everyone screamed "DRAFT DL"...

[crush17]

...and we did.
Everyone kept saying "we better draft only DL" blah blah blah... look what you got?

There should be no b1tching ANYWHERE about this draft.

Character concerns? Yeah ok, we'll see what happens. That's all anyone can do right now.

I've heard the same regurgitated crap for months now about the draft, now we have to listen to the naysayers b1tch for months about how we handled it.

It's enough to make me *almost* never pay attention to the draft again.
lol

/vent

[Rohirrim]

Yeah, but I said "ALL DL." Look what they did! They drafted a OT. Not only that, an OT that will probably end up an OG. Not only that. He's from Notre Dame. Ruined the whole thing for me.

[Kaylore]

You know I'm really feeling better about this. None of these guys have any kind of criminal record. They didn't hurt anyone but themselves and they seem to be on the right track. A lot of picks bust anyway so with that area saturated we should be able to have one or two pan out and upgrade our team.

[Los Broncos]

People will complain either way.

[Beantown Bronco]

...and we did.
Everyone kept saying "we better draft only DL" blah blah blah... look what you got?

There should be no b1tching ANYWHERE about this draft.

Character concerns? Yeah ok, we'll see what happens. That's all anyone can do right now.

I've heard the same regurgitated crap for months now about the draft, now we have to listen to the naysayers b1tch for months about how we handled it.

It's enough to make me *almost* never pay attention to the draft again.
lol

/vent

So what if people like that DL was the focus, but just didn't like the actual players selected? They are not allowed to bitch about it now because you said so? I am not part of that camp, but I can understand why people might not love one or two of the individuals chosen.

And as far as people panning the draft around here, I'm not seeing very much of that at all. You're never going to please everybody, but this is nothing compared to the meltdowns after some recent drafts.

Just try to picture what it would be like around here if they traded up to take Ginn....and we were all now dealing with the news that he might not be 100% in time for training camp. Now THAT would be something.

[Dutch]

Great Post. I'm with you Kaylore. I'll bet these four are with us for a long time.

[Kaylore]

In Jarvis Moss' press conference to the Denver media, Moss confirmed what he said earlier about Marcus Thomas saying "There is no question he was the best football player on our team." :strong:

[Triplelefthook]

Agreed crush. I was one of the people screaming to go heavy on DL this draft (also wanted Jenkins) and that;s exactly what happened. I am not so sure about the trades we made to get the people... but that is why i am not an NFL GM or Head Coach (one of many reasons). We got two excellent picks for DE and imo we got a STEAL for DT in the 4th round. i am very pleased with this draft.

[crush17]

So what if people like that DL was the focus, but just didn't like the actual players selected? They are not allowed to b**** about it now because you said so? I am not part of that camp, but I can understand why people might not love one or two of the individuals chosen.

And as far as people panning the draft around here, I'm not seeing very much of that at all. You're never going to please everybody, but this is nothing compared to the meltdowns after some recent drafts.

Just try to picture what it would be like around here if they traded up to take Ginn....and we were all now dealing with the news that he might not be 100% in time for training camp. Now THAT would be something.


did you notice the "/vent" at the end of my post?
I'm just venting about what I've seen here and all over the web about our draft picks.

[telluride]

But Dr. Z doesn't like our draft!

[Bob]

I am very happy with the draft -- we will see how fast they can contribute...

[Barry Ramey]

I'm happy they went DL. I thought if they went DL, which was no guarantee since some like me have screamed for it for a few years, they'd pull the usual reach for someone and not take it serious. They took it serious this year and I'm happy about it. Hopefully all three DL pan out, but just making the effort makes me giddy.

[ØrangeÇrush]

But Dr. Z doesn't like our draft!

Which instantly made me feel a little better about our draft.

[broncosteven]

Anyone remember the last time we took 2 DL guys in the draft?

One was Nick Eason who ran away like the 2nd day after TC.

