Walker breaks his silence. Interview with RMN

[rovolution]

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/broncos-release-walker/

It didn’t have to end this way.

Javon Walker wanted to make that point clear Friday after learning he was released by the Broncos. It was a move that had been anticipated nearly since the moment the wide receiver publicly ranted at season’s end about his role with the team’s offense.

“I’m not leaving because I didn’t want to make it work,” he said. “I’m not pushing my way out. There was stuff done that led to make me say, ‘Why should I stay?’”

The issues he said mostly began when he hurt his right knee early last season. He claimed he got the sense the team was being murky about the condition of his knee, which was later repaired surgically in Houston.

That situation came on the heels of a consistent personal belief that his skills weren’t fully being utilized — thoughts he occasionally made public, even while leading the team in catches (69) and yards (1,084) in 2006 and into his quiet comeback last season.

But the real change in his feelings, he stressed, came when he was approached by the media while rehabilitating this season about the possibility this offseason of taking a pay cut.

Add in a nominal role once he returned while Brandon Marshall took over No. 1 receiver duties, and those negative emotions only heightened, leading to “frustration” that became his postseason diatribe.

However, the 10-minute media session in early January was somewhat calculated, too, he admitted.

“I knew something would happen or come out of it.”

The Broncos eventually went to Walker and asked whether he would be willing to tweak his contract, which included $5.4 million in bonuses.

He refused.

When there were no takers on the open market, at least via trade, it sent Walker into free agency for the first time. He’ll join weak-side linebacker Ian Gold, who also was cut by the Broncos on Friday.

“With me coming back here, I’m supposed to take a pay cut? Why would I want to do that?” Walker asked, explaining all that changed in his situation was that he got hurt.

Walker on Friday consistently insisted Marshall’s ascension as a 100-catch receiver wasn’t the root cause of his unhappiness but rather a yearlong span in which he signed with Denver, got hurt, then was ask to cede money.

“If people say I won’t play second fiddle, just be on the lookout for who I might be lined up across on the other side next season,” Walker said. “And if you look at that, then why couldn’t it have been like that in Denver?”

Still, it was clear the fundamental aspects of the Broncos offense, with a young quarterback in Jay Cutler attempting to come into his own and the team leaning more on the running game never were going to satisfy Walker, especially with Marshall’s development.

“There would have been enough balls,” Walker said, despite those feelings. “We could have both had 70-80, however it would have went, 80-90. But like I said, there was a lot of frustration that built where after they were like, ‘Take a pay cut,’ it was whoa, whoa, whoa ...’”

Among the teams that could grab Walker include Philadelphia, where quarterback Donovan McNabb has been a steady training partner, and Dallas, where his former position coach in Green Bay, Ray Sherman, is employed in a similar role.

“I’m looking for a team that wants to win and use their receiver talent to win and get them where they need to be,” Walker said.

Walker noted he has been training for about the last month and that his knee, which also was repaired after he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in 2005 with the Packers before he was dealt to Denver, feels good.

“A team flies me out for a physical, I pass. It’s a done deal,” he said.

That rosy outlook on his health goes against Broncos coach Mike Shanahan’s assessment at his season-ending press conference. It was mentioned there that Walker at some point will need microfracture surgery to allow him to heal completely.

It’s a statement Walker and his agent have been trying to squelch since.

“He’s not a doctor, so he doesn’t know what I’m going to need,” Walker said of Shanahan’s comments. “And I’ve talked to doctors and seen doctors and believe you me, I’m not going to need that. It’s just him saying that. If he’s a head coach and a doctor? Shoot, I give him props that he can do it all.”

Walker and Shanahan never met after the season to try and hash out any differences.

“If they wanted to meet, they would have met with me,” Walker said.

In two seasons with the Broncos, Walker started 21-of-24 games, with 95 receptions, 1,371 yards and eight touchdown catches. He rushed for 120 yards and a TD.

The cost to the Broncos was a 2006 second-round pick and nearly $7 million in dead money on the salary cap.

“I’m going to go to a team and have a hell of a season next year,” Walker said. “In football, you get injuries. It’s the nature of the game. It’s not going to be a problem or anything that slows me down. I just look forward to the next step in the process.”

Gold will have similar opportunity after his release, which followed a significant dropoff in his play last season for Denver’s 30th-ranked run defense.

Ending his second stint with the Broncos, after the 2000 second-round pick returned in 2005 as a free agent, Gold started 67-of-99 games and had 426 total tackles, including 81 last season.

He’s expected to be replaced in the starting lineup by Jamie Winborn.

Also Friday, Denver agreed on a two-year, $2 million contract to bring back tight end Nate Jackson. The contract includes incentives and escalators.

[ICON]

http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/1795210/2/istockphoto_1795210_cry_baby.jpg

[theAPAOps5]

Ah the sweet sound of bitterness. Javon don't let nobody takes Javons money.

[vancejohnson82]

Walker, this will be the only time I address you by one of your birth-given names ever again be assured, you are one of the most ungrateful athletes I have ever had the disprevelige of watching play sports.

