The Official LAST LELIE THREAD ... Just Remember That:

[BroncoBuff]

The National Media has this thing ALL WRONG!

Ashley DID NOT hold out because he was:

Lelie was sitting out Denver's training camp because he was "disgruntled" about being relegated to the status of No. 3 receiver.

No ... Ashley's holdout was because he wasn't the NUMBER 1 RECIEVER! ... because mean old Shanny was "too enamored " with mean old Rod Smith.

His holdout was decided upon and CEMENTED when he met with Shanny in Hawaii during Pro Bowl week, and Shanny told Ashley he'd have to "compete" to be number1. If Ashley had been okay with that, I'm not too sure Javon even would've entered the picture. In other words: Javon happened BECAUSE of Ashley's attitude/holdout ... NOT the other way around.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?


Let's say Ashley has a good/great year, say 70/1000/6 TD, and Javon is less than that ... everybody will say IT WAS A BAD TRADE FOR DENVER.... see? Or if (knock on wood) something goes wrong with Javon's knee, everybody will say "Shanahan must regret his decision now to elevate Walker over Lelie"


... I don't want to hear that kinda crap for the next 5 years!!!

[Taco John]

I think you're probably changing history here. I doubt Lelie would have held out if he was the number two guy here. But being in a contract year, he knew that being a #3 was potentially going to hurt his chances on the open market. This was a calculated move designed to ensure he gets the biggest possible check next year... I hardly blame him, except to say that I believe he'd have gotten a pretty hefty check from the Broncos along the lines of what we gave Javon if he'd have stayed.

[ludo21]

Its not that he didnt want to compete per say. He just knew how Denver offense works and knew that if he wasnt #1 he wouldnt get his fat pay day next year.

[Smiling Assassin27]

How would he know he wasn't #1 unless he went to camp, competed, and lost the job fair and square? This is a slight on Shanny's character, IMO. He didn't trust Shanny to make the best wr the #1 guy and so tapped out rather than get beaten out for #2 or #3 spots.

[ClevelandBronco]

You're dreaming, Buff. There's no way this is the last Lelie thread.

The AshleyMane. All Lelie. All the time.

[BroncoBuff]

I think my memory is right here TJ .... remember the weeks before the draft. I am POSITIVE Ashley said he was holding out well BEFORE draft day and the Javon trade.

I am POSITIVE of this. In fact, Ash and Javon were working out together in Arizona when Ashley said "I won't report," or words to that effect - BEFORE the trade went down.

It all happened in Hawaii at the Pro Bowl. The only person I've seen/read who has this timeline correct is Adam Schefter. Even Legwold said "disgruntled he's #3." I'm sure he WAS disgruntled to be #3, but he was ALREADY holding out BECAUSE SHANNY WOULDN'T MAKE HIM #1 ... and yes, Assassin, he didn't trust Shanny would be fair if he showed up and competed to BE #1.


He thought Rod was "teacher's pet." He wanted #1 ... not #2. I can't believe nobody remembers it this way.

[WABronco]

I think you're probably changing history here. I doubt Lelie would have held out if he was the number two guy here. But being in a contract year, he knew that being a #3 was potentially going to hurt his chances on the open market. This was a calculated move designed to ensure he gets the biggest possible check next year... I hardly blame him, except to say that I believe he'd have gotten a pretty hefty check from the Broncos along the lines of what we gave Javon if he'd have stayed.
Thank you for being the voice of reason...

[WABronco]

I think my memory is right here TJ .... remember the weeks before the draft. I am POSITIVE Ashley said he was holding out well BEFORE draft day and the Javon trade.

I am POSITIVE of this. In fact, Ash and Javon were working out together in Arizona when Ashley said "I won't report," or words to that effect - BEFORE the trade went down.

It all happened in Hawaii at the Pro Bowl. The only person I've seen/read who has this timeline correct is Adam Schefter. Even Legwold said "disgruntled he's #3." I'm sure he WAS disgruntled to be #3, but he was ALREADY holding out BECAUSE SHANNY WOULDN'T MAKE HIM #1 ... and yes, Assassin, he didn't trust Shanny would be fair if he showed up and competed to BE #1.