I just found that rememberance funny.

I do like to see Front office filling the trenches though.

[Jens1893]

But Dr. Z doesn't like our draft!

The senile old man doesn´t like ANYTHING about the Broncos.

[azbroncfan]

Won't here me complaining and I'm happy as hell the DL was addresses after straight up being ignored for past few years.

[cmhargrove]

Agreed crush. I was one of the people screaming to go heavy on DL this draft (also wanted Jenkins) and that;s exactly what happened. I am not so sure about the trades we made to get the people... but that is why i am not an NFL GM or Head Coach (one of many reasons). We got two excellent picks for DE and imo we got a STEAL for DT in the 4th round. i am very pleased with this draft.

I agree, I think we were behind the 8 ball on some of the trades, but Shanahan said we should be expecting fewer "needs" players rather than lots of picks. Sometimes you find something special in the lower rounds, but things went as billed by the Broncos brass.

Gotta wait till freakin July to see these guys play...

[yerner]

See, I love the draft. Think its about as good as we could have done with our limited number of picks.

[Hotrod]

Personally I love this draft.

[Garcia Bronco]

I am happy with our draft. Crowder is my favorite with Moss a close second.

[Dedhed]

You know I'm really feeling better about this. None of these guys have any kind of criminal record. They didn't hurt anyone but themselves and they seem to be on the right track. A lot of picks bust anyway so with that area saturated we should be able to have one or two pan out and upgrade our team.

I think that's an extremely important distinction. There's a difference between getting in trouble with the team, and having run-ins with the law.

[U GOT JACKED UP]

I think people that aren't happy with who we selected will be really surprised at what we do on the defensive line this year. Out of all our picks I think Marcus Thomas has the best chance to start right away.

I've been looking around at different so called "experts" grading the draft and they haven't given us a very good grade. Now I believe you got to see the players play before you judge how well the draft turned out.

I think Tim Crowder has a better shot at starting right away over Moss just because of his size. I really liked the draft and believe that we can put some serious pressure on the qb.

[CBF1]

I couldn't any happier than I am today about what we did in the draft. 4 players in the trenches.... perfect for what our most pressing needs were.

[Cool Breeze]

But Dr. Z doesn't like our draft!

Dr. ZZZ can bite me.
I think his wife ran off with someone from Denver - he never likes us.

[RkyMtnThunder]

I take pride in my job, work hard at the office, work hard at home. Keep my nose clean and dont get in any trouble with the exception of a traffic ticket here and there.

I am 420 friendly.


I suppose that makes me a 'character risk' too?



Looking at our 2 guys from FLA. I dont see any 'risk' at all. I especially looked long and hard at the DT and my conclusion is he was victimized by his coach and made an example of. Sure, he violated team rules and paid the price - I dont have much issue with any of it. I think it was pretty well overblown. But I can see why it was done (to set a tone for the program as a whole - follow the rules or else, we dont care who you are)

I do have issue with people who act like the kid was a criminal or a thug or something.

He has had 16 clean tests since he got in trouble. So far so good - give it a rest people.

And as far as Moss goes - one bad test and he is a 'risk'?

Whatever


All this is showing is that occasional marijuana use in America is far more widespread than some people may have realized. Its pretty much a non-issue to me.

Whats most important is we have some promising players to beef up our Dline and pass rush

complaining about that (who we picked) is stupid - cause we got what we wanted and needed.

[Crushaholic]

Imagine if we were Dullfin fans and dealing with Ginn as the first pick (passing up Brady Quinn). I think we did alright. It would have taken a lot to equal the impact last year's draft had.

[Dudeskey]

But Dr. Z doesn't like our draft!

**** Dr. Z

[crush17]

well said RckyMtnThunder.

agreed 100%

[enjolras]

Imagine if we were Dullfin fans and dealing with Ginn as the first pick (passing up Brady Quinn).