You came to Broncos after catching balls from one of the greatest Qbs to ever play the game...Brett Favre.....and then you got injured....and then you started complaining. You were injured, underestimated and un-loved, so you were looking for a new home. We opened our doors and welcomed you with open arms. You were a savior of sorts because we had not had a reciever of your athletic caliber in a long time. Great quarterback, yes. But he never had a guy like you to throw to...imagine if you had the chance to shine with a guy like him...like Elway...oh wait a second, you did....and complained....and left....and now we left you with.....

Cutler...another unbelieveable QB who has all the makings of a Favre and an Elway. And you got injured....and you complained....and you are looking for another home.

[bcbronc]

a goo-goo gaa-gaa smoochy-wookey.

I hope Javon didn't forget his bottle.

[rugbythug]

100% of teams in the NFL would have tried to Restructure a player after the year he had.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

All that and a bag of chips for a 2nd rounder.

[Merlin]

However, the 10-minute media session in early January was somewhat calculated, too, he admitted.

“I knew something would happen or come out of it.”
Proof positive he is just another flavour of TO, but now with far less talent (his best days are past him). It will be nice seeing these prima donas together. I hope Dallas gets him...It could not happened to a better owner of player.

[MileHighMagic]

Fvck you very much, Javon!

[Merlin]

All that and a bag of chips for a 2nd rounder.
Yeah, because you could fortell that after his excellent 1st yr in Denver, but could not tell your RB's career was screwed after your brilliant HC ran him down. LJ will probably have a better yr than Walker in 08, but not much better.

[RMT]

javon seems to forget that he got paid a handsome sum this past season to rehab. not a loss.

[bpc]

I see wrong on both sides of this fence.

A couple of facts between what Javon said... he was not used correctly in Denver. Even in 2006, there were 5-8 games where Denver did not throw the ball enough to him despite him being the biggest playmaker. You need to call the guys number early and often. When you have a WR like him, you need to work them into a rhythem and I don't know if Shanahan knows how to do that outside of Jerry Rice in his career.

More so, Shanahan looks like his pride is getting in the way of him of him running a quality program more often. Shanahan gets bitter about something, stops working with said player, never attempts to reconcile and there you go. He's soon pitched out the door.

Didn't Shanahan say to the media he was going to speak with Javon after certain period?

I'm not letting Javon skate on every issue but we are a worse team without him. It was fun watching him in 2006. He is probably the most dynamic WR Denver has ever had in my time watching them. It's a shame he'll most likely be doing it in another place.

[Orange_Beard]

Take the money and run.....................Well Limp really.

So I guess Philly is going to keep McNabb?

[HEAV]

He could have turned that roster bonus in a playing bonus and incentives for stats.

To me, he was/is scared to play for the pay. If a player (Henry) really wants to be a Bronco, then the player and team find a way to make it work.

[Sassy]

I have mixed feelings on the Walker deal...I liked Javon...but he has an ego like a Moss or Owens...I don't agree that he should have been paid was he was going to get before his knee injury...I think that the Darrent deal messed him up...not that that's and excuse, but I also don't believe that he wanted to play second best to Marshall either...even though he says it didn't bother him.

[montrose]

Don't worry guys, Javon will be shoved down our throat next season by ESPN when he's catching TD's from McNabb.

[theAPAOps5]

Don't worry guys, Javon will be shoved down our throat next season by ESPN when he's catching TD's from McNabb.

And/or when they report he underwent another surgery on that knee.

And Sassy I see your point that Darrent might have messed him up. But lets also remember that in his interview with HBO he said he won't seek help from a professional to help him cope. So its kind of self inflicted.

[Sassy]

And/or when they report he underwent another surgery on that knee.

And Sassy I see your point that Darrent might have messed him up. But lets also remember that in his interview with HBO he said he won't seek help from a professional to help him cope. So its kind of self inflicted.

I'll agree with that...
Like someone else said...how horrible would it be to be walking into Invesco...remembering your friend/teammate , covered in blood...I can still see that visual, so I'm sure that it's something that crosses his mind all the time. Getting out of Denver may be the best thing for Javon.

[Bronx33]

He could have turned that roster bonus in a playing bonus and incentives for stats.

To me, he was/is scared to play for the pay. If a player (Henry) really wants to be a Bronco, then the player and team find a way to make it work.



Exactly he wanted all the money UP FRONT without having to prove shyt (later walker) it was fun while it lasted good luck on another teams IR.

[TDmvp]

bob go look through your 2nd round picks
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_Draft

nuff said ....




kc ... McBride, TurkTurk McBride (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turk_McBride) den ... Tim Crowder (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Crowder)
kc ... Bernard Pollard (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Pollard) den ... Tony Scheffler (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Scheffler)
den ... Darrent Williams (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darrent_Williams)
kc ... Junior Siavii (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junior_Siavii) den ... Tatum Bell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatum_Bell)
kc ... Kawika Mitchell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawika_Mitchell) den ... Terry Pierce (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Pierce)

[Florida_Bronco]

It sucks that this happened, but I can see Javon's side of the argument. He's been productive every year he played and did great for us in 2006.

