According to a story by Darren Rovell of CNBC, maybe http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158801 wasn't Electronic Arts' first choice to be the cover boy of Madden NFL 08. "Multiple industry sources" have apparently stated EA presented 2006 League MVP LaDainian Tomlinson with an offer, but the Charger's superstar turned it down. However, it wasn't because he was worried about the "Madden Curse," but because EA wouldn't channel Tom Cruise and show him the money.

Rovell states the cover athlete usually earns between $100,000 to $200,000, which is "less than market value" because EA views the cover as a Wheaties-like box endorsement -- the honor accompanying the cover is worth more than the money. That apparently wasn't the case for LT, but, who knows, if the curse continues, Chargers fans will be able to say LT's savvy saved their playoff aspirations. Plus, you're now safe to draft him in your fantasy leagues. Stay away from Vince Young for now, though.

Thanks to http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/1up/ALLPS3/content/~3/110388998/newsStory for sharing the news with us!