Is 12 years to long for a sports contract?

The coach says "We believe that he will continue to grow as a player and as a leader."

Then Keith says "I am very happy to be part of the organization for hopefully the rest of my career"

This makes me thing they have more long term plans for him than just playing.

Rick DiPietro signed a 15 year deal worth $70 million - but i think that was signed a year ago.

i did not realize contracts were signed for such lengths. what is the longest sports contract ever (in any sport?)

do i need to ask a new question for this?

That is a good question. I don't know what the longest is. But 15 and 12 years are pretty darn long.

You should ask a question for it.

Rick - no you don't need to ask a question for this. You can let it ride here, or open a completely new question. It's your call. Here is your answer though, it's Rick DiPietro as of Sept 2006 for the NHL

http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/9-12-2006-108559.asp

I'm almost shocked there is not one contract that has "extended for the lifetime of the player". Seems smart enough if you have a star on your hands. Then again, sports players only play for so much time, so a 25 year contract lasts more than the lifetime of the player. (why pay $70 million over 15 years when you can pay $70 million over 30 years?)

Finally, looking into this - Magic Johnson signed a 25 year contract as well back in 1985.

So you are saying that Magic Johnson is still playing in the NBA?

It's hard to imagine you'll make enough money off signing contracts like that. What if they get a major injury. I understand wanting to hold on to big name, athletes don't normally get better with age after a few years.

That is a long deal that Rick DiPietro signed. Which team and league did he sign that with?

Contracts mean nothing in pro sports - regardless If it is one year or a hundred. Coaches and players change teams each year. Look at Petrino and Saban. Petrino signed "contracts" that were 20 yerars (total) in duration for three different teams all within three years.

I think it is way to long.

To much can change. People can change. Priorities can change. Sponsorships can change. Skill levels can change.

The NBA has a law in place, that prevents players to sign long term deals past the age of 36 I think it is. The Denver Nuggets are running into this problem trying to keep Alan Iverson for a few more years.