NBA Lockout Got You Down? KFC is Hiring!

NBA players may be locked out, but that doesn't mean they can't work.

The athletic superstars are used to having plenty of cash to spend, but now the checks won’t be coming since teams have locked out their players until a new collective bargaining agreement can be agreed upon.

The Players Association was so concerned about its members that it distributed a 56-page handbook from November to February last season that had helpful hints on how to handle the lockout.  

For example, it warns against buying new clothing, jewelry, and cars, according to the copy obtained by Bloomberg News: “Clothing and jewelry often have little or no resale value, so if times get tough, you will not be able to liquidate it quickly,” the handbook reads. “Instead of making large purchases in the next year, save the money you were going to spend on clothes and jewelry in a lockout fund to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

However, plenty of players seem concerned about the loss of cash now that the lockout is finally here and are exploring ways to make a little cash, such as playing basketball overseas. The New Jersey Nets’ Deron Williams signed a deal to play in Turkey that would allow him to opt out and return to the NBA if and when the lockout becomes unlocked.

One company that is taking advantage of the situation for a little PR fun is KFC, which has offered a job to the Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade, a former employee.

The Colonel's marketing wags sent Wade a letter signed by John Cywinski, GM of KFC US, that read, in part, "Come serve as an honorary captain at a local KFC drive-thru window. And while we can't match your most recent salary, we'll honor your KFC service by making a donation in your name to Colonel's Scholars, a charity providing young people with much needed scholarships."

The tongue-in-cheek invitation was flagged for the star with a tweet —

— which followed Wade's (also presumably tongue-in-cheek) tweets that maybe it was time for a new line of work:

No word on whether Wade has accepted the quick-serve humor, although we wouldn't be surprised if he stops by a KFC for a photo opp and a good cause.