I also tend to shy away from players who charge for autographs, but I certainly made an exception for Bart Starr.
http://lee.n8d.com/2010/starr-bart/
After I got his autograph, it was really nice to receive updates about the Rawhide Ranch and know that my money was going to a good cause.
There are other players who charge- and I am more understanding of them than baseball players because of the physical toll on their bodies and the lack of support pre- 1989 football players receive for their injuries. Conrad Dobler for example just had his leg amputated due to his knee surgeries from football.
And sure, there are some guys I'd never send $ to so I don't. So my point is you have a choice to send off to them or not. Be nice to those that do.