Follow-up on JaMarcus Russell

by Doc Bear on Sep 28, 2009 5:56 PM MDT

"They booed Russell off the field when he was intercepted on the Raiders' second drive of the game, a play where Darrius Heyward-Bey slipped and fell on his route. They booed again on the Raiders' next drive, when Russell overthrew Heyward-Bey for another interception.

They booed every time after that when Russell took the field or threw an incomplete pass. It got so bad, left tackle Mario Henderson at one point clapped for Russell and patted his helmet while the crowd chanted, "JaMarcus sucks."

What did Russell say of it all? That both interceptions should have been ruled defensive pass interference, and that other than that, "I think I did all right. ... I try to play with no regrets."

He completed two passes to a wide receiver, both on the same second-quarter drive to Louis Murphy. Eight passes were check down screens to the running backs, and two went to tight end Zach Miller."

I wrote an article last week called, "The Regression of JaMarcus Russell". I would like to apologize to the members for something: I didn't go far enough when I was putting it together. JaMarcus Russell hasn't just regressed. He's gone all the way back to childhood. This is the kind of thing that you watch as if watching a car accident; horrified, but somehow unable to turn away.

Steve Cochran tried to help Russell out by clarifying things in a helpful article entitled, Raiders, Russell stink it up in 23-3 loss to Denver. This is what he had to say:

Russell was intercepted on back-to-back drives in the first quarter on passes that sailed over wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey. Russell said he felt as if the officials should have called pass interference on both plays.

"I can't control that," Russell said of the non-calls. "I can just control the way I prepare for the game and continue to come out and play."

On the one hand, this is breathtaking. I've only rarely seen a man so utterly self-involved that he considered himself to be 'doing his job' in the face of such overwhelming evidence. Russell has finally shown me exactly why he's advancing to the rear in his career choice and doing Denver the favor of taking the raiders with him - he may be one of the most oblivious human beings that I've ever watched, much less encountered. I stood clinic professionally for around 25 years, so it's not like I haven't had some experience with those among us who are, to put it gently, a little different.

This is the stuff of psychology journals, of landmark articles and newly formed diagnoses. It is somewhere between moronic self-love and emotional infantilism. This is a man bent on avoiding the last, minor vestiges of a tenuous grip on reality. It's what I expect from a man in the grips of a severe chemical or narcissistic addiction. If he's not taking drugs, perhaps he should. Prescribed ones, from qualified professionals, ones that are used for those who no longer can tell what is real and what is not. Believe me, I'm not entirely kidding. This, I admit, has me stumped. But at least his pronouncements answers some reasonable questions.

The first one is, "Why don't they get him some coaching?" They have, and from some very good coaches. It hasn't taken.

Why not? Well, every treatment begins with admitting that you have a problem. JaMarcus doesn't see it that way. I can't, for the life of me, understand why not. He has gotten this far in life and hasn't been committed yet. And, indeed that's the problem - he's never been committed. Committed to his teammates, committed to his career, committed to improving or even to not getting worse. I'm not going to hound the man further, but his is incredible. Suddenly, the childish antics of some of the current and former Broncos don't look so bad, In fact, they're not even manifest: suddenly, they are of no interest. They aren't a blip on the radar screen, nor a straw in a windstorm. We've now seen the errant me-ism of the culture of football raised to its zenith. This one really takes the cake, and that, in itself, is ironic. the young man who can't be troubled to show up in camp in shape has set a new and higher standard for an NFL prima dona.

Russell went on to say that he is satisfied with his progression as an NFL quarterback. Really?

"When you get tough looks like that, and a tough crowd, hey, it's the NFL, you have continue to progress yourself in becoming the person that you want to be," Russell said. "I know I'm not there yet."

Good call. Tower to Russell....no, you're not. It's the crowd's fault for not appreciating his gosh-awful performance? The fact that he's an embarrassment to one of the most dysfunctional organizations in pro sports doesn't seem that much of a concern. What was just as painful - no, far more so - was watching some decent players trying to find something positive to say about the situation.

"We've seen it all around here," running back Justin Fargas said, "but we have to play above that and really just keep ourselves out of situations to where that type of stuff happens. We support each other on offense, and we support our quarterback. So whatever's going on on the outside, we try to do our best not to let that affect us."

Good luck with that, Justin. I really do wish you well.

The article went on to say, "In the end, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha said he hoped the Raiders would have an idea what kind of team they have this season. Sunday's clunker clouded the picture."

