A Maryland woman is catching heat this week over an ill-conceived take onĀ Lamar Jackson's Christmas gifts to his teammates.
Like many NFL stars, the Ravens QB decided to splurge this holiday season and cop Rolex watches forĀ Baltimore's offensive linemen. Jackson reportedly presented the pricey gifts on Christmas Eve.
"We're really grateful for that guy," Ravens guard Bradley Bozeman told ESPN. "I had a Bolex, the fake Rolex, that costs you about $30. This is by far the nicest watch I have ā by leaps and bounds."
Karen Price wasn't impressed. The random woman criticized Jackson's gifts in a letter to the editor published by theĀ Baltimore Sun. She pointed to Jackson's wealth and said he could've donated that money to a charity rather than spend it on watches for other wealthyĀ athletes. (Jackson'sĀ base salary for the 2019 season isĀ reportedly $910,529āa relatively large sum, but not nearly as much one would expect for the probable MVP.)
The letter read in part:
So disappointing that in an age where professional athletes are making an insane amount of money he couldnāt have donated to charities ā and done it in the name of his offensive line ā then treated his teammates to dinner ... It just flaunts the amount of money they make and donāt know what to do with. Sorry, Lamar, I am not such a big fan now. Karen Price
Ravens fans blasted Price for attempting to shame Jackson over the extravagant gifts, andĀ pointed out that the QB has done his fair share of charitable work over the years.Ā In 2018, he donated $25,000 to the Louisville-basedĀ organization Blessings in a Backpack and about $4,000 toĀ Mission Hope for Kids. He's also worked with a number of youth organizations, such as theĀ Baltimore Boys & Girls Club.
Some Twitter users called on the Baltimore Sun to fire Price; however, the publication later clarified that the woman was not a staff member, but a reader who submitted a letter for publication.
You can check out some of the reactions to Price's letter below.