Are Forbes Writers 'Dying Inside'?

The San Antonio Spurs' Stephen Jackson is one of the most overpaid players in the National Basketball Association, according to a man who Jackson says is "dying inside."

The San Antonio Spurs' Stephen Jackson is one of the most overpaid players in the National Basketball Association, according to a man who Jackson says is "dying inside."

Forbes' Tom Van Riper released a list Friday morning chronicling who he figures are the most overpaid players in basketball. San Antonio pays Jackson $10 million a year, but he only averages about six points and three rebounds per game. (You may also know Jackson as the crazy man who went into the stands to attack fans during 2004's "Malice at the Palace.") This is not a good contract, according to Van Riper. It was enough to land Jackson the number nine spot, behind players like Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki and New York's Carmelo Anthony. Jackson was speaking with reporters Saturday morning when he was first told about his latest distinction.

"I been underpaid my whole career," Jackson said. "Whether they think that or not, still getting paid almost $10 million this year," he added, with a thumps up and a smile for the camera. A reporter told Jackson the list was being widely criticized by other sports writers.

"Who made the list?" Jackson inquired.

"Some business writer," the reporter answered.

"Someone dying inside, probably," Jackson said.

After the thumbs up and the zinger, we're about ready to call this mini-war of words in Jackson's favor. KO victory, first round. We reached out to Van Riper but he didn't get back to us on time.

If it wasn't already clear, Jackson is taking the slight in stride. He's already found the optimistic way to look at it. "Well, I'm happy to be on that list," he said. If Dirk Nowitzki and Carmelo Anthony are on that list, I'm doing a great job. My life is going in the right direction." You can watch all of Jackson's exchange with reporters -- there's a bit about Anchorman in there, weirdly -- right here.