Didn't the Lions..yet again.. go WR this year as well?

[brother love]

We got three D-lineman with high motors, something this defense has been lacking.Plus we got a sound offensive lineman who will only get better.
This was a great draft.

[Rohirrim]

Didn't the Lion..yet again.. go WR this year as well?

Yeah, but who can blame them?

[RocBronc]

I'm very happy with the position of the players we chose to draft but who we drafted when is what I (and others) have a problem with.

[Odysseus]

Won't here me complaining and I'm happy as hell the DL was addresses after straight up being ignored for past few years.

4 first day picks? 3 high impact picks on the DL.

I could not be happier. You guys are underestimating Moss. Once he gets things sorted out he's going to be a machine.

Crowder is big, ready and mature. A very nice compliment for Moss and someone who will push Moss since they have competed before.

All the conditions we will have on Marcus. The amount of work he's going to have to do to restore his real perceived value, the amount of money the Broncos saved stealing him in the fourth and the real upside of this player.

Harris can play guard or tackle? Wow. My dream come true.

[TheDave]

As of now i'm as happy as can be... BUT, i have the right to change my mind and go O4L the moment any problems arise :)

[BroncoSoja]

Personally I love this draft.


As do I.. Im starting to even like the Harris pick, after I found out that he playe all last year with a bad back. Hopefully he recovers and begans to show what made people think he was a future first rounder when he was a Junior.

Oh and BTW we have the making of a Dominate Defense come 07.. Thomas will be a freaking beast on the inside.

[R8R H8R]

But Dr. Z doesn't like our draft!

Neither does Floyd Reese, the former Titans GM. I just saw him on NFL Live and he mentioned the Broncos as one of the drafts losers. He didn't mention talent or needs fulfilled, he just lumped both Moss and Thomas together and cited "character issues".

This is coming from the same guy that drafted Pacman and Lendale White. That is why he is the former GM.

On the other hand, I heard Salisbury compliment the Broncos this weekend for taking Moss and Thomas. Actually, that is the one thing that makes me a little nervous about this draft. ;)

[HorseHead]

Dr.Z is a hump. Chr-st, the draft is two days old, and everybody takes a dookie on us....

[Barry Ramey]

Neither does Floyd Reese, the former Titans GM. I just saw him on NFL Live and he mentioned the Broncos as one of the drafts losers. He didn't mention talent or needs fulfilled, he just lumped both Moss and Thomas together and cited "character issues".

This is coming from the same guy that drafted Pacman and Lendale White. That is why he is the former GM.

On the other hand, I heard Salisbury compliment the Broncos this weekend for taking Moss and Thomas. Actually, that is the one thing that makes me a little nervous about this draft. ;)

Also wasn't Reese there in Tennessee when they traded for Travis Henry, who at the time had "character issues" as well at the time? And weren't there questions about Chris Brown, whom they drafted as well?

[Odysseus]

As of now i'm as happy as can be... BUT, i have the right to change my mind and go O4L the moment any problems arise :)

We should have a few practice meltdowns just so we can make sure we are ready for the regular season. :rofl:

[broncosteven]

Neither does Floyd Reese, the former Titans GM. I just saw him on NFL Live and he mentioned the Broncos as one of the drafts losers. He didn't mention talent or needs fulfilled, he just lumped both Moss and Thomas together and cited "character issues".

This is coming from the same guy that drafted Pacman and Lendale White. That is why he is the former GM.

On the other hand, I heard Salisbury compliment the Broncos this weekend for taking Moss and Thomas. Actually, that is the one thing that makes me a little nervous about this draft. ;)

Steak has been better of late. Might be because he is on Radio & TV running around like a Meth head & some of the **** he throws actually sticks to the wall.