Had I been in his position I doubt I would have taken a pay cut either, especially with no reason to think the knee injury would linger.

Time for us to move on though, and focus on our future.

[Natedogg]

Walker is a LIAR.

Go here

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=609&year=2007&month=10

and watch

Friday: Javon Walker -- Friday, October 5, 2007 (javascript:openWindow('page.php?id=349&videoID=2092&type=broncosTV&year=2007&month=10','mmWindow','resizable=no,scrollbars=no,w idth=615,height=580'))

He is lying through his teeth.

Hobble away, whore.

[Los Broncos]

Its very dissapointing how this ended, acutally its sad.

[GoHAM]

...
Had I been in his position I doubt I would have taken a pay cut either, especially with no reason to think the knee injury would linger.
...

Actually if I had no reason to think my knee was a problem and I wasn't scared of anything, I would have gladly converted the roster bonus into easily attained incentives. If I was Javon and confident I was one of the best receivers in the league.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Yeah, because you could fortell that after his excellent 1st yr in Denver

It really doesn't matter. Shanahan pissed away another 2nd rounder. That's the bottom line, and it's no way to run an NFL franchise.

[~Crash~]

I see wrong on both sides of this fence.

A couple of facts between what Javon said... he was not used correctly in Denver. Even in 2006, there were 5-8 games where Denver did not throw the ball enough to him despite him being the biggest playmaker. You need to call the guys number early and often. When you have a WR like him, you need to work them into a rhythem and I don't know if Shanahan knows how to do that outside of Jerry Rice in his career.

More so, Shanahan looks like his pride is getting in the way of him of him running a quality program more often. Shanahan gets bitter about something, stops working with said player, never attempts to reconcile and there you go. He's soon pitched out the door.

Didn't Shanahan say to the media he was going to speak with Javon after certain period?

I'm not letting Javon skate on every issue but we are a worse team without him. It was fun watching him in 2006. He is probably the most dynamic WR Denver has ever had in my time watching them. It's a shame he'll most likely be doing it in another place.

That and a semi healthy walker won the first 2 game almost single handly... well look at it this way chris next year we might get to draft in the top 10 ....:thumbsup:

[montrose]

Whose to say the Javon deal wasn't a Ted Sundquist call?

[rugbythug]

Sounds like he is set to go to the Cowboys. His talk about look who will be across from me in the future in reference to not wanting to be #2

[Lev Vyvanse]

It really doesn't matter. Shanahan pissed away another 2nd rounder. That's the bottom line, and it's no way to run an NFL franchise.

How is Larry Johnson? He getting over that sore vagina injury from last year.

[whatsgolden]

It really doesn't matter. Shanahan pissed away another 2nd rounder. That's the bottom line, and it's no way to run an NFL franchise.

Maybe Carl Peterson could come give him a lesson on how to run a franchise. We've had more success in the draft, free agency, AND wins in both of our lifetimes. When was the last time your team went to the superbowl? Or, won a playoff game?

You just don't get it, do you?

[BigPlayShay]

Anthony Miller comes to mind. Big ****ing baby.

[wolf754life]

Whose to say the Javon deal wasn't a Ted Sundquist call?...-montrose-

Sorry montrose, gotta slam you on this one............

You think the Mastermind would have let Ted make the call on Walker? Trading an Early 2nd rounder, 35th or something like that, you don't think Mike had final control. hmmmmm

CEO.
PRESIDENT OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS
GENERAL MANAGER
DIRECTOR OF PRO PERSONNEL
ALL THINGS DENVER BRONCOS.

but you think Sundquist developed a man crush on walker and talked shannahan into it? it must pain you to consider that Shannahan has completely lost his touch as a talent evaluator. You will defend him to no end. Its guys like you that make me ashamed to be a bronco fan.

Have some common sense, don't be a YES man, think critically, take note of whats happening to the roster. jack ass

[Lev Vyvanse]

Whose to say the Javon deal wasn't a Ted Sundquist call?...-montrose-

Sorry montrose, gotta slam you on this one............

You think the Mastermind would have let Ted make the call on Walker? Trading an Early 2nd rounder, 35th or something like that, you don't think Mike had final control. hmmmmm

CEO.
PRESIDENT OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS
GENERAL MANAGER
DIRECTOR OF PRO PERSONNEL
ALL THINGS DENVER BRONCOS.

but you think Sundquist developed a man crush on walker and talked shannahan into it? it must pain you to consider that Shannahan has completely lost his touch as a talent evaluator. You will defend him to no end. Its guys like you that make me ashamed to be a bronco fan.

Have some common sense, don't be a YES man, think critically, take note of whats happening to the roster. jack ass

Yea, because Walker has no talent.

You are dumber than a box of rocks.

[wolf754life]

its not about javon walker, its about his work "As a whole" ...

