Wizzinator released by Vikings - The Orange Mane

Atlas · 04-27-2006, 04:59 AM

Hmmmmm....... Is he worth a look? Incentive laden contract of course.

Vikings release Onterrio Smith

Posted: April 26, 2006

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS -- Onterrio Smith proclaimed himself the "Steal of the Draft" after Minnesota picked him in the fourth round out of the University of Oregon in 2003.
Three years later, it's clear why he didn't go any higher.

The Vikings released Smith on Wednesday with at least six weeks left on his one-year suspension for violating league drug policy -- ultimately deciding there was too much trouble in his past to wait for, let alone welcome back, the talented 25-year-old runner.

"We've decided to terminate Onterrio Smith's contract ahead of this weekend's college draft. We wish him well in his future endeavors," coach Brad Childress said in a statement released by the team less than two hours after a predraft news conference.

Asked at that news conference about Smith's status, Childress declined comment, citing the confidentiality of the NFL's substance abuse program.

The move signaled the end of a memorable saga.

It started with Smith -- who was dismissed from the University of Tennessee in 2000 for marijuana use -- becoming Minnesota's featured running back down the stretch of his first season.

He set a franchise rookie record for rushing attempts and total yardage with 148 yards on 27 carries in a game against the Chicago Bears. After finishing with 579 yards, five touchdowns and an average of 5.4 yards per attempt in 2003, Smith served a four-game suspension in 2004 and still led the Vikings in rushing that year with 544 yards. He added 394 yards receiving.

He had a legitimate chance to be the starting back last season until his drug problems resurfaced. In May, Smith was infamously caught at the Minneapolis airport with "The Original Whizzinator" -- a device designed to beat drug tests including a fake penis and several vials of dried urine -- when his bag was scanned by security.

Smith claimed the kit was for his cousin, and he wasn't charged by police. Mere possession of the device is not enough to break league rules.

But less than one month later, Smith received his latest suspension for a third violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy.

League spokesman Greg Aiello, also citing confidentiality issues, declined comment specifically about Smith, whose suspension was originally scheduled to end June 7. A denial of his reinstatement application, however, wouldn't be made public by the NFL, so it's possible for Smith's ban to continue indefinitely until the commissioner clears him to return.

Smith's agent, Doug Hendrickson, didn't return multiple messages left Wednesday by The Associated Press.

Childress acknowledged that Smith's status would affect how the Vikings view running backs in the draft, and with five of the first 95 picks they'll have several chances to take one Saturday.

Chester Taylor, Mewelde Moore and Ciatrick Fason are the leading returners for Minnesota at a position with little proven depth.

Ballhawk · 04-27-2006, 04:59 AM

No

END THREAD

Kaylore · 04-27-2006, 05:55 AM

How much you wanna bet we pick him up?

Drek · 04-27-2006, 06:35 AM

Quote:

League spokesman Greg Aiello, also citing confidentiality issues, declined comment specifically about Smith, whose suspension was originally scheduled to end June 7. A denial of his reinstatement application, however, wouldn't be made public by the NFL, so it's possible for Smith's ban to continue indefinitely until the commissioner clears him to return.

No one is going to pick him up until the NFL reinstates him.

Shame really though, Smith is very talented but is a flava clown of the highest order and can't lay off the weed.

loborugger · 04-27-2006, 06:39 AM

Any RB that has a news article that includes the words "fake penis" should be passed on.

Orange_Beard · 04-27-2006, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loborugger

Any RB that has a news article that includes the words "fake penis" should be passed on.

Was that passed on or pissed on?

Smiling Assassin27 · 04-27-2006, 09:10 AM

bring the guy in at bargain basement price and give him an incentive laden deal. then let him compete for a job if he ever is reinstated. guy's got skills.

fontaine · 04-27-2006, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaylore

How much you wanna bet we pick him up?

Not going to happen. He hasn't played for the Cleveland Clowns yet.

ludo21 · 04-27-2006, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaylore

How much you wanna bet we pick him up?

nothing, caz its going to happen.

cousinal11 · 04-27-2006, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlas

Hmmmmm....... Is he worth a look? Incentive laden contract of course.

First you ask this and then say that DeAngelo Hall is a class guy. Did you have a rough night last night or something?

Atlas · 04-27-2006, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cousinal11

First you ask this and then say that DeAngelo Hall is a class guy. Did you have a rough night last night or something?

Hall is a class guy. He is a good character guy and a good teammate. Never been in trouble and has a great work ethic.

And like Champ Bailey, Chris McCalister, Fred Smoot, Chuck Woodson and Ty Law he thinks he is the best CB in the NFL.

Orange_Beard · 04-27-2006, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlas

Hall is a class guy. He is a good character guy and a good teammate. Never been in trouble and has a great work ethic.

And like Champ Bailey, Chris McCalister, Fred Smoot, Chuck Woodson and Ty Law think he is the best CB in the NFL.

?

ignitionnight · 04-27-2006, 10:15 AM

He fits Denvers style too good not to pick him up if available... at the right price. Actually I would be disapointed if Denver had the option to grab him and didn't. Been a fan of him for a couple years now. Just not a fan of his off the field decision making.

61Vikefan · 04-27-2006, 10:23 AM

Thanks for reminding me of this

Maybe you guys didn't know this but Onterio will not be reinstated after the year is up because he failed to file the proper paperwork at HIS AGENTS advice.

Last I read he was moving furnature and smoking like Cheech and Chong.

