Odell
The league and the Bengals are saying zip about this, so I know about as much as you do. First reaction is, Thurman was a victim first of his own bad choices and second of circumstance. If you want to play football again and you know what you have to do to achieve that end, you do not put yourself in any situation that could even be interpreted as compromising. Don't go to a party where you might get in trouble. For that matter, distance yourself from your small hometown, where everyone knows you, some want something from you and your every move is noted. Secondly, it's not Thurman's fault M. Vick fought dogs, supposedly, or P. Jones made trouble in a strip club, allegedly. It is his problem. Commish Goodell paints w/broad brush, doesnt want to antagonize mega-sponsors and jeopardize NFL's enviable cash cow. He's on a mission for truth, justice and the American dollar. Other than that, the Bengals won't miss Thurman, because you can't lose something you never had.
posted by Paul Daugherty at 12:58 PM
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Post a Comment*It's a shame we won't be able to see the excitement he brought to the team when he played, but perhaps when he finally gets back he will be too slow to over pursue.
He is one helluva linebacker--far superior to Brooks. I agree with you that he is paying not only for his own sins, but those of others much higher profile than him. Also, that the Bengals led the league in this dubious category (arrests!) last year does not help. No way this team wins 10 or 11 games this year.
Obviously, we don't know all the details. But it seems to me that when the league sets forth a step-by-step list of requirements -- such as rehab, community service, etc. -- with the implied promise of reinstatement if said requirements are satisfied, then the league should follow through on its end of the bargain. If the league was sincere about helping people with addiction, it would have rewarded Odell, not punished him further. I know we all have a tendency to be cynical about these things, especially when wayward athletes commit repeat offenses. But sometimes people really can rehabilitate themselves, and the promise of reinstatement helps them on that road. See Josh Hamilton if you want a good example.
The other think that strikes me lately about the Goodell administration is that he doesn't hesitate to interfere with a player's livelihood based on little hard evidence. Maybe it's perception, but it seems like he pays more attention to media reports than court documents. I know it's quaint, but I thought we were all innocent until proven guilty?
In my world (far removed from NFL player), it's fairly easy to avoid fights in bars and strip clubs. Apparently, it's very difficult for them. All that money must be a terrible burden!
I listened to your show last night and have to agree with your comment regarding Odell. Like everyone else, I thought Odell had lived up to his end of the deal but, I agree that the NFL must know something about this young man that we don't. I certainly do not agree with a previous blogger's statement that Goodell is relying too much on mdeia reports. If that were true, Odell would probably be reinstated. My take is that Goodell, as commissioner, has to make a big statement regarding the behavior of NFL players. He is making it with his decision on Odell Thurman. If he stays consistent (and I really do think he will), God bless him! The Bengals played without him last year and will do fine this year. They are, in my opinion, a playoff team this year.
On skip Prosser, as a long time UC alumand fan, I really "hated" the guy when he coached XU but always also respected him. I knew that he and Bobby Huggins were real good off the court buddies and that always made me feel better about things. After Hugs left town, I was always kind of hoping that maybe Skip would make his way back up and coach the Bearcats. Sadly, that can never happen. Coach Prosser, by all acounts, was a good man and will be sadly missed.
I will agree with what many say in that Goodell needed to get his point across somehow, given that fines and small suspensions (3-4 games) apparently haven't done so. It is possible again that he is using Odell as an example of his plan. We also aren't sure he is and that it could have just been a knee-jerk reaction.
It's true that Odell showed, at least for one season, the caliber defensive player he is or could become. However, he also could be more trouble than he's worth. Luckily linebacker is the deepest position involved here. Odell has yet to completely prove himself and he's being treated like a savvy vet. In turn, Lewis is giving Ahmad Brooks the same opportunity he gave Odell 2 years ago. We don't know Brooks won't turn out the same, but also cannot assume he will. He's being given a chance though
The same goes for Chris Henry in that he may be more trouble than he's worth. It's no doubt he has shown himself as a great third down receiver. But once more, receiver is a very deep position.
Worth the trouble?
MUCH better picture, Doc.
Wow. John Erardi just schooled you and anyone else that thinks trading Adam Dunn is a good idea. Where you gonna make up those runs he produces?
Oh, I forgot, home runs are overrated.
My question is on EA Sports Madden 08, since "if its in the game, its in the game" will there be suspensions for off field conduct?
Hmmm...Thurman violates probation just before decision was rendered...sadly Odell seems to be going the way of Clarett and others.
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