Walker was not Shannahans fault, but the assertion that sundquist was responsible and not Mike is a complete joke.

TheTRUEone? do I have to list the draft picks and draft pick trades, the busts, the free agents busts, the backloaded contracts, the horrible coaching hires and fires, the special teams yr after yr?

wake up pal....

the broncos like guys like you, blind homerism at its best!

[~Crash~]

Whose to say the Javon deal wasn't a Ted Sundquist call?...-montrose-

Sorry montrose, gotta slam you on this one............

You think the Mastermind would have let Ted make the call on Walker? Trading an Early 2nd rounder, 35th or something like that, you don't think Mike had final control. hmmmmm

CEO.
PRESIDENT OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS
GENERAL MANAGER
DIRECTOR OF PRO PERSONNEL
ALL THINGS DENVER BRONCOS.

but you think Sundquist developed a man crush on walker and talked shannahan into it? it must pain you to consider that Shannahan has completely lost his touch as a talent evaluator. You will defend him to no end. Its guys like you that make me ashamed to be a bronco fan.

Have some common sense, don't be a YES man, think critically, take note of whats happening to the roster. jack ass

Oh come on man .....we was all happy with walker inculding Coach Shanhan. **** happen's .

[Lev Vyvanse]

its not about javon walker, its about his work "As a whole" ...

Walker was not Shannahans fault, but the assertion that sundquist was responsible and not Mike is a complete joke.

TheTRUEone? do I have to list the draft picks and draft pick trades, the busts, the free agents busts, the backloaded contracts, the horrible coaching hires and fires, the special teams yr after yr?

wake up pal....

the broncos like guys like you, blind homerism at its best!

Why don't you just list his win/lose record and save us both some trouble.

[Florida_Bronco]

Go back to the kid's table Wolf, real men are discussing football here.

[theAPAOps5]

If you want to save time whenever you get to a post by The Lovers Telluride and Wolf just keep going and assume they just said I have an unnatural obsession with hating Shanny. 99.9% of the time it works as thats pretty much what they type.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

His quick note about being lined up opposite someone "great" or whatever next year lends to the rumors about the Cowboys being interested. And why not? No one loves to piss money away more than Jerry Jones. Bring your wannabe, weak **** to Dallas, Walker, and I'll badmouth your ass on the radio every game you go out there and dog it.

[Florida_Bronco]

If you want to save time whenever you get to a post by The Lovers Telluride and Wolf just keep going and assume they just said I have an unnatural obsession with hating Shanny. 99.9% of the time it works as thats pretty much what they type.

I just put em on ignore. They contribute nothing.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Maybe Carl Peterson could come give him a lesson on how to run a franchise. We've had more success in the draft, free agency, AND wins in both of our lifetimes. When was the last time your team went to the superbowl? Or, won a playoff game?

You just don't get it, do you?

No, I get it. We suck and you suck less. Be proud of that, or something, I guess.

The difference is we're making an effort not to suck so much by building through the draft. The Broncos should follow suit, but Shanny just can't resist an aging veteran for a high pick every offseason.

[wolf754life]

florida should put shannahan and the front office on ignore, instead he thinks they can do no wrong!

[theAPAOps5]

Perfect example. I didn't read what said above but I assume its something about Shanny and has negativity.

[-Slap-]

It's not like anyone really expected Javon to accept any responsibility, is it? Why would he? Every time he petulantly forces his way off a team, he winds up being rewarded with another contract full of guaranteed money. All of these hardheaded mercenaries understand exactly how to exploit this broken system. Their agents have explained to them the leverage they wield any time they decide to stop giving full effort to get what they want. They understand that they're in a win-win situation. Either the team capitulates to their demands, or the player is traded or released and the next group of desperate teams vie for the right to give him another big contract. The most galling aspect of this is that high profile players have basically instituted in-season work slowdowns to get the contracts they want. Invariably, the teams buckle and open up the checkbook.

Dwight Freeney is a classic example. A couple years ago, he was trying to get the Colts to make him the highest paid DE in the league. Instead of showing them how much he deserved that money by putting up an All Pro season, he dogged it all year and made sure he stayed healthy. Sure enough, the Colts paid him an utterly ridiculous sum of $72 million. The rest of the team was good enough to make the playoffs, when, shockingly, Dwight Freeney became a major pass rushing force again.

This lesson in selfishness and laziness was not lost on Julius Peppers. He was completely healthy last season, but he only recorded 2.5 sacks, and teams realized they could stop double teaming him by October. Nobody knows if Julius planned a playoff push, since the Panthers couldn't afford one of their stars to take a 16 week paid vacation and still expect to make the tournament. So far, the Panthers are hanging tough. They seem prepared to let poor Julius get by on the remaining $14 million in this final year of his $50 million rookie deal. It's a stone fact that his ego would never let him settle for a penny less than Freeney got, worthless 2007 notwithstanding.