I beg to differ. It made the picture quite clear. It's just hard to look at.

"There's some glaring problems that need to be fixed, in all phases of the game," Asomugha said. "So, I don't think we have quite a read on who we are. And that's concerning because at this point you want to know what type of team you are."

Listening to one of the elite corners in the game making excuses like, 'We don't quite have a read on who we are" is hard to hear. We all know who and what Asomugha is - brilliant, hard-working, talented and good at studying film and preparing. Unfortunately for him, we also know what the read is on JaMarcus Russell.

"We have to play better," Raiders coach Tom Cable said. "These fans deserve a better football team than what we showed (Sunday). How do (the players) handle that? Obviously, you hope it ticks them off, and they deal with it the right way, they put more attention to the details during the week, that we demand more from them during the week and we play better on Sunday."

I've finally found something that I can agree with Tom Cable about. The fans do deserve better. If Cable hasn't noticed, it's time to look at Steve Gradkowski and to give the young man a chance. If JaMarcus Russell considers 2 completions and 2 INTs in 5 tries a problem with the referees, he is in need of professional help, not coaching. It's time to bring in another payer. It's a cliche, often said and sometimes wrong, but in this case; it really can't be worse.

As a football fan, this is embarrassing. I just found myself feeling deeply sorry for the Oakland fans. Ok, I don't have anything good to say about their team, but no fan deserves this. Do they?

Honestly? No. Football may deserve to take a long look in the mirror for drafting this kid #1 in 2007, though. It isn't like he didn't have issues in college, is it? JaMarcus Russell has managed to do one thing that I have to give him credit for: He's made Chad 'Whatever he calls Himself' look like a team player. TO is suddenly a joy in the locker room. Randy Moss becomes a sympathetic figure for forcing his way out of the Fey by the Bay. The raiders, after years of effort, have set a new goal for the profession.

After just two short years, JaMarcus Russell has set a new and higher standard for football. It just isn't the one they thought that they were getting. But it's a new standard, nonetheless.

It's far, far worse. Nice going, young man. It's good to be the best at something.

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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Comments

I hate to say it, but I really hope the Raiders ride this horse into the ground.

I seriously think they’d be a significantly more dangerous team with another QB—any other QB, including Gradkowski—and I want them to lose as many games as possible before they figure that out.
Actually on second take, maybe I should hope they figure it out before the next time the play SD or other AFC contenders in the hope that they could steal a game from one of them and help the Broncos. Too bad we don’t play them again until 12/20. Anyone want to bet that JaMarcus is long gone by then?

"I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today" -- Wimpy J. Wellington

by Broncs Cheer on Sep 28, 2009 6:19 PM MDT reply actions

can't... stop... staring...

i’m with you, bear. i continue to find this one of the most intriguing stories in sports right now. the press has tony romo and michael vick on high (high) rotation, but this… this is getting to ryan leaf proportions. i mean, russell is just not very good. factor in the excuses and alleged missing work ethic and holy cow. shouldn’t this be on HBO or something?

by oxmouth on Sep 28, 2009 6:20 PM MDT reply actions

Check out this picture....What do y'all think?

It’s true Al Davis was seen pacing the halls after the game rubbing a football and saying something like, “my precious, my precious”

LONG LIVE AL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/10/1/128673375844792335.jpg

"even a stopped clock is right twice a day" Yosemite Sam

by lovewatchinthegame on Sep 28, 2009 6:25 PM MDT reply actions

Aaaahhhh!!!!! Too scary!

I agree, Larsen shouldn’t get any bigger. I am getting tired of his bone crushing hits knocking the pixels off my TV, once they fall to the floor they are very hard to find.

by Arctic Bronco on Sep 28, 2009 7:59 PM MDT up reply actions

Well, that explains a lot.....

Hillis/Moreno in '09

by Doc Bear on Sep 28, 2009 8:01 PM MDT up reply actions

I wouldn't wish him on Al Davis! Or is it I wouldn't wish Al Davis on him.

I remember when hating the Raiders was fun now it’s sad ……and fun.

by Lisa FB on Sep 28, 2009 6:31 PM MDT reply actions

It's I wouldn't wish Al Davis on him.

Gollum had some redeeming qualities.

"My job description is to win football games. I'm a hard worker. I'm not flashy by any means, but my job is to play football and win and I plan to do that." Kyle Orton

by odarol on Sep 28, 2009 9:09 PM MDT up reply actions

Another good take Bear...