I did find it funny that his radio show has been replaced in Chicago for at least this week. Not sure if it got cut or they are on vacation.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Well on the character issue I dont want a D-Lineman that acts like Mother Teressa I want my guys with a bit of a mean streak so this bothers me none. Only think I am not a big fan of is 250lb DE's but as much as everyone is building him up and with Bates their I have to accept that it was the proper call. Heck he is a Bronco now (well will be) so I have to like the guy.

[Barry Ramey]

I'm sorry, but I just see how a guy who has a penchant for smoking pot is someone with "character issues." Neither Moss or Thomas hurt anyone else that I know of in their deeds but themselves. Nor have they ever been arrested for anything or spent time on police blotters that I'm aware of either. I've never done drugs of any kind in my life, but I can't see how bad character and smoking pot go together, at least in these cases. If either one had been arrested for something and hurt others, ok, you got a great case.

[Atlas]

Anyone remember the last time we took 2 DL guys in the draft?

One was Nick Eason who ran away like the 2nd day after TC.

I just found that rememberance funny.

I do like to see Front office filling the trenches though.

Eason is playing for the Browns now. Ironic???

[goldengopher1976]

Drafting for and taking care of our problems on the DL will have positive ramifications throughout our defense. Our LB corps won't have to be all-world now, because there will be a space-eater in front of them. Our DB won't have to cover for a long time on almost every passing down now because we'll have edge rushers collapsing the pocket and providing pressure. By focusing on the DL, we help address the ills of the entire defense.


Three cheers for our draft.

[R8R H8R]

Also wasn't Reese there in Tennessee when they traded for Travis Henry, who at the time had "character issues" as well at the time? And weren't there questions about Chris Brown, whom they drafted as well?

Yes, Reese was the titan GM for 13 seasons. He has to take responsibility for the extremely poor personnel decisions the last 5 years or so. I like Jeff Fisher as a coach, but he gets a bum rap for Reese's flubs over the years.

[OrangeShadow]

personally i loved this draft. I think moss could get double digit sacks in this system crowder has potential and i think thomas could be a steal at a 4th rounder.

[R8R H8R]

Drafting for and taking care of our problems on the DL will have positive ramifications throughout our defense. Our LB corps won't have to be all-world now, because there will be a space-eater in front of them. Our DB won't have to cover for a long time on almost every passing down now because we'll have edge rushers collapsing the pocket and providing pressure. By focusing on the DL, we help address the ills of the entire defense.


Three cheers for our draft.

:bronxrox: :blowhorn: :yayaya:

Yea, I agree. I think we took care of our DL, LB, & safety needs all in one swoop. A dominate DL makes everyone behind them better.

[Bladerunner]

I'm sorry, but I just see how a guy who has a penchant for smoking pot is someone with "character issues." Neither Moss or Thomas hurt anyone else that I know of in their deeds but themselves. Nor have they ever been arrested for anything or spent time on police blotters that I'm aware of either. I've never done drugs of any kind in my life, but I can't see how bad character and smoking pot go together, at least in these cases. If either one had been arrested for something and hurt others, ok, you got a great case.

I understand what you and RckyMtnThunder are saying, but the issue isn't about pot. The issue is about authority and rules. The risk involved in taking these players isn't in the potential that they are horrible people that terrorize the city of Denver, it is in the potential for them to continue their disregard for the rules and the authority of coaches and (NCAA) league management. This is particularly pertainent now, since the new commisioner has demonstrated a willingness to impose strong punishmnet for players that have problems and has iterated his authority to punish teams as a warning shot against condoning inappropriate behavior. The risk is in the possibility that one or more of these guys lapses into past behavior and is suspended for a long period or has to be cut. BOOM wasted pick ala Clarett.

I don't have a real peave with pot smokers per se, but I do have a problem with a Broncos player that feels he can disregard the rules at his leisure and who is unwilling to make the requisite sacrifices to be a valuable contributor to a team.

So in a sense I agree with you, because smoking marijuana probably isn't an indicator of poor character. An entitled attitude that feels no compulsion to adhere to the rules and do what is required to be a contributor to the football team is though, and that is where the risk in drafting known banned substance offenders exists.