I predict we'll see a lockout in the NFL after the 2010 season. At some point, these owners have got to try and get in front of this before it totally ruins the league. Every year, the NFL becomes a little more like the player's league the NBA has become.

There will never be a better time for the owners to act. The NFLPA has never been weaker. The mercenary attitude that allows players to shamelessly take the money and run away from teams and their fans will keep them from being loyal to their union, too. I could take a year off from this hobby. I wonder what percentage of the League's millionaires could do it without falling delinquent in several areas of life.

[Lev Vyvanse]

I wonder what percentage of the League's millionaires could do it without falling delinquent in several areas of life.

Got to be < 20%

[cutthemdown]

No, I get it. We suck and you suck less. Be proud of that, or something, I guess.

The difference is we're making an effort not to suck so much by building through the draft. The Broncos should follow suit, but Shanny just can't resist an aging veteran for a high pick every offseason.

you mean like how you went for Ty Law, Pat Surtain, Kendrell Bell?

[Bob's your Information Minister]

you mean like how you went for Ty Law, Pat Surtain, Kendrell Bell?

The key here is we're not taking that approach anymore. Carl has had a lot of power ripped away from him this offseason.

[TheChamp24]

It's not like anyone really expected Javon to accept any responsibility, is it? Why would he? Every time he petulantly forces his way off a team, he winds up being rewarded with another contract full of guaranteed money. All of these hardheaded mercenaries understand exactly how to exploit this broken system. Their agents have explained to them the leverage they wield any time they decide to stop giving full effort to get what they want. They understand that they're in a win-win situation. Either the team capitulates to their demands, or the player is traded or released and the next group of desperate teams vie for the right to give him another big contract. The most galling aspect of this is that high profile players have basically instituted in-season work slowdowns to get the contracts they want. Invariably, the teams buckle and open up the checkbook.

Dwight Freeney is a classic example. A couple years ago, he was trying to get the Colts to make him the highest paid DE in the league. Instead of showing them how much he deserved that money by putting up an All Pro season, he dogged it all year and made sure he stayed healthy. Sure enough, the Colts paid him an utterly ridiculous sum of $72 million. The rest of the team was good enough to make the playoffs, when, shockingly, Dwight Freeney became a major pass rushing force again.

This lesson in selfishness and laziness was not lost on Julius Peppers. He was completely healthy last season, but he only recorded 2.5 sacks, and teams realized they could stop double teaming him by October. Nobody knows if Julius planned a playoff push, since the Panthers couldn't afford one of their stars to take a 16 week paid vacation and still expect to make the tournament. So far, the Panthers are hanging tough. They seem prepared to let poor Julius get by on the remaining $14 million in this final year of his $50 million rookie deal. It's a stone fact that his ego would never let him settle for a penny less than Freeney got, worthless 2007 notwithstanding.

I predict we'll see a lockout in the NFL after the 2010 season. At some point, these owners have got to try and get in front of this before it totally ruins the league. Every year, the NFL becomes a little more like the player's league the NBA has become.

There will never be a better time for the owners to act. The NFLPA has never been weaker. The mercenary attitude that allows players to shamelessly take the money and run away from teams and their fans will keep them from being loyal to their union, too. I could take a year off from this hobby. I wonder what percentage of the League's millionaires could do it without falling delinquent in several areas of life.

Epic post right here, and I totally agree. NFL is becoming watered down and really declining IMO. I think we may actually see teams draft guys they know they can sign, instead of guys they should because they will demand too much. Baseball is a perfect example of that, and why it really crapped on some teams who took an okay guy in the top 10, instead of a stud, and thus reason why awesome players dropped to the teams who could afford to pay them.

[montrose]

Whose to say the Javon deal wasn't a Ted Sundquist call?...-montrose-

Sorry montrose, gotta slam you on this one............

You think the Mastermind would have let Ted make the call on Walker? Trading an Early 2nd rounder, 35th or something like that, you don't think Mike had final control. hmmmmm

CEO.
PRESIDENT OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS
GENERAL MANAGER
DIRECTOR OF PRO PERSONNEL
ALL THINGS DENVER BRONCOS.

but you think Sundquist developed a man crush on walker and talked shannahan into it? it must pain you to consider that Shannahan has completely lost his touch as a talent evaluator. You will defend him to no end. Its guys like you that make me ashamed to be a bronco fan.

Have some common sense, don't be a YES man, think critically, take note of whats happening to the roster. jack ass

I probably should've inserted these

[Atwater His Ass]

It's not like anyone really expected Javon to accept any responsibility, is it? Why would he? Every time he petulantly forces his way off a team, he winds up being rewarded with another contract full of guaranteed money. All of these hardheaded mercenaries understand exactly how to exploit this broken system. Their agents have explained to them the leverage they wield any time they decide to stop giving full effort to get what they want. They understand that they're in a win-win situation. Either the team capitulates to their demands, or the player is traded or released and the next group of desperate teams vie for the right to give him another big contract. The most galling aspect of this is that high profile players have basically instituted in-season work slowdowns to get the contracts they want. Invariably, the teams buckle and open up the checkbook.

