One cost-cutting strategy: recruiting freelancers as needed. Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard says he financially supports only his mother but likes to have at least two guys with him when he goes to nightclubs to provide security, get a table and make sure the ratio of women to men is satisfactory before he walks in the door. Once there, Mr. Howard pays for the table and bottle service and for small favors. One night last month, he gave one of his freelancers $5 to fetch him a Snickers bar.
Entourage Economics [WSJ]