Atlas · 04-27-2006, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlas
Hall is a class guy. He is a good character guy and a good teammate. Never been in trouble and has a great work ethic.

And like Champ Bailey, Chris McCalister, Fred Smoot, Chuck Woodson and Ty Law think he is the best CB in the NFL.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orange_Beard

?

That was in refernce to Deangelo Hall not Onterio Smith

watermock · 04-27-2006, 11:56 AM

Tons of talent, **** for brains. I saw him alot as minn is in my region. He's easily got first round talent but fell on character concerns. Duh!

He could of been a millionaire. The wiz was easily the funniest story of the NFL year.

Atlas · 04-27-2006, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermock

Tons of talent, **** for brains. I saw him alot as minn is in my region. He's easily got first round talent but fell on character concerns. Duh!

He could of been a millionaire. The wiz was easily the funniest story of the NFL year.

Didn't you get suspended from the Mane due to the Wizzinator??

04-27-2006, 04:59 AM	#1
Atlas Draft Defense Early&Often Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 18,526	Wizzinator released by Vikings Hmmmmm....... Is he worth a look? Incentive laden contract of course. Vikings release Onterrio Smith Posted: April 26, 2006 Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS -- Onterrio Smith proclaimed himself the "Steal of the Draft" after Minnesota picked him in the fourth round out of the University of Oregon in 2003. Three years later, it's clear why he didn't go any higher. The Vikings released Smith on Wednesday with at least six weeks left on his one-year suspension for violating league drug policy -- ultimately deciding there was too much trouble in his past to wait for, let alone welcome back, the talented 25-year-old runner. "We've decided to terminate Onterrio Smith's contract ahead of this weekend's college draft. We wish him well in his future endeavors," coach Brad Childress said in a statement released by the team less than two hours after a predraft news conference. Asked at that news conference about Smith's status, Childress declined comment, citing the confidentiality of the NFL's substance abuse program. The move signaled the end of a memorable saga. It started with Smith -- who was dismissed from the University of Tennessee in 2000 for marijuana use -- becoming Minnesota's featured running back down the stretch of his first season. He set a franchise rookie record for rushing attempts and total yardage with 148 yards on 27 carries in a game against the Chicago Bears. After finishing with 579 yards, five touchdowns and an average of 5.4 yards per attempt in 2003, Smith served a four-game suspension in 2004 and still led the Vikings in rushing that year with 544 yards. He added 394 yards receiving. He had a legitimate chance to be the starting back last season until his drug problems resurfaced. In May, Smith was infamously caught at the Minneapolis airport with "The Original Whizzinator" -- a device designed to beat drug tests including a fake penis and several vials of dried urine -- when his bag was scanned by security. Smith claimed the kit was for his cousin, and he wasn't charged by police. Mere possession of the device is not enough to break league rules. But less than one month later, Smith received his latest suspension for a third violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy. League spokesman Greg Aiello, also citing confidentiality issues, declined comment specifically about Smith, whose suspension was originally scheduled to end June 7. A denial of his reinstatement application, however, wouldn't be made public by the NFL, so it's possible for Smith's ban to continue indefinitely until the commissioner clears him to return. Smith's agent, Doug Hendrickson, didn't return multiple messages left Wednesday by The Associated Press. Childress acknowledged that Smith's status would affect how the Vikings view running backs in the draft, and with five of the first 95 picks they'll have several chances to take one Saturday. Chester Taylor, Mewelde Moore and Ciatrick Fason are the leading returners for Minnesota at a position with little proven depth.

04-27-2006, 10:23 AM	#14
61Vikefan Solid Starter Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 150	Thanks for reminding me of this Maybe you guys didn't know this but Onterio will not be reinstated after the year is up because he failed to file the proper paperwork at HIS AGENTS advice. Last I read he was moving furnature and smoking like Cheech and Chong. Last edited by 61Vikefan; 04-27-2006 at 12:08 PM..

04-27-2006, 11:56 AM	#16
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	Tons of talent, **** for brains. I saw him alot as minn is in my region. He's easily got first round talent but fell on character concerns. Duh! He could of been a millionaire. The wiz was easily the funniest story of the NFL year. Last edited by watermock; 04-27-2006 at 12:00 PM..

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04-27-2006, 04:59 AM	#2
Ballhawk Ring of Famer Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 4,132	No END THREAD

04-27-2006, 05:55 AM	#3
Kaylore 6-37, Raider fans. Yummy birds and snow! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ceti Alpha V Posts: 41,009 Adopt-a-Bronco: Wesley Duke	How much you wanna bet we pick him up?

04-27-2006, 06:39 AM	#5
loborugger lost in the ether Did we finally get a FB??? Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: The 'cuse Posts: 5,783 Adopt-a-Bronco: Peyton Hillis	Any RB that has a news article that includes the words "fake penis" should be passed on.

04-27-2006, 09:10 AM	#7
Smiling Assassin27 STOP! KIPER TIME! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: In a van down by the river Posts: 10,955 Adopt-a-Bronco: Von Miller	bring the guy in at bargain basement price and give him an incentive laden deal. then let him compete for a job if he ever is reinstated. guy's got skills.

04-27-2006, 10:15 AM	#13
ignitionnight Solid Starter Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 121 Adopt-a-Bronco: Micah Knorr	He fits Denvers style too good not to pick him up if available... at the right price. Actually I would be disapointed if Denver had the option to grab him and didn't. Been a fan of him for a couple years now. Just not a fan of his off the field decision making.