I believe that the Draft process, particularly the first round, only helps to create these prima dona attitudes, hold-outs, etc…Then after a Team is out all the big time $$$ investment(?) there is a tendency to let them have much more rope than they might deserve, in the hopes the Team might still see a return on the investment…

The NFL (and NFLPA) need to install some sort of first round salary structure that will reward the hard work by the players to get there but at the same time, protect the team from the major financial hit that a player like JR represents…It would make the decisions to let them learn for a couple of years, and/or cut and move on a little easier…Not sure what the answer is but I think the league needs to do something.

by BroncoSense72 on Sep 28, 2009 6:35 PM MDT reply actions

I agree,

a first round salary cap or structure makes sense, …. but…..we are already looking at a possible cessation of play during the collective bargaining process….don’t know if it is worth fighting for it or if it will be given up (by the owners) as a bargaining chip.

BB- Good post on a sad subject…at least sad for oakland … I really am serious here.. I would hate to have my loyalty given to a team with these problems from owner down to QB. I would also hate to be a hard-working player on that team.
Appreciate the updates.

by idahobronc on Sep 28, 2009 10:20 PM MDT up reply actions

Great post bear. Thank you!

I do feel sorry for the Raider fans….my brother in included. Train wreck doesn’t even begin to describe it. The Raiders have oodles of talent, much more than the 49ers, but who do you think will finish above .500 this year?

Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.

by Tim Lynch on Sep 28, 2009 6:48 PM MDT reply actions

Ive posted this on other blogs before......

not sure if I have here..do you think that Al is pushing the fans to hate him. Stop buying his tickets, not buying his jerseys, not watching his games, not making him money, for the soul purpose of moving the team out of Oakland again? Making them hate him so bad they want him out? Just something I have been thinking about for the last few years when it came to his decisions….

Or maybe it is because…. he HAS….. dove in head first….. at the shallow end of the pool?

"The question that sometimes drives me hazy, Am I or the others crazy?" -Albert Einstein

by Disturbed70 on Sep 28, 2009 6:58 PM MDT reply actions

I read the first post also

Great read. Sorry if I might affend some but russell seems to remind me of a QB we had. Lots of talent but no humility. (meaning uncoachable)

It is really sad. Your attitude should be a reflection on how he views life and sadly he is really missing the boat.

Rec’d of course.

by papasteven on Sep 28, 2009 7:03 PM MDT reply actions

Bear, Another Most Excellent Post

In all seriousness, I don’t think it is a joke either.

Human nature is a very interesting thing. I think we all have it inside us to a certain extent to look outward and say to ourselves, “the world is the problem, not me.” It’s a defense mechanism we are all born with. We have all seen this amplified in many circumstances, from the parent whose always blames the school and the teachers to the guy at work who is always “right.”

Some of us can take this to whole new levels. I think, in particular, people that don’t generally live “typical” lives. Here I am thinking of athletes, movie starts, etc., whose normal lives are not at all normal from our perspective.

Generally, when someone is considered a good athlete (whether it been in a little town or a major sports prospect), their world view shifts over time as people and coattail riders start to generally tell them how great they are. After many years of this, objectivity is very difficult for these people.

Right now, the Oakland Raiders are the ultimate enablers. They are only doing this kid harm as they try and mask what is obvious to the objective world. I feel actually very sorry for JaMarcus and the Raider fan base (although I tend to blast them the most). I would much rather have them play the role of the Chargers. When both the Broncos and Raiders are good, it is electric.

I think JaMarcus (as you have shown in your other article) was never pegged as a Manning or a Ryan or a Flacco or a Sanchez (or even a Leinhart). The model they should have followed with this kid is the model of Aaron Rogers or Steve McNair.

Sadly, I think it’s 2 years too late for this approach.

Smokey, my friend, you are entering a world of pain.

by TJ Johnson on Sep 28, 2009 7:04 PM MDT reply actions 2 recs

We have to look at the bright side. What if......

JRussell had become so depressed that he decided to chow down on DOOM instead of carrying him down the field on his back. That would have been very sad :(

Actually, that is probably the only way the raiders could have stopped DOOM from being an honorary member of the raider backfield. Maybe DOOM should get a number in the teens the next time he plays the raiders.