[That One Guy]

My only issue with the draft at all is that I've read that Thomas was actually strongly disliked by his teammates. I can deal with a guy that makes a mistake occasionally, you can learn from your mistakes... it's hard to learn how not to be a cancer.

Beyond that, I also wonder what the intention is in regards to his weight. Maybe they'll try to bulk him up some? When I read that Bates likes fatties... I picture a 330#+ fellow out there, not barely 300 lb Thomas.

[NYBronco]

I feel better about our draft picks and the problems mentioned (at least for now) then had we traded for Randy Moss.

[RkyMtnThunder]

I understand what you and RckyMtnThunder are saying, but the issue isn't about pot. The issue is about authority and rules. The risk involved in taking these players isn't in the potential that they are horrible people that terrorize the city of Denver, it is in the potential for them to continue their disregard for the rules and the authority of coaches and (NCAA) league management. This is particularly pertainent now, since the new commisioner has demonstrated a willingness to impose strong punishmnet for players that have problems and has iterated his authority to punish teams as a warning shot against condoning inappropriate behavior. The risk is in the possibility that one or more of these guys lapses into past behavior and is suspended for a long period or has to be cut. BOOM wasted pick ala Clarett.

I don't have a real peave with pot smokers per se, but I do have a problem with a Broncos player that feels he can disregard the rules at his leisure and who is unwilling to make the requisite sacrifices to be a valuable contributor to a team.

So in a sense I agree with you, because smoking marijuana probably isn't an indicator of poor character. An entitled attitude that feels no compulsion to adhere to the rules and do what is required to be a contributor to the football team is though, and that is where the risk in drafting known banned substance offenders exists.


I hear ya on that - not following the rules, disrespect and lack of discipline in general could be an indication that kind of behavior will carry over into the NFL.

But these kids were in college specifically to play in the NFL. Its not like they went for the education, that was maybe #3 or #4 on the priority list during their college years.

I am hoping they would both take the NFL and their policies far more seriously than Florida's policies.

And at least with Thomas - who moved into his HS coach's home and had passed 16 tests since getting in trouble - I think that shows just how serious he is and how he had learned his lesson.

But I cant get too down on Thomas for not wanting to attend rehab with the toothless meth freaks when he was a college kegger toker. Thats like sending someone to the crazy house for marriage counseling.

And I cant fault a college kid for wanting to go on a Halloween road trip with his buddies either. He shouldnt have gone of course, but I just cant see that as a very serious offense. He got kicked off the team for that violation - people act as if he killed someone. He just sounds like the grounded kid who snuck out to the movies with his buddies and got in even worse trouble for doing so.

Moss failing one test - thats nothing IMO. No better/worse than Calvin Johnson other than CJ pissed clean when it mattered.

This really is more about the hot topic of 'character issues' in the NFL today than it really is about these individuals being true problem childs.

[cmhargrove]

My only issue with the draft at all is that I've read that Thomas was actually strongly disliked by his teammates. I can deal with a guy that makes a mistake occasionally, you can learn from your mistakes... it's hard to learn how not to be a cancer.

Beyond that, I also wonder what the intention is in regards to his weight. Maybe they'll try to bulk him up some? When I read that Bates likes fatties... I picture a 330#+ fellow out there, not barely 300 lb Thomas.

I have scanned the internet for articles about his team mates hating him, and haven't found it yet. Meyer talks about what a natural, charismatic leader he was and how important he was to the team. Lets remember, he was "the stuff" for three years he started before the pot happened the summer before his senior year. Maybe they hated him for hanging around the wrong crowd and potentially injuring the team. It sounds like he has already come to grips with those issues.
Moss also speaks very highly of him. Listen to the combine interview, he (Thomas) says he was in regular contact with many of his team mates on a daily basis after he was kicked off the team. He doesn't sound like a cancer to me, just a guy that screwed up pretty badly.