He thought Rod was "teacher's pet." He wanted #1 ... not #2. I can't believe nobody remembers it this way.

...at that point, Walker was on the team.

Correction-No, Walker was not on the team during Ashley's Arizona days.

[BroncoBuff]

WABronco ?! Et tu?

Doesn't anybody remember the terrible meeting Ashley had with Shanny at the Pro Bowl? And that he skipped workouts and said he wouldn't report (I think Peter Schaffer said it too) ... come on, guys - don't make me Google it! tsk tsk

[Mile High Shack]

Lelie wouldn't of held out if he was still #2, TJ nailed it, he was going into a contract year and he knew being #3 would diminish his fair market value

[BroncoBuff]

Lelie wouldn't of held out if he was still #2, TJ nailed it, he was going into a contract year and he knew being #3 would diminish his fair market value
link?

[Mile High Shack]

link?

there is no link needed

if everyone on this board can see that and you are the only one saying we are wrong

maybe you should look at yourself then?

[WABronco]

WABronco ?! Et tu?

Doesn't anybody remember the terrible meeting Ashley had with Shanny at the Pro Bowl? And that he skipped workouts and said he wouldn't report (I think Peter Schaffer said it too) ... come on, guys - don't make me Google it! tsk tsk
I just read that article. It said was that was the last time the two spoke.

[MechanicalBull]

Lelie was going to hold out long before Walker came here. He wanted his shot at the top spot and felt Jake and Shanny only look towards Rod, and once the TO rumors started, and Walker getting traded he basically said that he himself is the number 3 wr without even trying to compete.

[DenverBrit]

I think my memory is right here TJ .... remember the weeks before the draft. I am POSITIVE Ashley said he was holding out well BEFORE draft day and the Javon trade.
I am POSITIVE of this. In fact, Ash and Javon were working out together in Arizona when Ashley said "I won't report," or words to that effect - BEFORE the trade went down.

It all happened in Hawaii at the Pro Bowl. The only person I've seen/read who has this timeline correct is Adam Schefter. Even Legwold said "disgruntled he's #3." I'm sure he WAS disgruntled to be #3, but he was ALREADY holding out BECAUSE SHANNY WOULDN'T MAKE HIM #1 ... and yes, Assassin, he didn't trust Shanny would be fair if he showed up and competed to BE #1.


He thought Rod was "teacher's pet." He wanted #1 ... not #2. I can't believe nobody remembers it this way.

My memory is not the best, but I am certain that the holdout talk started when the Broncos showed interest in TO.
An indication to Lilly that Denver had little faith in him as a #2 receiver and was in fact about to become #3.

Instead of coming in and showing what that he belonged, he came up with the 'I wanna be number one' rant.
Though as Shanny has said, that idea probably didn't originate whith Lilly, but with some clown (agent) looking at his contract opportunities as a FA next year.

[Arkansas Bronco]

there is no link needed

if everyone on this board can see that and you are the only one saying we are wrong

maybe you should look at yourself then?
That is the main point and the fact that his feelings got hurt. I think he will be the #2 in Atl. soon but he will never be a #1, well if he ever does become a #1 then that is one weak WR unit he is on.

[BroncoBuff]

Lelie was going to hold out long before Walker came here. He wanted his shot at the top spot and felt Jake and Shanny only look towards Rod, and once the TO rumors started, and Walker getting traded he basically said that he himself is the number 3 wr without even trying to compete.
FINALLY! Guess I'm not the only one, Shack!


Thanks, mech - your post is PERFECT! ^5

[Mediator12]

This has NOTHING to do with Shanahan's character and everything to do with the Staff realizing that Lelie was not going to become the player Lelie already thought he was. This long term planning for replacing Rod Smith did not sit well with Lelie as he has never faced a lick of competition for his Spot. He may have well been the number 2 guy for several more years, but he did NOT want to earn it.

Here is the timeline: They persued TO in the offseason and that was when Ashlie got the first of much bad advice to threaten a holdout if he did not become the #1 WR. Then, when Denver got Walker he made mistake number 2 and actually tried the holdout WITHOUT realising the heftier 14k fines that went into the new CBA.