I agree, Larsen shouldn’t get any bigger. I am getting tired of his bone crushing hits knocking the pixels off my TV, once they fall to the floor they are very hard to find.

by Arctic Bronco on Sep 28, 2009 8:05 PM MDT reply actions

I must say...

There is a very human side of me that feels great sorrow for Russel’s current state. In my experience (with myself, if nothing else), even people in massive regression and defense modes feel tremendous pain somewhere deep in there, and it kills.

I guess, to me, the only real valid next question is, “What can you do to fix your life, JaMarcus?”

I hate the Raiders…but I hate no one on the Raiders.

by Mhantra on Sep 28, 2009 8:05 PM MDT reply actions 2 recs

Agree with that.

In fact, commented regarding the fans above. We shouldn’t let our team loyalty wish pain on anyone….. just losses.

by idahobronc on Sep 28, 2009 10:23 PM MDT up reply actions

I agree and rec for this:

I hate the Raiders…but I hate no one on the Raiders.

"FLAG! Fail on the field. Re-do." -Disco_Stu

by Joe Medina on Sep 29, 2009 12:38 AM MDT up reply actions

good points, lb

I tend to agree with you that the best competitions are between very good teams. The Steelers have had to play the Ravens. The Colts have had to play the Titans. A high level of competition frequently produces the best teams. I would love to see the AFC West become a division that everyone is fearful to play. That will tend to give the best team a better chance to win it all.

I agree that it seems to be too late for JMR. He seems to be beyond listening to any form of reality. It is sad. I had to see anyone with a gift like his take it and ruin it. I wonder what demons are creating this within him, but no one but he can know.

Hillis/Moreno in '09

by Doc Bear on Sep 28, 2009 8:07 PM MDT reply actions

Yes, beating the Raiders used to mean something special

Considering the recent comparisons to ‘77, the one thing we won’t see is that moment when we beat the Raiders and it was a milestone. Fortunately, we’re now just “taking care of business”, but it’s also . . . pathetic.

by MakeCents on Sep 29, 2009 7:58 AM MDT up reply actions

I question that JaMarcus Russell

was ever as talented as he was thought to be. Being a self-starter is commonly thought to be the result of a decision that some people make and others don’t. I think it’s a talent some people have that most people lack, which becomes more critical at the highest level of a sport. It’s not Russell’s only short-coming but it might be his most serious. I see his cluelessness as a symptom not a cause. He’s in denial. He’s just not that good at the highest level and never will be, and that’s too painful to bear.

How could this train wreck have been avoided? Better evaluation. A cannon arm is nice if other, more important qualities are present, such as rapidity of information processing, courage (i.e. to stand in against the rush — see Jeff Garcia), and being a self-starter. Russell can’t keep up with the speed of the pro game, he falls away from inside pressure (and him a 260 pounder!), and he doesn’t (can’t?) push himself hard enough to alleviate his other deficiences. He’s in the wrong profession.

It’s always difficult to evaluate college talent because there’s always the question of whether a player makes his team better or vice versa. Russell was on an LSU squad whose overall talent magnified his strengths and minimized his weaknesses. Perhaps pro scouts and coaches would do better by focussing on different qualities, including those that don’t make much difference at the college level but which are indispensable in the pros. Perhaps McDaniels “has the Midas touch” (as one commentator termed his luck in having all his acquisitions fit in so well) because he’s good at recognizing the essentials that contribute most to team success in the pros.

"Surprised to see you, Captain, though pleased." — from Star Trek episode Space Seed.

by spock on Sep 29, 2009 10:04 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

Look at this years

no. 1 pick. DHB is not as talented a WR that warrented a #3 overal pick. Much better WR’s in the draft. I think he has gotten a big head because he think he has the talent. Didn’t think he was all that great at LSU when he played there.

by papasteven on Sep 29, 2009 4:01 PM MDT up reply actions

Nice article Bear

but you know, piling on is a 15 yard penalty.

by SlowWhiteGuy on Sep 28, 2009 8:32 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

( = ....Thanks for the laugh SWG - well placed

First team to three consecutive SB wins!!!! and then some, right? I think four and we oughtta let someone else have a fair shot : )

by PearlJamBroncoGFunk on Sep 29, 2009 5:29 PM MDT up reply actions

NewsFlash

Jeff Garcia is missing and It is believed that JaMarcus Russell had actually eaten him bones and all. Police took an X-ray and found a six foot skeleton inside and believe it is the missing QB, DNA testing to be done on Tuesday.

