There is this misconception that only players who are “making it rain” or wearing $25,000 diamond necklaces go broke. While that definitely happens from time to time, it is as likely it can happen to a player that doesn’t fit the stereotype.

There are players not singled out on ESPN for living the “bling bling” lifestyle that have problems as well. Mark Brunell who has made over 52 million dollars in his career filed for bankruptcy last year and now Charlie Batch is also in financial trouble.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that Steelers backup quarterback Charlie Batch, who is actively involved in the NFLPA*’s negotiations with the NFL, filed for bankruptcy in December and could have personal property, including his two Super Bowl rings, seized to pay off his debt.

Batch’s bankruptcy filing listed $8.3 million in liabilities and $2.3 million in assets. His real estate company, Batch Development Co. Inc., had to turn over 25 properties after defaulting on a $1.15 million mortgage.

This is what the owners are counting on to break the players in the NFL Lockout.  While the owners have been plotting and saving money because their plan all along was to lockout the players, there assumption is at some point the financial crunch on the players will cause them to cave.

It is a cat and mouse game and as more of these type of stories come out, you wonder how long the players can stand strong.