Eric Brunner (left) hasn't made up his mind whether he will accept the Red Bulls' new offer or leave the team. Ernesto Motta/Red Bulls
By Michael Lewis
BigAppleSoccer.com Editor
Montclair, N.J. -- Red Bulls rookie defender Eric Brunner hasn't made a decision as whether he will leave the MLS team or take a pay cut.
After the Red Bulls signed defender Andrew Boyens to a contract Tuesday, they wanted to agree to a developmental contract. He reportedly rejected it.
That will mean a significant pay cut from the $36,000 base salary and $44,750 guaranteed salary he negotiated after becoming the Red Bulls' top pick in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft (second round) to developmental player status. Most developmental players earn $12,900 a season.
He said that he will continue to talk to his agent, Leo Cullen of WMG, about all possibilities.
"I'm trying to figure out what is the best for me," he said.
"I'm not going to get into too many details about my personal life. Financially, it's tough to live on, especially in this area.
"I'll sit down with my agent and look at other options. Nothing is set in stone. I'll be here tomorrow training."
Asked if he was surprised by the Red Bulls' decision, Brunner replied, "It happened pretty quick. It's tough to gauge after a few days.
"You're not guarnateed anything unless you're under a guaranteed contract. Every player knows that. That's the risk you take.
"No one likes to hear that news obviously. You come into work every day and work hard on the field."
Brunner said he was hopeful that something could be worked out.
"I just went in and talked with coach and they'll try to work something out," he said of coach Juan Carlos Osorio.
