Is multi-millionaire NFL quarterback Drew Brees a cheap tipper ?

Well, if leaving a $3 tip on a $74.41 takeout order is cheap, then he fits the bill.

Brees has stirred online debate over tipping on takeout orders after his 4-per-cent tip.

A photograph of the bill was posted online.

The standard tip for many restaurants , even in Toronto, is now is now 20 per cent.

Many people have said that because the New Orleans quarterback is rich that he should be expected to tip more than the ordinary person.

Brees’ contract with the Saints pays him $100 million (U.S.) over five years.

However, Brees has rushed to defend himself.

Taking to Twitter, Brees said he would have tipped more had this been a sit-down meal in a restaurant.

However, he picked up his order and took it out.

Brees said that the story “got spun” and thought he would actually be complimented for the fact he left any tip on a takeout order.

“But nobody’s going to read that,” he said.

MORE FROM THESTAR.COM: Gallery of funny tip jar photos

It should be stated that Brees is regarded as one of the most charitable athletes in the NFL.

His Brees Dream Foundation raises money to improve the life of cancer patients.

Of course, social media took up the vigorous debate.

Bob Ryan, a well-respected sports columnist for the Boston Globe, said there’s a simple way for celebrities and semi-celebs to avoid this mess: “When in doubt, overtip.”

The debate is a nonstory, according to ESPN sports and business reporter Darren Rovell, who tweeted that “most people leave $0 for food they pick up for takeout.”

However, that $3 tip has left a sour taste in the mouth of former NFL player Ross Tucker, who now works for NBC Sports Network.

He said the tip story “epitomizes what is wrong with our society.”

Other rich athletes have gotten media attention for the generosity of their tips.

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Peyton Manning, the former Indiana Colts quarterback who now plays for the Denver Broncos, last year left a $200 gratuity on his $739.58 bill at a Raleigh, N.C., restaurant.

But that was on top of the automatic 18-per-cent service charge — making the tip close to 50 per cent of the bill.

Meanwhile, Dan Schreiber, manager of Del Mar Rendezvous near San Diego where Brees left his tip, released a statement apologizing to Brees, the staff and “anyone else who was offended by the posting of the image.”

He said he is not at liberty to divulge the identity of their guests or confirm the authenticity of the receipt.

Schreiber also praised Brees for his charitable causes, calling the quarterback “a great guy and a pillar of the community in New Orleans.”

The restaurant manager also said it is not customary for guests to tip on takeout orders at the Del Mar Rendezvous.

Servers have in the past got into hot water over posting photos questioning the amount of tips they received.

Earlier this year in St. Louis , an Applebee’s server was fired for posting a snarky photo of a restaurant bill signed by a pastor.

The pastor signed the bill: “I give God 10%, why do you get 18?”

The restaurant had added an automatic 18-per-cent tip because the pastor was with a large group.

With files from The Associated Press

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