[watermock]

We go to the 3 WR set 40 percent of the time and he thinks he's being slighted? That would of given Ms. Lilly plenty of opportunity. Even more amusing is how ESPN is talking about when your draft, to take into accound players in a contract year, they they will fight harder than ever. Lelie folded and good riddance. He was only a heartbeat away and still would of been in on 40% of the plays. Basically, that means about 80% of the obvious passing situations. Not only that, but he wouldn't of been double teamed like Rod Smith. The article is garbage. He was stirring his straw into scotch on the rocks as early as last year AFTER A WIN while other players felt good for the victory. Ms. Lilly can take his self persecution complex to Atlanta where Dan Reeves would of saved us a hell of alot of trouble. It's ironic that one turd he layed in Denver with Maddox gave him papers, drafting Duckett over Leliie was the one that earned him another ticket out of the NFL.

Reeves takes Lelie, We take Walker or Ed Reed. The universe has been restored to it's natural order.

[BroncoBuff]

Mediator and Arkansas Bronco are also RIGHT ON!

I had left out the TO element ... that AND the sour Shanny meeting at the Pro Bowl started the whole thing. Plus I agree he didn't think Plummer's deep ball was accurate enough to show off his skills.

I disagree that he wanted to make a "contract year salary drive" though. He always said it wasn't about money - and he proved it by holding out.

[watermock]

Don't belive the healess talking necks. Ms. Lilly was unhappy even last season. Do you honestly think we would of taken 4 pass catchers in the draft, Walker, Scheff, Marshall, Hixon if he was in good standing?

I have said this a million time...Lelie was upset well before the draft.

[watermock]

When Vick is scattering passes all over the field and Rocket Man is firing laser beams we will see who has the last laugh.

[BroncoInferno]

I think you're probably changing history here. I doubt Lelie would have held out if he was the number two guy here. But being in a contract year, he knew that being a #3 was potentially going to hurt his chances on the open market. This was a calculated move designed to ensure he gets the biggest possible check next year... I hardly blame him, except to say that I believe he'd have gotten a pretty hefty check from the Broncos along the lines of what we gave Javon if he'd have stayed.

What had he ever done in his career to make you think he would merit the sort of contract Javon got (or, I should say, will likely get assuming we exercise his option after this season)?

Besides, Buff is right. Lelie asked for the trade BEFORE we aquired Walker.

[BroncoBuff]

...at that point, Walker was on the team.

Correction-No, Walker was not on the team during Ashley's Arizona days.
Thank you for the correction.

It was during those Arizona days - when Ashley skipped team workouts, that he and Schaffer (or maybe his former agent?) first stated he wouldn't report.

[BroncoBuff]

Besides, Buff is right. Lelie asked for the trade BEFORE we aquired Walker.
Yet ANOTHER voice of reason .... ^5



I think part of the reason people mess up the timeline is: When Ashley first skipped workouts and said/implie he wouldn't report, most of us thought he was just bluffing and ignored it. But he made good on those first claims/promises ... the ones he made to Shanny during Pro Bowl week, and to anyone listening during his AZ workouts (he was working out WITH Javon remember - before the draft!)

[Taco John]

For my part, I don't care what anyone believes about Ashley's motives or how we NEED to remember how this went down. It's done and he's with another team now. Rehashing and changing history so that he's remembered as the worst guy we can possibly remember him by does nothing for us moving into the future.

[MechanicalBull]

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nfl/article/0,2777,DRMN_23918_4663949,00.html

Moves give Lelie emotion sickness
No. 3 receiver sounds off after Walker is acquired
STORY TOOLS
Email this story | Print


By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
May 1, 2006
Mike Shanahan maintained during draft weekend he would be shocked if Ashley Lelie wasn't part of the Denver Broncos this season, even after Pro Bowl receiver Javon Walker was acquired in a trade.
That big surprise is perhaps closer than the Broncos coach believes.

Lelie, who is sitting out the team's off-season conditioning program because of his desire to be traded to a team that would allow him to compete as the No. 1 receiver, has much different plans. They include him possibly staying away until deep into the regular season.