[footstepsfrom#27]

...and we did.
Everyone kept saying "we better draft only DL" blah blah blah... look what you got?

There should be no b1tching ANYWHERE about this draft.

Character concerns? Yeah ok, we'll see what happens. That's all anyone can do right now.

I've heard the same regurgitated crap for months now about the draft, now we have to listen to the naysayers b1tch for months about how we handled it.

It's enough to make me *almost* never pay attention to the draft again.
lol

/vent
Eh...it's called an opinion...and most of the bitchin' coming from your side, and people who think we don't dare hold anything but the party line. Don't you know 90% of those of us who didn't care for the draft will be done venting in 3 days anyway?

[Cito Pelon]

I don't have a problem with this draft. But then I never do at this point. The potential upside is there for all these picks. I will comment that the team should have a "24x7 Party Hotline" available for Moss, Thomas, Henry to call when they're thinking about partaking of the marijuana and get talked off the ledge.

However, if people want to raise hell about the picks that's fine with me. Keeps the board lively.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Lets remember, he was "the stuff" for three years he started before the pot happened the summer before his senior year.
Actually it appears that may not be true. There's an article in the Nashville City Paper Online (http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cfm?section=7&screen=news&news_id=54658) that says there's a discrepency between what he says and what his agent said. His agent claims that his first positive drug tests occured right before the first game of 2006 and the second positive test occured 24 days after than but actually resulted from the same incident. That may be true since it takes 30 days or more for pot to leave your system. However according to this story, Thomas said that he flunked his first drug test before the spring game in 2003 right after he first came to the team. Piecing this together is tough since the university won't release records and we only know what we know because somebody spoke off the record. There's also the allegation that he had a positive GHB test to so we may not know about other things as well.

Meyer's reaction to him, sending him to a 12 step counseling group, is often done for people who really don't need to be there. The first knee jerk reaction these days for students in high school is to dump them into rehab for being caught with a beer or a joint...probably the same for athletes in college. So I'm sympathetic to the position that he may not have needed to be there he had a one time incident that produced two positive tests or even two incidents close together. This of course is beside the point because he should have just done his rehab and shut up about it. IF it is true that he tested positive in 2003, that's a 3 year time differential where we don't know what happened during that time. It's possible Meyer knows things that haven't made it into the public's eye yet, which would explain why he was placed on such a stict regimen of rehab, curfews, driving restrictions, etc...bottom line; we don't know the truth, but it's not a good sign that the NFL seems to view this guy as a PacMan starter kit. I sincerely hope this is all overblown, and since Shanny has some ties down there that's a good sign that he knows what he's doing. On the other hand I've witnessed to many times over the years where Mike's turned a blind eye to potential warning signs.

I think it's time to focus on what the kid is saying now...that he's clean and ready to play...and move on. I'll just cross my fingers, knock on wood and hope for the best.

[That One Guy]

I have scanned the internet for articles about his team mates hating him, and haven't found it yet. Meyer talks about what a natural, charismatic leader he was and how important he was to the team. Lets remember, he was "the stuff" for three years he started before the pot happened the summer before his senior year. Maybe they hated him for hanging around the wrong crowd and potentially injuring the team. It sounds like he has already come to grips with those issues.
Moss also speaks very highly of him. Listen to the combine interview, he (Thomas) says he was in regular contact with many of his team mates on a daily basis after he was kicked off the team. He doesn't sound like a cancer to me, just a guy that screwed up pretty badly.

I had a hard time finding it as well, I've seen it about 3 times but it was essentially the same sentence rehashed each time. Here's one version I did find, from Fox Sports draft grades...