The only difference between genius and insanity is perception

by Markus2112 on Sep 28, 2009 8:53 PM MDT reply actions

nicely done Bear

Russell is a joke. I’d feel sorry for him if it wasn’t for the fact he is a member of the conqiered fader nation.

fader nation is a conquered nation

Jerry Jones is Al Davis with a smile!

by mdierk on Sep 28, 2009 8:57 PM MDT reply actions

Russell is a f-ing joke

If you are a QB blaming refs for your own lack of talent and a completion percentage of 41.3 and a QB rating that is lower (39.8) then you are really stretching. Now with Garcia out and in Philadelphia, Faidernation is now stuck with him.

2009 NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant

by weazel on Sep 28, 2009 10:32 PM MDT reply actions

Nicely put, bear.

You actually ALMOST had me feeling sorry for the Raiders and their fans. I suppose somewhere deep in the recesses of my objective, fair and compassionate football fan heart I do feel for them, just a little bit. It’s not as if they have any choice in these matters (personnel, coaches, drafts, free agents, payroll, etc.). So as any true fan has to do, you just suck it up, keep watching (perhaps through one squinted eye), hope for the best and find a way, any way, to keep cheering and rooting for your team.

That being said…. may the powers that be bless Al Davis with another 30 years of life and curse the Raiders to decades more of futility. Part of me almost wants to say that I wish he would step down so the Raiders have a chance at some success and thereby renewing the Broncos-Raiders rivalry to its full glory. But I just can’t help taking a small amount (sometimes a large amount) of satisfaction in watching a franchise I despise (in relative sports terms) continue to deteriorate and crumble as Darth Raider and all of the other freak show fans in the Black Hole helplessly watch with tears running down their black and silver painted faces. Lord knows they’d never feel sorry for us if the situation were reversed.

And not that I EVER take it for granted, but it sure makes me stop and appreciate the stellar ownership, management, coaching and personnel we’ve had here in Denver over the last 30 – 40 years.

So Mr. Bowlen, please take your vitamins! :-)

"Reality continues to ruin my life." - Calvin (Calvin & Hobbes)

by RockyMtnHigh on Sep 29, 2009 1:42 AM MDT reply actions

I stand corrected

With your first article Bear, I said I thought that Russell had perhaps simply not progressed rather than his having regressed, but after watching Sunday, I’d say regression might fit. He had a terrible day. That said, I think your article above is a little harsh and as SWG alluded to, piling on.

It's "just" football

by Donkhead on Sep 29, 2009 8:54 AM MDT reply actions

Fair enough

The reason that I felt this to be worth writing isn’t that he ‘had a bad day’. or even a terrible day, Donk. It’s that he blames the INTs on bad refereeing and claims that he’s doing fine, which is past bizarre. I disagree with your posture that he had not progressed, although I am fine with different perspectives, but yesterday was remarkable in that it wasn’t unusual. The errors were the same, and the attitude was the same as he has been showing, and it is a regression from the improvement he showed at the end of last season.

I spent some time on the INTs, just to try to see this from his viewpoint, for what that’s worth. The WR and Hill got their feet tangled on the first, and the WR went down, but the referee was standing right near the play and had a clear view. On the second, the throw was nowhere near the WR, there was no contact at all beyond the legal 5 yard area and the throw was directly to Goodman who was essentially standing still and not in the ball park of the WR. At what point should Russell be held responsible for his own actions, Donk?

Perhaps it’s harsh, as you say – perhaps not. That’s not for me to judge and I appreciate your feedback. But, is it worthy of attention that throughout this calendar year he has continued to create vast problems for his team and refuses any responsibility? That he continues to see himself as blameless and insists that others are at fault for his creations and actions? You can certainly disagree with the way I present this, but as a matter of a reality check – Russell is acting in a way that I can’t help but characterize as delusional. Thanks for taking a different view though – I appreciate that.

Hillis/Moreno in '09

by Doc Bear on Sep 29, 2009 11:18 AM MDT up reply actions

Very nice repsonse and points well taken

I thought that the first interception could have been called interference – it certainly was not, but how many times have we seen even worse calls, particularly over the past decade or so in the NFL – as a former defensive back, I’m perhaps a bit sensitive to these. The second wasn’t even close, on any level. He certainly has faults and it would be both refreshing and a breath of reality if he’d step up and take some ownership and responsibility for his actions or lack thereof, but as a former #1 and a guy that’s supposed to be a team leader, I can understand the public denial to a certain extent. Here’s hoping he eventually “gets it” before his career is flushed down the proverbial toilet – if it’s not there already. Thanks again! Go Broncs!