The fourth-year pro watched during draft weekend as his primary goal to compete for a No. 1 receiving job slipped further away.

The Broncos were asking for a second-round pick for Lelie but kept him.

Then, after acquiring Walker, the Broncos put the former Green Bay Packers player on the verge of a rich, six-year contract.

That has locked Lelie into what he now believes is an untenable position as the team's third receiver. Nothing more. Nothing less.

And given Lelie's belief in himself, it's something he can't stand for.

"I don't believe I'm a third wideout. I can't believe that. I'm not going to believe that until I physically prove that on the field evenly and fairly on the field," said Lelie, who Sunday made his first public comments of the off-season. "But now I don't have that chance here."

Lelie stressed it isn't about being afraid of competition. His beef is the playing field no longer is fair, given the multimillion-deal Walker is close to signing, one that could include as much as $10 million in guarantees.

If Walker were playing out the final year of his contract, which he would have if a new contract had not been negotiated after the Broncos obtained him Saturday for a second-round pick, Lelie said he would feel he was getting a fairer shake.

But that's not the case.

"He's got all this money up front and got a big contract, and you really think they gave him all that just to put him on the bench?" Lelie said.

Lelie compared it to bringing in Champ Bailey last year and telling the other cornerbacks his job was up for grabs.

"I'm the No. 3 receiver, no matter what they say about coming in to compete," he said.

Lelie, the Broncos' first-round pick in 2002, still wants to be traded and given the chance to prove he can be a No. 1 receiver. But he also doubts a move will be made with the draft completed.

"If I have to sit out this whole year and become a free agent next year, then sign a one-year deal to prove myself to somebody else to be a No. 1, I will," he said, knowing he has to report by Week 10 to gain free agency.

Asked how the situation ultimately will play out, Lelie remained unsure but said he was "prepared for the worst, and the worst is me sitting out the whole year."

Lelie has been working out in Phoenix, alongside Walker.

Shanahan's media availability ended before Lelie made his comments, and general manager Ted

Sundquist did not return a call.

The Broncos gave Lelie's agent permission to find a suitable trade partner, and it has been reported to Lelie - though he said he couldn't confirm the story - that the team turned down a third-round offer last weekend.

And while the Broncos were "fair" for letting his agent shop, it's Lelie's contention that sticking to a second-round choice "if they knew I was going to be a third receiver anyway" wasn't on the up-and-up.

Worse, with Walker still recovering from a torn right anterior cruciate ligament, Lelie envisions a scenario in which he is with the starters during training camp only for the Broncos to hold a spot for Walker until he's completely ready to resume full training-camp activity.

That thought only made him stew more.

Another factor in Lelie going public is he believes that acquiring Walker is a sign of no confidence.

"To go out and shop and get another big-time receiver, it pushes all the blame on me, that I'm the one not producing, and that it's not the offense and system," he said.

Lelie has been one of the league's premier deep threats for the past two seasons but often has drawn criticism for his lack of consistent involvement in the offense. But Lelie, who caught 42 passes for 770 yards last season, sees the run-oriented scheme and the inconsistent number of times he has been a target as a factor in keeping his statistics down just as much as his play.

It's why he asked for the opportunity to prove himself as a No. 1 receiver in the first place.

"It's the way they run the offense. I know that and the Broncos know that," he said. "They know that's why my numbers aren't gaudy like a lot of other receivers and why I don't have 12 or 14 touchdowns."

Lelie has had only one season with more than two touchdowns (seven in 2004) and has 12 in his career. And it's doubtful NFL personnel executives are basing his performance solely on numbers.

But former Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, now coach of the Houston Texans, said in February that Lelie probably has a 100-catch season in him sometime during his career.

Lelie wanted to make it clear his issues have nothing to do with money, only opportunity.

"I'm not going to be the best receiver that ever played as somebody's backup or sitting on the bench," he said, stating his mind-set since he walked on at the University of Hawaii. "I'd rather go out and compete and lose out fairly then lose out this way."



rasizerl@RockyMountainNews.com

[watermock]

Lelie DID work out with Walker in Arizona. It was reported more than once in the papers. This isn't revisionst history. It's the truth. He was also was unhappy well before the draft.

