Entertainment

A couple of weeks back, we heard Roberto Martinez would likely be the next Bachelor. Us Weekly quickly squashed the claims, but today comes news that the Bachelorette alum -- who split from fiancee Ali Fedotowsky last fall -- is a contender. But his casting's not definite yet, because there's a hitch: Martinez's vying for a ginormous payday.

An ABC source tells Us that Martinez wants to be paid "near what Emily [Maynard] asked for, around $750K. But the network will give him pretty much anything." But not long after these reports hit the web, Roberto tweeted, "'Keep ur lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.' Hebrews 13:5 #ThereIsNoPrice." So what the heck is going on?

I wouldn't be surprised if Roberto's tweet was a tactic to make it look like he's playing it cool or could care less about the big bucks. Damage control, you know?

Because asking for mega-bucks isn't exactly going to do Roberto's rep any favors or make him look like a sweetie pie. After all, fans of the franchise want to believe that the chosen Bachelor is there to find the Love of Their Life -- not for a hefty paycheck!

And as for comparing what he should get to what Emily took home, that argument seems a bit shaky, too, because a source close to the Bachelorette says "she settled for something higher than $100K. Probably around $150K."

Huh ... That sounds like nothin' when you consider what kind of dinero major networks are capable of throwing at people they consider ratings gold. I would guess the truth is somewhere in between that and what Roberto is asking for.

Ah, well, whether we like it or not, it sounds like it's almost inevitable that he's it! After all, Us' source made it clear they're not joking around by saying Roberto is "going to do it. No question."

Would you want to see Martinez as the next Bachelor? Do you think his reported demands for big bucks make him look sleazy?

Image via ABC