Dwight Freeney is a classic example. A couple years ago, he was trying to get the Colts to make him the highest paid DE in the league. Instead of showing them how much he deserved that money by putting up an All Pro season, he dogged it all year and made sure he stayed healthy. Sure enough, the Colts paid him an utterly ridiculous sum of $72 million. The rest of the team was good enough to make the playoffs, when, shockingly, Dwight Freeney became a major pass rushing force again.

This lesson in selfishness and laziness was not lost on Julius Peppers. He was completely healthy last season, but he only recorded 2.5 sacks, and teams realized they could stop double teaming him by October. Nobody knows if Julius planned a playoff push, since the Panthers couldn't afford one of their stars to take a 16 week paid vacation and still expect to make the tournament. So far, the Panthers are hanging tough. They seem prepared to let poor Julius get by on the remaining $14 million in this final year of his $50 million rookie deal. It's a stone fact that his ego would never let him settle for a penny less than Freeney got, worthless 2007 notwithstanding.

I predict we'll see a lockout in the NFL after the 2010 season. At some point, these owners have got to try and get in front of this before it totally ruins the league. Every year, the NFL becomes a little more like the player's league the NBA has become.

There will never be a better time for the owners to act. The NFLPA has never been weaker. The mercenary attitude that allows players to shamelessly take the money and run away from teams and their fans will keep them from being loyal to their union, too. I could take a year off from this hobby. I wonder what percentage of the League's millionaires could do it without falling delinquent in several areas of life.

There is a lot of truth to this. Something needs to be done to protect the game.

[Punisher]

I hope he ends up in K.C and rots..

[Bob's your Information Minister]

I hope he ends up in K.C and rots..

We're not into older free agents with injury concerns.

[Punisher]

We're not into older free agents with injury concerns.

LMAO but you guys our into Arena Football player :approve:

[400HZ]

It's not like anyone really expected Javon to accept any responsibility, is it? Why would he? Every time he petulantly forces his way off a team, he winds up being rewarded with another contract full of guaranteed money. All of these hardheaded mercenaries understand exactly how to exploit this broken system. Their agents have explained to them the leverage they wield any time they decide to stop giving full effort to get what they want. They understand that they're in a win-win situation. Either the team capitulates to their demands, or the player is traded or released and the next group of desperate teams vie for the right to give him another big contract. The most galling aspect of this is that high profile players have basically instituted in-season work slowdowns to get the contracts they want. Invariably, the teams buckle and open up the checkbook.

Dwight Freeney is a classic example. A couple years ago, he was trying to get the Colts to make him the highest paid DE in the league. Instead of showing them how much he deserved that money by putting up an All Pro season, he dogged it all year and made sure he stayed healthy. Sure enough, the Colts paid him an utterly ridiculous sum of $72 million. The rest of the team was good enough to make the playoffs, when, shockingly, Dwight Freeney became a major pass rushing force again.

This lesson in selfishness and laziness was not lost on Julius Peppers. He was completely healthy last season, but he only recorded 2.5 sacks, and teams realized they could stop double teaming him by October. Nobody knows if Julius planned a playoff push, since the Panthers couldn't afford one of their stars to take a 16 week paid vacation and still expect to make the tournament. So far, the Panthers are hanging tough. They seem prepared to let poor Julius get by on the remaining $14 million in this final year of his $50 million rookie deal. It's a stone fact that his ego would never let him settle for a penny less than Freeney got, worthless 2007 notwithstanding.

I predict we'll see a lockout in the NFL after the 2010 season. At some point, these owners have got to try and get in front of this before it totally ruins the league. Every year, the NFL becomes a little more like the player's league the NBA has become.

There will never be a better time for the owners to act. The NFLPA has never been weaker. The mercenary attitude that allows players to shamelessly take the money and run away from teams and their fans will keep them from being loyal to their union, too. I could take a year off from this hobby. I wonder what percentage of the League's millionaires could do it without falling delinquent in several areas of life.

I agree 100%.

[Broncos_OTM]

The key here is we're not taking that approach anymore. Carl has had a lot of power ripped away from him this offseason.
I know you got your ban but that is exactly what happened with shanny. pat bowlen said he wouldnt sign over priced unproductive FA's that they would build through the draft and commit FA money to filling back up and reserve roles Special teams.

[Broncos_OTM]

It's not like anyone really expected Javon to accept any responsibility, is it? Why would he? Every time he petulantly forces his way off a team, he winds up being rewarded with another contract full of guaranteed money. All of these hardheaded mercenaries understand exactly how to exploit this broken system. Their agents have explained to them the leverage they wield any time they decide to stop giving full effort to get what they want. They understand that they're in a win-win situation. Either the team capitulates to their demands, or the player is traded or released and the next group of desperate teams vie for the right to give him another big contract. The most galling aspect of this is that high profile players have basically instituted in-season work slowdowns to get the contracts they want. Invariably, the teams buckle and open up the checkbook.