It's "just" football

by Donkhead on Sep 29, 2009 3:12 PM MDT up reply actions

What Oakland is Saying

I read an interesting article over at SBP last night:

http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2009/9/28/1058431/the-problem-starts-at-the-top

That JMR was but one of many symptoms of the core problem in their organization, that the root cause is Greasy Al himself. Can’t say I disagree.

Great article Bear, thanks!

Jeff Zepp, Kittredge CO USA

by Rzeppa on Sep 29, 2009 10:58 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs

Zepp, thanks for the link,

Raybin’s a diehard Raider fan and you can hear and feel his frustration, a really good read on the issues at hand in Oakland.

by bchiper on Sep 29, 2009 1:30 PM MDT up reply actions

You're welcome bchiper

I thought Raybin wrote a good, thoughtful article, and summed up the Fader fan’s frustration with some home town insight.

Jeff Zepp, Kittredge CO USA

by Rzeppa on Sep 29, 2009 5:01 PM MDT up reply actions

Great post bear

I live in Folsom and all the Raider fans here are just flat exhausted by their team at this point. I think some will be jumping ship soon if things don’t improve. Even though I don’t like the Raiders, I really feel for the fans as they’re being given nothing but rotten eggs……

by bchiper on Sep 29, 2009 1:32 PM MDT reply actions

I didn't realize this

but I just saw here that Russell only threw for one yard in the second half. Now that is combination of Cable realizing Russell wasn’t able to throw the ball and calling a lot of runs and also Russell’s incompetence. In the second half he was 3/8 for 1 yard. Contrast that with 12 rushes for 57 yards in the second half.

Also is a good read is his (Lowell Cohn’s) retelling of his interview with Seymour where Seymour said the hair pulling was “no mistake.”

Jason
The Hanging Curve

by poorboywilly on Sep 29, 2009 4:04 PM MDT reply actions

Even Better

Thanks for the links Jason. After reading the second one, I found this tidbit in the linked article asking if if it’s just the Hutt’s fault or the whole team. Obviously the fans are close to a complete revolt. Here’s a juicy tidbit:

So here’s what I want to say. The fans were out of line to single out Russell in their chant. They were being narrow-minded. The fact is the entire Raider team was bad, and that may indicate they will be bad on a long-term basis – more of the same boring dreary thing. They are 1-2 after playing three games in the division.

snip

Maybe the fans ought to adjust their derogatory chant to include the entire team.

During the second half several fights broke out in the stands and the cops showed up and led four or five people out of the stadium in the section directly below the press box. Out of nowhere, a woman threw a cup of beer in a cop’s face. Perhaps she was frustrated with the game. They cuffed her and led her out.

I’m so glad we get to play them again ;-)

Jeff Zepp, Kittredge CO USA

by Rzeppa on Sep 29, 2009 5:08 PM MDT up reply actions

The Awesome-o quote

is pretty good too…basically saying “no, I don’t think Russell had a good game and is getting blamed for the team losing”

Jason
The Hanging Curve

by poorboywilly on Sep 29, 2009 6:25 PM MDT up reply actions

Could it be......

Don’t remember exact numbers, but JR’s original contract included over $30 million guaranteed. Add to that his salary for the last few years and you’re talking a large sum of money. Is it possible he doesn’t give a rip about being an NFL quarterback and, therefore, isn’t interested in putting in the time to improve and polish his game? What is the NFL was simply a paycheck for him and he’s riding it as long as he can without putting any unnecessary effort into it.

I like to think it wouldn’t change me, but $30 million in the bank would probably affect my outlook on my career and life by quite a bit. Not comparing myself to JR in any way, the opportunity to be a good NFL qb is one I"d jump at with everything I am. But I can certainly see some people losing their ambition once you have the financial freedom to take care of you and anyone close to you.

by Kgrone on Sep 29, 2009 4:39 PM MDT reply actions

Human beings being what they are

I find it hard to believe there are any players in the league who don’t want to be great. Sure, Russell’s lazy, but he was lazy before he got his 30 mil.

"Surprised to see you, Captain, though pleased." — from Star Trek episode Space Seed.

by spock on Sep 30, 2009 12:09 AM MDT up reply actions