Don Banks wrote an interesting article the other day, and although someone else has already made a blog and commented on it, I decided I would as well and toss in my 2 cents.
I have read comment after comment on several teams Fannation sites, about people such as Donte Stallworth, Plaxico Burress, Brandon Marshall, Matt Jones, and others, and the comments vary widely. Some say they should get a "second chance", while others believe they're getting what they deserve, or should get more, depending on who you're talking to, and who it is about.
What I am going to say is from things I've read here and there, as do most of anyone who reads and comments here. I am not getting eye witness accounts of what these players have done, but only what's been reported. So, I may be off kilter in some things. If I am, please don't hesitate to correct me. This is only an opinion I've formed, and nothing else, and I will not judge any of these players, fans, or their teams (or lack thereof).
In Donte Stallworth's case, he allegedly was drinking and driving and hit a pedestrian who was jaywalking and the man died. But, did Stallworth "accidently" drink and drive, not knowing it was wrong? Did he have a choice in what he was doing? Was the pedestrian at fault for jaywalking? Looking at the Browns roster, Stallworth is still employed, but for how long? Will his team sit and patiently wait til he does his time, and then wait through his up coming suspension? The great Jim Brown is now suggesting that marijuana was being used by Stallworth, although that's not proof, but speculation. If the Browns end up releasing Stallworth, would he find a new team?
You bet.
In Plaxico's case, he allegedly carried an unlicensed gun into a nightclub and it discharged, hitting his leg. The gun's license had expired 4 days prior. Did he know that concealed, unlicensed guns were illegal, and especially where people congregated? Surely he had the sense to know that. When he's finished with his suspension and any time served, will he go to another team and continue on as if nothing happened?
You bet.
Will Matt Jones go to another team after his "problem" he has is finished?
You bet.
Pac Man did as well, and likely will again soon. How many times did Pac Man get away with his "antics?" Brandon Marshall is stirring things up in Denver, wanting to be traded, and he's had a few "run ins" himself. Will they give in to him too? I don't know. The Broncos are going down a different path with him than they did with Cutler, so that remains to be seen. But, if he does get traded, will another team take him?
You bet.
Then you have people like T.O. He is a superb athlete, but he's never been in any trouble or arrested. His problem is himself. But, he's not physically hurting anyone. His main problem is he loves himself more than his team. Buffalo will eventually find this out.
The owners of the teams that, together, call themselves the NFL, are wanting to win at all costs, and that includes Jerry Jones. He's not safe, or any different than any other owner. I don't always agree with him.He has done some bonehead moves, maybe more so than any other.
Buffalo, for example, and I've read this, is desperate, and the coach is "trying to save his job". Hiring Owens may or may not be worth it. I wish them well, but I have a suspicion that their QB will be getting an earful before the season's over, and if they aren't winning.
The point is, if it was you or I in the place of these players, and being regular joes, would the court system be as lenient on us, and if we lost our job, would we be able to find another job as swiftly as these players? I really doubt it.
Comments?
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You put into words what I was thinking, the fact Teams are willing to do anything to win is the mere reason why they will gamble on players with troubled past and why players like this will continue to find employment within the NFL. Until Goodell imposes something like a 2 strike and your out rule or unless all the teams where to agree not to sign these types of players you will continue to see these players making the headlines like they do now.
GSH 1
Total Comments (1720)
Unfortunately, that is true. But, greed and coveting a player seems to be the thing nowadays. Players are no longer loyal to the team that drafted them, but to is the highest bidder.
I've read so many comments about "giving the guy a break" or "he's done his time", even in the case of Vick "it was just animals, not humans".
Well, Jeffrey Dahmer got his start with animals, as did John Wayne Gacy, I believe. I know Dahmer did for sure.
Bull_Shirt
Orange, TX
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Here is the other link I mentioned, but had forgotten where I had seen it. Check this one out about Ocho Cinco. Marvin Lewis did the right thing.
http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/403821-how-to-deal-with-a-diva
Bull_Shirt
Orange, TX
Total Comments (3573)
It's a sad fact of the NFL. What is even more confusing is that many teams and fans are commonly mislead to believing that when a Diva or Convict-in-pads is signed by their team that things will be different this time around. No one understands that the change of direction that Randy Moss underwent is extremely rare in the NFL. Once a player stops caring about the team... that's it game over. However, I like many of the other suckers, am hoping that Chad has turned things around. Ho Hum...
Thanks for the article props. http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/403821-how-to-deal-with-a-diva
I posted a link to your article on my post and Fannsite as well. Thanks again.
In Marvin I Trust
Richmond, KY
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