Dwight Freeney is a classic example. A couple years ago, he was trying to get the Colts to make him the highest paid DE in the league. Instead of showing them how much he deserved that money by putting up an All Pro season, he dogged it all year and made sure he stayed healthy. Sure enough, the Colts paid him an utterly ridiculous sum of $72 million. The rest of the team was good enough to make the playoffs, when, shockingly, Dwight Freeney became a major pass rushing force again.

This lesson in selfishness and laziness was not lost on Julius Peppers. He was completely healthy last season, but he only recorded 2.5 sacks, and teams realized they could stop double teaming him by October. Nobody knows if Julius planned a playoff push, since the Panthers couldn't afford one of their stars to take a 16 week paid vacation and still expect to make the tournament. So far, the Panthers are hanging tough. They seem prepared to let poor Julius get by on the remaining $14 million in this final year of his $50 million rookie deal. It's a stone fact that his ego would never let him settle for a penny less than Freeney got, worthless 2007 notwithstanding.

I predict we'll see a lockout in the NFL after the 2010 season. At some point, these owners have got to try and get in front of this before it totally ruins the league. Every year, the NFL becomes a little more like the player's league the NBA has become.

There will never be a better time for the owners to act. The NFLPA has never been weaker. The mercenary attitude that allows players to shamelessly take the money and run away from teams and their fans will keep them from being loyal to their union, too. I could take a year off from this hobby. I wonder what percentage of the League's millionaires could do it without falling delinquent in several areas of life.


It sounds like the league and its owners are starting to feel the same way. not only with contracts but with problem childern such as micheal vick and pacman. i think they should install a staple to there contract on behavor and ways to conduct one selves. If all the owners were to back it and black ball the problem childern of the NFL you might just might not see so much ego and go back to the lunch pail type of players that this leauge had before the 90's

[Atlas]

I'm with Walker on this 100%. After one injury season why should he have to take a paycut? That's BS. People always get mad at players when they are playing on minimal contracts but are performing at a high level and they want to renegotiate but coaches and owners get a free pass on cutting any player they want because they won't take a pay cut.

I wish Javon the best, Denver is worse off without him.

[Taco John]

This guy is an embarassment. There's no way he should be wearing the same color jersey as Rod Smith.

Let's go out and get Keary Colbert.

[-Slap-]

Atlas: I'm with Walker on this 100%. After one injury season why should he have to take a paycut? That's BS. People always get mad at players when they are playing on minimal contracts but are performing at a high level and they want to renegotiate but coaches and owners get a free pass on cutting any player they want because they won't take a pay cut.


How can anybody still buy that tired song and dance?

[Broncos4Life]

This guy is an embarassment. There's no way he should be wearing the same color jersey as Rod Smith.

Rep. WE should have never traded for this clown. What happened to the real football players in the NFL. Players like this are ****ing up the league.

[DBroncos4life]

man I wonder how much drafting Chad Jackson would have cost us

[Vegas_Bronco]

Whatever value we lost on Walker, we gained on Stokley's measly deal and the emergence of Brandon Marshall - you have to give this team a lot of credit for making those decisions. Just goes to show you how right Brett Favre was - the whiny little girl can be easily replaced.

[wabbit]

I hope he does sign with Dallas.

With the possible exception of Oakland, I can't think of a better bad fit for a player with a severe personality disorder...just imagine the hysteria between Walker, Owens, Jones and whomever is coaching this week.

Dallas isn't a football franchise, it's a reality show...NFL Survivor...what fun.

[Rausch 2.0]

you mean like how you went for Ty Law, Pat Surtain, Kendrell Bell?

I've like the Surtain deal. Glad we have him.

Even more ecstatic we aren't paying law or Bell any longer...

[worm]

It's not like anyone really expected Javon to accept any responsibility, is it? Why would he? Every time he petulantly forces his way off a team, he winds up being rewarded with another contract full of guaranteed money. All of these hardheaded mercenaries understand exactly how to exploit this broken system. Their agents have explained to them the leverage they wield any time they decide to stop giving full effort to get what they want. They understand that they're in a win-win situation. Either the team capitulates to their demands, or the player is traded or released and the next group of desperate teams vie for the right to give him another big contract. The most galling aspect of this is that high profile players have basically instituted in-season work slowdowns to get the contracts they want. Invariably, the teams buckle and open up the checkbook.

Dwight Freeney is a classic example. A couple years ago, he was trying to get the Colts to make him the highest paid DE in the league. Instead of showing them how much he deserved that money by putting up an All Pro season, he dogged it all year and made sure he stayed healthy. Sure enough, the Colts paid him an utterly ridiculous sum of $72 million. The rest of the team was good enough to make the playoffs, when, shockingly, Dwight Freeney became a major pass rushing force again.

