get rich...When they were wholly unqualified to do so.

I realize it's a corporation and what the articles of incorporation state. I still would never do it to my own kid. Assuming we have all the facts...It appears they took advantage of him and it took him a while to realize..Now that the gravy train is over, they want one last pay day. And are willing to sacrifice the relationship with family for it.

[TerpEagle]

I get what you are saying...However I would never do it. It's not worth $5M to me to ruin a relationship with my own son.

My attitude with my kids is I am more than happy to sacrifice my own desires and possessions so they can have more (assuming they earn/deserve it). I don't get the attitude of trying to sue your own son..Regardless. It was a business we both know only existed because of his stardom...And likely he threw them a bone letting them run it and also get rich...When they were wholly unqualified to do so.

I realize it's a corporation and what the articles of incorporation state. I still would never do it to my own kid. Assuming we have all the facts...It appears they took advantage of him and it took him a while to realize..Now that the gravy train is over, they want one last pay day. And are willing to sacrifice the relationship with family for it.

I was being cynical about it. I get that forming a corporation is a way to provide for one's family in a situation such as his, but once that happens things inevitably have to shift somewhat away from a father/son relationship into an employee/employer relationship.

I thought it was interesting that the "Broke" special on ESPN was mentioned as a catalyst for Howard.

I'm sure for many professional athletes, letting family deal with financial (and other) affairs seems reasonable because a) they trust them and b) they can help them out. Unfortunately there are many cases where the financial handlers are either incapable and blow the money or "too capable" and swindle the athlete.

[Sugar12]

Gotcha, so we are essentially on the same page.