I hate NFL training camp holdouts, but every now and again there is one that's justified.

Rookies, who have yet to play a single down, holding out for that extra .2 million when they haven't earned a dollar yet in their career might be the most maddening yearly ritual in the NFL. It's never done anyone any good. Cedric Benson is a bum. Brady Quinn missed some time, and then had to watch Derek Anderson excel. JaMarcus Russell sure didn't look good in his time last season.

The other holdouts that rub me the wrong way are those made by veterans who are clearly on the downhill side of their careers, battling or hiding injuries, but use their loyalty to the city and love from the fanbase against the organization. In turn, the team almost always gives in to save face with the fans (see: Brian Urlacher).

However, every now and again a situation arises where a holdout is forgiven, if not mandatory. Devin Hester's qualifies as such.

The most electrifying return man the NFL has even witnessed, is set to make $445,000 this season, and $530,000 in 2009.

Bears play-by-play man Jeff Joniak would utter emphatically that 'Jerry Angelo, you are ridiculous.'

The Bears general manager worked out a deal with Lance Briggs this summer for six years, $36 million with $12 million guaranteed. He also wrapped up Tommie Harris for four years, $40 million, making him one of the highest paid at his position, despite not being one of the best and possessing some injury concerns. Then just this week, Brian Urlacher got what he wanted which was a one year extension on his current deal, worth $18 million, and a $6 million bonus on the spot.

All of these players are very valuable to the Chicago Bears, no doubt, but I'd argue Devin Hester has contributed more to Bears wins over the past two years than any other player.

Furthermore, after an offseason where the Bears failed to address their pressing needs at wide receiver and quarterback, the Bears are asking Hester to contribute even more on offense in addition to being the most feared return man in the game. As it stands today, Hester, despite not playing wide receiver much of last season, is likely the most talented player, if not the best wideout on the roster. That's not an endorsement of his receiving abilities, in case you were wondering.

Do you fear Marty Booker or Brandon Lloyd? I didn't think so. The Bears philosophy is to clearly keep stealing money from Hester and hope the defense returns to 2006 form.

They forgot one critical detail. Paying him what he deserves, or at the very least, half of what he should be earning.

What frustrates me the most is that Hester handled his frustrations admirably. He didn't embark on an immature media stunt like Chad Johnson. He didn't make his agent speak up on Sportscenter every night. He basically didn't complain at all, just expressed his earnest feelings, which is simply that based on my current contributions and what you're asking from me this season, the contract I signed as a rookie doesn't hold up in the current NFL market.

Most teams would fall over themselves to sign Devin Hester for $5 million a year. Allow me to repeat what he's making this season: $445,000. He's the single most underpaid player in all of sports.

Hester didn't need to say anymore than he did this afternoon:

"I'm not coming. I have to make a statement. I showed by going to [organized team activities] that I was a team player. But then, I just felt like they weren't taking it seriously that I wanted to get a new deal.

I can't go out and play this year making $445,000. Come on, man.''

Do your thing, Devin. The organization has no idea what they are doing, and you deserve better. This is one holdout I fully support.

The Bears shouldn't need a reminder of his services, but just in case, here's the complete Hester highlight reel:



P.S. That's just two seasons.