This lesson in selfishness and laziness was not lost on Julius Peppers. He was completely healthy last season, but he only recorded 2.5 sacks, and teams realized they could stop double teaming him by October. Nobody knows if Julius planned a playoff push, since the Panthers couldn't afford one of their stars to take a 16 week paid vacation and still expect to make the tournament. So far, the Panthers are hanging tough. They seem prepared to let poor Julius get by on the remaining $14 million in this final year of his $50 million rookie deal. It's a stone fact that his ego would never let him settle for a penny less than Freeney got, worthless 2007 notwithstanding.

I predict we'll see a lockout in the NFL after the 2010 season. At some point, these owners have got to try and get in front of this before it totally ruins the league. Every year, the NFL becomes a little more like the player's league the NBA has become.

There will never be a better time for the owners to act. The NFLPA has never been weaker. The mercenary attitude that allows players to shamelessly take the money and run away from teams and their fans will keep them from being loyal to their union, too. I could take a year off from this hobby. I wonder what percentage of the League's millionaires could do it without falling delinquent in several areas of life.

Great articulation of the problem but no recommendations on the hard part...the solution.

Obviously, the cards are being dealt with the CBA opt out potential in 2010 and a new TV deal due after 2011. It just remains to be seen how the hand is played out. I have no doubt that Upshaw will call a strike and destroy this game rather than give up any part of the 60%.

The NFLPA might be weaker than ever...but that won't save them from poor leadership or their own arrogance. I just don't see them giving back their sack full of money and saying here you go owners...you deserve more. They will go the distance.

This will be the first great challenge of Roger Goodell's stewardship. He has two years to come up with a plan that will satisfy pissed owners and fat athletes that are both too greedy to do what is right for the Game and its most important asset, the fans.

Who do we really have to thank for this impending situation? (beyond greed of course) That would be Paul Tagliabue. If he had been less concerned about protecting his legacy and had focused more on solving the last CBA in a better manner, we wouldn't be faced with the really real possibility of a strike.

Goodell has made some questionable decisions in the recent past such as his handling of SpyGate. I hope he is up for what will occur over the next couple of years happening on his watch.

[crazyhorse]

Oops there goes another second round,

oops there goes another second round,

oops there goes another second round pick!

[montrose]

Oops there goes another second round,

oops there goes another second round,

oops there goes another second round pick!

2007 - Tim Crowder: Played extensively as a rookie and a part of the future rotation.

2006 - Tony Scheffler: One of Jay Cutler's favorite targets is developing into a premier pass-catching TE.

2006 - Traded for Javon Walker

2005 - Darrent Williams: RIP, an immediate starter who would've been a cog in the defense for a long time.

2004 - Tatum Bell: A 1,000 yard season as a starter and a near 1,000 yard season as a backup before being traded for a Pro Bowl CB.

2004 - Darius Watts

2003 - Terry Pierce

2002 - Clinton Portis: Two 1,500 yard season before being traded for a Pro Bowl CB and another 2nd rounder.

While there have certainly been a few mistakes, I'd say over recent years the 2nd round has treated the Broncos relatively well.

[crazyhorse]

2007 - Tim Crowder: Played extensively as a rookie and a part of the future rotation.

2006 - Tony Scheffler: One of Jay Cutler's favorite targets is developing into a premier pass-catching TE.

2006 - Traded for Javon Walker

2005 - Darrent Williams: RIP, an immediate starter who would've been a cog in the defense for a long time.

2004 - Tatum Bell: A 1,000 yard season as a starter and a near 1,000 yard season as a backup before being traded for a Pro Bowl CB.

2004 - Darius Watts

2003 - Terry Pierce

2002 - Clinton Portis: Two 1,500 yard season before being traded for a Pro Bowl CB and another 2nd rounder.

While there have certainly been a few mistakes, I'd say over recent years the 2nd round has treated the Broncos relatively well.



Scheffler=developing/ could be

Walker=bust

Williams= was a could be

Bell=sucked

Watts=mediocre at best

Pierce=who?

Portis=Good pick



Almost none of those picks are currently on the team.

Thusly.....there goes another second round pick.

I never really said that all the second rounders were bad, but that they were gone. Read the post, instead of reading something into it.

[Sassy]

Anyone can be a bust if they get injured and have a hissy fit afterwards about not getting paid.

Walker wasn't a bust before his injury.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

Scheffler=developing/ could be

Walker=bust

Williams= was a could be

Bell=sucked

Watts=mediocre at best

Pierce=who?

Portis=Good pick



Almost none of those picks are currently on the team.

Thusly.....there goes another second round pick.

I never really said that all the second rounders were bad, but that they were gone. Read the post, instead of reading something into it.

Don't be so narrow-minded. You could do this analysis with any team in the league and hope that you're successful about 2/3rd of the time, at the most.

[crazyhorse]

Don't be so narrow-minded. You could do this analysis with any team in the league and hope that you're successful about 2/3rd of the time, at the most.

What was narrow minded about it?

All I said was another second round pick was out the door. You guys are the folks that want to spur off into an evaluation of those draft picks.

Dont be offended. You probably over value your recent picks, and I likely under value them to some degree. But my intention wasn't to evaluate your second round picks.