I read the post wrong. Yes, they worked out together, yes, his sulking is why we got 4 pass catchers in the draft. Yes, Walker seeded his ear with something...This was well before Walker was traded. I think Walker got in his head honestly. We gotta watch that guy. He did hypnosis on Lelie or something. How else can you explain his immature behavior?

It was on ESPN how you want to draft players in a contract year. Lelie holds out in a contract year. I'm still baffled. I'm just glad it's over and the dust will settle eventually. Thank God Thank God, the Warlock is dead. In two years he's going to be seeing Rocket Man throwing 40 yard strikes on a rope in stride. It's so ironic.

[BroncoInferno]

For my part, I don't care what anyone believes about Ashley's motives or how we NEED to remember how this went down. It's done and he's with another team now. Rehashing and changing history so that he's remembered as the worst guy we can possibly remember him by does nothing for us moving into the future.

LOL Dude, who is changing history? It is a fact that he requested a trade before we landed Walker. Remember all the specualtion about where he might land going into the weekend? There is no changing of history here.

And I'd still like to know why you think Lelie "probably" would have been given a contract along the lines of what Walker got? If Walker's option is exercised, it will pay him elite money. Lelie has earned nothing more at this point than middling type of contract. I have no idea where you got this idea?

[BroncoBuff]

Thank you MECHANICALBULL!!

TJ, it's important imo because people will look back and blame Shanny if Ashley does well elesewhere, and they'll say "Shanny traded for Walker, and demoted Ashley to #3, that's why Ashley DEMANDED to be traded."

I know history is fickle, but 90% of what we do on this board is evaluate moves that were made last year, the yaer before, etc... etc ... Darryl Gardener, Gerard Warren, Toviessi, Deltha, Dale Carter, on and on and on ... so I just want us to GET IT STRAIGHT .... for future generations ;D

[Taco John]

LOL Dude, who is changing history? It is a fact that he requested a trade before we landed Walker. Remember all the specualtion about where he might land going into the weekend? There is no changing of history here.


I know when he requested the trade, because I was the first person to report on it on a tip I received from someone close to Lelie. I also know that several of the scenarios being concocted in this thread completely ignore the most important thing here: MONEY. Oh yeah, some are actually duped by his comment that it's not about the money, but about opportunity... Yeah: the opportunity to MAKE MONEY. The guy is in a contract year. Of course money factors in.


And I'd still like to know why you think Lelie "probably" would have been given a contract along the lines of what Walker got? If Walker's option is exercised, it will pay him elite money. Lelie has earned nothing more at this point than middling type of contract. I have no idea where you got this idea?


Just the way the Broncos do contracts. The Broncos have always been good about taking care of their own. I don't know why you believe that it's so unplausible that Lelie would be given an offer that says "perform like a number one, get paid like a number one."

[ludo21]

"I'd rather go out and compete and lose out fairly then lose out this way."


What way? he never competed? lol still makes no sense to me..

[DeusExManning]

BroncoBuff is right, remember, Ashley did not report to OTA and we knew this was happening and that was before the draft. Javon's deal had not gone down yet. It was talk of us going after TO that bothered him.

[BroncoInferno]

I know when he requested the trade, because I was the first person to report on it on a tip I received from someone close to Lelie. I also know that several of the scenarios being concocted in this thread completely ignore the most important thing here: MONEY. Oh yeah, some are actually duped by his comment that it's not about the money, but about opportunity... Yeah: the opportunity to MAKE MONEY. The guy is in a contract year. Of course money factors in.

I think money was involved, sure. Not sure I see your point, though? It certainly doesn't make Lelie look any better.

Just the way the Broncos do contracts.

The Broncos give elite level contracts to guys who have never played anywhere near an elite level? News to me.

The Broncos have always been good about taking care of their own. I don't know why you believe that it's so unplausible that Lelie would be given an offer that says "perform like a number one, get paid like a number one."