"Czar's breakdown: This draft reeks of desperation. They needed defensive linemen based on managing only 35 sacks last season. But the Broncos overlooked huge character issues of two Florida players, defensive end Jarvis Moss and defensive tackle Marcus Thomas, who they spent their last two picks on this year and their third-round pick next year to grab. Thomas was suspended twice by Gators head coach Urban Meyer and in the end wasn't allowed on campus for Florida's Pro Day; he was that unwelcome by his teammates."

That's what had me wondering because you wouldn't expect Moss to talk to highly of him if he were hated by his teammates.

[RkyMtnThunder]

I had a hard time finding it as well, I've seen it about 3 times but it was essentially the same sentence rehashed each time. Here's one version I did find, from Fox Sports draft grades...

"Czar's breakdown: This draft reeks of desperation. They needed defensive linemen based on managing only 35 sacks last season. But the Broncos overlooked huge character issues of two Florida players, defensive end Jarvis Moss and defensive tackle Marcus Thomas, who they spent their last two picks on this year and their third-round pick next year to grab. Thomas was suspended twice by Gators head coach Urban Meyer and in the end wasn't allowed on campus for Florida's Pro Day; he was that unwelcome by his teammates."

That's what had me wondering because you wouldn't expect Moss to talk to highly of him if he were hated by his teammates.


I thought similar - but again these kids coming into the draft have been conditioned to never have any kind of negative response about anything.

But considering they were former roommates, I would imagine they are on good terms.

[listopencil]

"Czar's breakdown: This draft reeks of desperation. They needed defensive linemen based on managing only 35 sacks last season. But the Broncos overlooked huge character issues of two Florida players, defensive end Jarvis Moss and defensive tackle Marcus Thomas, who they spent their last two picks on this year and their third-round pick next year to grab. Thomas was suspended twice by Gators head coach Urban Meyer and in the end wasn't allowed on campus for Florida's Pro Day; he was that unwelcome by his teammates."




The misunderstanding here is caused by some shoddy journalism. The author of this piece takes a fact (Thomas wasn't allowed to be present on Pro Day on the campus) and adds an opinion (Thomas wasn't allowed to be present on Pro Day on the campus because he was disliked by his teammates). The author is a hack. He/she's making up a news story. It's within the realm of possibility that Thomas' teammates both hated him and had enough influence on the college's faculty in charge that they had this done, but incredibly unlikely. What is likely, and indeed probable, is that Thomas wasn't allowed to be there for Pro Day because....drum roll...


Thomas was no longer on the team. He had been kicked off. Thomas no longer represented the Gators and might not have been a student any longer for all I know. Why would they let him be there?

[That One Guy]

The misunderstanding here is caused by some shoddy journalism. The author of this piece takes a fact (Thomas wasn't allowed to be present on Pro Day on the campus) and adds an opinion (Thomas wasn't allowed to be present on Pro Day on the campus because he was disliked by his teammates). The author is a hack. He/she's making up a news story. It's within the realm of possibility that Thomas' teammates both hated him and had enough influence on the college's faculty in charge that they had this done, but incredibly unlikely. What is likely, and indeed probable, is that Thomas wasn't allowed to be there for Pro Day because....drum roll...


Thomas was no longer on the team. He had been kicked off. Thomas no longer represented the Gators and might not have been a student any longer for all I know. Why would they let him be there?

Yeah, that makes sense. I didn't know how it worked in whether pro days were more open to anyone or if he would still be turned away for having been kicked from the team. As for the article, I don't know where he got his info and it just made me kinda question things. But like I said, I've seen that same statement almost word for word somewhere else so it may have been shoddy journalism with a touch of plagarism, who knows.

[That One Guy]

Actually it appears that may not be true. There's an article in the Nashville City Paper Online (http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cfm?section=7&screen=news&news_id=54658) that says there's a discrepency between what he says and what his agent said. His agent claims that his first positive drug tests occured right before the first game of 2006 and the second positive test occured 24 days after than but actually resulted from the same incident. That may be true since it takes 30 days or more for pot to leave your system. However according to this story, Thomas said that he flunked his first drug test before the spring game in 2003 right after he first came to the team. Piecing this together is tough since the university won't release records and we only know what we know because somebody spoke off the record. There's also the allegation that he had a positive GHB test to so we may not know about other things as well.

