/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63291506/usa_today_11695662.0.jpg)
First off, I am a huge Emmanuel Sanders fan. I’m not saying that just to say that because I’m about to be critical, I legitimately enjoy Sanders as a player. Shoot, his jersey has been in my active Denver Broncos game day rotation for the last few seasons.
... but what the heck happened last week?
After eyebrow-raising back-and-forths on Twitter over the last few years, Sanders appeared on a local Denver radio show last Thursday to confront its regional host over comments he made about Sanders across multiple media platforms.
During the interview, the regional host, without the foil of his good natured co-host who recently departed for greener radio pastures, was systematically destroyed by Sanders who would not allow the host to squirm out of or deflect the confrontation. The host even went so far as to shield himself from criticism by invoking the death of a child. It was remarkably pathetic and the host should be ashamed.
Then the very next day, fresh off his evisceration in Denver, Sanders took to criticizing a regional radio host from Pittsburgh. For whatever reason, the wideout was unable to let things go. It got real ugly real quick and with language that I’m supposed to pretend to be appalled by.
Both men - grown-ass men - escalated the exchange beyond the Friday banter, which culminated with Sanders making his avatar on Twitter an unflattering picture of this regional host in a not-so-slimming Hawaiian shirt.
While I think that Sanders was completely vindicated in his actions against the Denver host, I struggle to see what’s accomplished by going after the fella in Pittsburgh. Sanders can’t get caught up in this silliness. While it makes him feel better to respond to those critics, what he likely didn’t understand is the timing of all this. They are using him.
Next week begins the Nielson diary survey period. From March 28 - June 19, radio data is to be collected from selected radio listeners all over the country in the form of little books -diaries that document listening habits throughout the course of a week.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/15984116/Capture.jpg)
We all know that the offseason is a slow (boring) time for folks who cover football. To have your sports radio livelihood hang in the balance during a time when only the NFL draft is going on has to be terrifying. It’s during this time-frame that the worst of the worst radio hot takes rear their heads. Remember the “Trade Von Miller” talk last year? It happened during a Neilson book period.
Why haven’t I mentioned the names or stations of these regional radio hosts? Because they don’t deserve the easy publicity these stunts have generated. If you want to seek them out, Google is your friend.
What better way to shore up listenership during a lean offseason than to pick fights with someone who will ferociously fight back? It so transparent, it’s gross.
As Broncos fans, we all saw what happened to Denver’s offense last season when Sanders was injured. We all know that his contract situation is solid, but far from assured.
As a fan of Emmanuel Sanders, I implore him to reel it back. Don’t line these guys’ pockets. Focus on 2019 and go out there and win us some football games.
Broncos Country needs you, E.
HORSE TRACKS
Mason's Mailbag: Draft before free agency?
In 2011, the lockout forced the league to reverse the offseason calendar, moving the free-agent signing period to after the draft. A Mailbag reader wonders if that schedule could ever return.
Vic Fangio's method for creating picture-perfect Broncos
Cowboys finally land a safety in free agency, team agrees to terms with former Bengals and Vikings starter - CBSSports.com
It looks like the Cowboys have finally found their safety
Ex-Cowboys player claims Jason Garrett told him to quit football and smoke 'all the weed' he wants - CBSSports.com
David Irving has made some interesting accusations against his former coach
Robert Kraft under fire: Petition calls for Proctor and Gamble to pull Gillette name from Patriots’ stadium - CBSSports.com
The Patriots owner is dealing with more fallout from his legal issues
Former Eagles first-round pick Jeremy Maclin announces his retirement at wife's baby shower - CBSSports.com
The 30-year-old announced his retirement on a festive day for his family
NFL players react to Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski announcing his retirement from the NFL - CBSSports.com
So long, Gronk
Broncos plan visits with the top four quarterback prospects in the NFL draft – ProFootballTalk
John Elway's search for a franchise quarterback continues. Elway confirmed to reporters at the league meeting today that he wants to take a close look at all of the top quarterback prospects in this year's NFL draft and that the Broncos will host Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray, Missouri quarte...
Yes, the Broncos’ fourth-and-15 proposal actually has a chance to pass - The Washington Post
The proposed rule change would give a team the option to try to convert a fourth-and-15 play rather than attempting to recover an onside kick late in a game.
The Mile-High Salute! - Sports - The Repository - Canton, OH
Stories from the Hall of Fame Archive: In a countdown to the NFL’s Centennial celebration on September 17, 2020, Kendle shares unique and interesting stories starting from the league’s founding in downtown Canton to the present day.
The Vikings’ Kubiak Offense - Daily Norseman
A long look at Gary Kubiak’s history and how it could translate to this year’s Vikings’ offense
Eagles coach Doug Pederson undergoes foot surgery - NFL.com
Eagles coach Doug Pederson underwent foot surgery to deal with a nagging ailment, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
Steelers not rushing Roethlisberger extension
Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert says the team is taking its time working on an extension for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Colt McCoy still on crutches – ProFootballTalk
Colt McCoy was holding out hope fo playing last December, if it had mattered. Three months later, the Washington quarterback's still apparently not well enough to walk around on his own. Via J.P.
Kevin Colbert on trading up in draft: You never want to just give up a pick – ProFootballTalk
The Steelers own 10 picks in this year's draft after dealing wide receiver Antonio Brown and tackle Marcus Gilbert this offseason and some might wonder if that will make them likelier to package some picks in order to move up the board for a player they covet in April.
Kliff Kingsbury: We’re a long way from deciding on No. 1 pick – ProFootballTalk
We're about a month away from the start of the 2019 NFL Draft and the big question remains whether the Cardinals are going to draft quarterback Kyler Murray with the first overall pick.
Competition Committee proposes major expansion to league office’s power to eject – ProFootballTalk
Last year, the NFL gave the league office something it never before had: The power to eject players during a game. This year, the Competition Committee has proposed a major expansion of that power.
John Mara is only competition committee member opposed to onside kick alternative – ProFootballTalk
The "fourth-and-15" alternative to the onside kick appears to have a good chance of passing at this week's owners' meeting. That's because Giants owner John Mara told reporters that he is the only member of the competition committee opposed to the proposal, which would allow teams to choose not t...
Cowboys finally land a safety in free agency, team agrees to terms with former Bengals and Vikings starter - CBSSports.com
It looks like the Cowboys have finally found their safety
Ex-Cowboys player claims Jason Garrett told him to quit football and smoke 'all the weed' he wants - CBSSports.com
David Irving has made some interesting accusations against his former coach
Robert Kraft under fire: Petition calls for Proctor and Gamble to pull Gillette name from Patriots’ stadium - CBSSports.com
The Patriots owner is dealing with more fallout from his legal issues
Former Eagles first-round pick Jeremy Maclin announces his retirement at wife's baby shower - CBSSports.com
The 30-year-old announced his retirement on a festive day for his family
NFL players react to Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski announcing his retirement from the NFL - CBSSports.com
So long, Gronk