So, you think Lelie would have performed like a #1 WR this season? You did say he "probably" would have gotten a contract similar to Javon's. I'm not sure how else to interpret that. I'm also not sure why you think it was probable that his performance this season would earn him that type of deal when he's never performed at that level before?

[MechanicalBull]

I know when he requested the trade, because I was the first person to report on it on a tip I received from someone close to Lelie. I also know that several of the scenarios being concocted in this thread completely ignore the most important thing here: MONEY. Oh yeah, some are actually duped by his comment that it's not about the money, but about opportunity... Yeah: the opportunity to MAKE MONEY. The guy is in a contract year. Of course money factors in.



I agree, 99.99% of professional athletes play for money and not just the love of the game. Eventhough he said it's not about money and it's about guys being handed spots, He sure as heck knows that if he is the number three guy that means he won't be on the field as much and he won't get the ball thrown as much as others during his contract year. He wants to go out and put up good numbers so he can get paid and he feels like his situation in Denver was not giving him the best opportunity to do so.

[watermock]

That has locked Lelie into what he now believes is an untenable position as the team's third receiver. Nothing more. Nothing less.


Let me get this right. We have a 36 year old starter in Rod Smith. We go into a 3 WR formation 40% of the time. We have a young gun who can hurl the ball 40 yards off his back foot on a rope. His competition is an old man, a cripple and he can't even show up to compet in a contract year"

What a ****ing idiot and good riddance.

[Taco John]

The Broncos give elite level contracts to guys who have never played anywhere near an elite level? News to me.





http://mas.scripps.com/DRMN/2006/01/15/011406b6_o.jpg

[Mile High Shack]

http://mas.scripps.com/DRMN/2006/01/15/011406b6_o.jpg

what about Mr. Nitro in my Veins? IHOP?

[watermock]

That's BS Taco. The club is very willing to talk extention in the LAST YEAR of a contract. That argument is a leaky barrel, it holds no water. If money was the real issue, he would of excelled in singel coverage as the second or third. Jesus, he was fighting off an old man and a cripple for christ sake...don't even tell me he didn't have a shot to start. They are going to be spelling Walker at times till mid season. But it's all Plummers fault right T.J.

I will take it "easy" on you as your probably nervous as a cat right now.

[BroncoInferno]

http://mas.scripps.com/DRMN/2006/01/15/011406b6_o.jpg

Ian has played much better at his position than Lelie ever has at his. His performance last season justified the contract he received. We know you don't like Gold; fortunately, Shanny and Sundquist are much better talent evaluators than you.

[Taco John]

I will take it "easy" on you


Hilarious!

[BroncoInferno]

what about Mr. Nitro in my Veins? IHOP?

IHOP had played at a Pro Bowl level in the past and was coming off such a season with Washington. Plus, he plays at a premium position where you pretty much have no choice but overpay if you want to land a guy.

[watermock]

I don't endorse anything about the over payment of players. There is nothing I can do. No they shouldn't make more than a couple million a year, what are you going to do about it. We all know it's rediculous to give 700k a game to Manning and others. That's the way it is. Just be prepared to play more for anything that supports the NFL. Advertising is vastly overrated by Ad agencies who only want to generate accounts. Bud is 10 dollars a 12 pack or more. It's just beer...beer man...

[Taco John]

Ian has played much better at his position than Lelie ever has at his. His performance last season justified the contract he received. We know you don't like Gold; fortunately, Shanny and Sundquist are much better talent evaluators than you.


Yeah. The point is, he got the contract BEFORE he performed to it. You asked, I answered. Now you're trying to back peddle.

Your arguing a point that we'll never know the answer to anyway, so I don't know what the point is here. I think Shanahan would have given Lelie adequate financial incentive to stick around and be a part of the offense for years to come if he'd have just stuck it out. You apparently dont. There's no way to prove either of our points, except to look at history and guess.

[BroncoInferno]

Yeah. The point is, he got the contract BEFORE he performed to it. You asked, I answered. Now you're trying to back peddle.

Wrong again. Ian had 100 tackles 6.5 sacks and was a standout on special teams in '02 before the injury. So, he already had season under his belt suggesting that he was worth such a deal, and his abilities on ST added to his value.