Meyer's reaction to him, sending him to a 12 step counseling group, is often done for people who really don't need to be there. The first knee jerk reaction these days for students in high school is to dump them into rehab for being caught with a beer or a joint...probably the same for athletes in college. So I'm sympathetic to the position that he may not have needed to be there he had a one time incident that produced two positive tests or even two incidents close together. This of course is beside the point because he should have just done his rehab and shut up about it. IF it is true that he tested positive in 2003, that's a 3 year time differential where we don't know what happened during that time. It's possible Meyer knows things that haven't made it into the public's eye yet, which would explain why he was placed on such a stict regimen of rehab, curfews, driving restrictions, etc...bottom line; we don't know the truth, but it's not a good sign that the NFL seems to view this guy as a PacMan starter kit. I sincerely hope this is all overblown, and since Shanny has some ties down there that's a good sign that he knows what he's doing. On the other hand I've witnessed to many times over the years where Mike's turned a blind eye to potential warning signs.

I think it's time to focus on what the kid is saying now...that he's clean and ready to play...and move on. I'll just cross my fingers, knock on wood and hope for the best.

From what I've seen in reading up on him is that he has failed 3 drug tests in total... one before he was actually at UF which is probably the '03 one... then he failed one this past year and 24 days later he failed a 2nd one, claiming that it was from the same drug incident. The kicker on it though was that the 2nd one was the one that also showed the GHB or whatever it's called. The article that really gets me is one from Dec where he and his agent sit down with a reporter and make a point to emphasize that Meyer often threatened to "Ruin him in the eyes of pro scouts" or something like that and claimed that the situation was just intending for him to fail. Whether he's a changed man or not, I don't really care... just as long as he does his job, is a good teammate, and doesn't get caught doing drugs. That article essentially saying "Meyer had it out for me" just made me think this guy hasn't changed too awful much because he was already off the team by that time and had already felt the impact of having football taken away, which is what he cites for inciting the change in him. But, as I said, I don't really care what the big guy does as long as he doesn't get in trouble and helps solve our issues. I'm selling out on this one... I just want success.

[footstepsfrom#27]

From what I've seen in reading up on him is that he has failed 3 drug tests in total... one before he was actually at UF which is probably the '03 one... then he failed one this past year and 24 days later he failed a 2nd one, claiming that it was from the same drug incident. The kicker on it though was that the 2nd one was the one that also showed the GHB or whatever it's called. The article that really gets me is one from Dec where he and his agent sit down with a reporter and make a point to emphasize that Meyer often threatened to "Ruin him in the eyes of pro scouts" or something like that and claimed that the situation was just intending for him to fail. Whether he's a changed man or not, I don't really care... just as long as he does his job, is a good teammate, and doesn't get caught doing drugs. That article essentially saying "Meyer had it out for me" just made me think this guy hasn't changed too awful much because he was already off the team by that time and had already felt the impact of having football taken away, which is what he cites for inciting the change in him. But, as I said, I don't really care what the big guy does as long as he doesn't get in trouble and helps solve our issues. I'm selling out on this one... I just want success.
Throwing Meyer under the bus bothers me too. Even if it's true, I'd rather he keep quiet about it and just prove his detractors wrong on the field. One of the primary problems with people caught up in a drug/alcohol habbit is they blame everyone else. I'm not saying he has a habbit, but he didn't do anything to dispel Meyer's decision to send him to rehab as a poor one by bad mouthing the coach before the draft. Ultimately, that may have hurt him more than his positive drug test did on draft day.

You're right...let's move on and see what happens. The upside is huge, the downside larger than people think as well if he becomes a mainstay and then tanks it.