Your arguing a point that we'll never know the answer to anyway, so I don't know what the point is here. I think Shanahan would have given Lelie adequate financial incentive to stick around and be a part of the offense for years to come if he'd have just stuck it out. You apparently dont. There's no way to prove either of our points, except to look at history and guess.

I guess he might have offered Lelie an incentive laden deal, but I doubt he would have accepted with the presense of Walker (and Smith for limited time), to say nothing of the threat from talented youngsters like Marshall and Watts (and Scheffler to the extent that he would be competing with him for touches).

[BroncoFiend]

How would he know he wasn't #1 unless he went to camp, competed, and lost the job fair and square? This is a slight on Shanny's character, IMO. He didn't trust Shanny to make the best wr the #1 guy and so tapped out rather than get beaten out for #2 or #3 spots.

The funny part is, Shanny of all coaches has proven time and again that he couldn't care less about seniority, the best man wins..plain and simple.

I think the real root of the problem was Ashlie felt the Bronco offense wouldn't give a vertical player like him enough looks to breakout and get his payday. He'll get that in Atlanta.

[Atlas]

Just the way the Broncos do contracts. The Broncos have always been good about taking care of their own. I don't know why you believe that it's so unplausible that Lelie would be given an offer that says "perform like a number one, get paid like a number one."

Sometimes..... I for one think they treated Mike Anderson like crap. Not only when they cut him this year but all the other times he had to take a pay cut, move to FB ect. ect. ect.

They are good business people. They take care of who they want to take care of.

Shanahan isn't loyal to average or fringe players. He is only loyal when it suits his purpose.

That's one of the reasons why he runs one of the best organizations in the league. Don't let sentiment get in the way of business.
Nobody can ever say that's one of Shanny's faults!!!! Of course maybe he does. That would explain why Nate Jackson is going to make the roster this year.

[Watchthemiddle]

So is Lelie going to holdout in Atlanta now...because he WILL be the #3 guy there. Not too mention, they run the ball as much as we do and were the only team to have more yards then us.

Its funny how Crylie ended up in an identical if not worse situation in Atl because he had a QB throwing him the ball here in Plummer and now he has a running back throwing him the ball who primarily looks at Crumpler to dump it off too.

Crylie made his bed now he has to sleep in it.

!Booya!

[Killericon]

... I don't want to hear that kinda crap for the next 5 years!!!


Too bad, cause you're going to hear it. Over, and over again.

Trust me, this is NOT the last Lelie thread.

[Popps]

For my part, I don't care what anyone believes about Ashley's motives or how we NEED to remember how this went down. It's done and he's with another team now. Rehashing and changing history so that he's remembered as the worst guy we can possibly remember him by does nothing for us moving into the future.

He's not the worst guy... just a schmuck.

A schmuck that plays for another team, now.

What a joy to wash our hands of this mess.

[watermock]

Yeah. The point is, he got the contract BEFORE he performed to it. You asked, I answered. Now you're trying to back peddle.

Your arguing a point that we'll never know the answer to anyway, so I don't know what the point is here. I think Shanahan would have given Lelie adequate financial incentive to stick around and be a part of the offense for years to come if he'd have just stuck it out. You apparently dont. There's no way to prove either of our points, except to look at history and guess.

Except for the 1.1 million dollar cattle prod we stuck up his ass on the way out the door!

We allready took 100k for him missing offseason workouts. Call it 1.2. His fines are cut in stone.

He will lose a minimum of half a million. AFTER TAXES.

If Shanahan holds his feet to the fire, he's going to owe about 1.5 millioon, much to the IRS. It's comical and sad at the same time. We have a QB in the wings that can throw it on a rope 40 yards, probably loft it for 60.

[watermock]

He's not the worst guy... just a schmuck.

A schmuck that plays for another team, now.

What a joy to wash our hands of this mess.

Lelie reminds me of Tiger Woods...scared of the competition. NOT!

I am more than happy to let the Lelie saga drift into a bad dream, but damm, what a dickhead. All he had to do was play out his last year. I think he has issues well beyond his starting status.