To all core players

[jdmills23]

Why is it that Smoot isn't willing to sign those documents that are worth over 12 million dollars? Greed, is it? Perhaps we aren't the team that he has envisioned himself finishing his illustrious career with. After all this is a man who has mirrored himself after the great Deion Sanders.
Anyway, I was reading an article on Jerome Bettis and see that he has once again taken a substantial paycut to remain in Pittsburgh as a backup. How many players of his stature do you think would take a paycut 2 years in a row just to remain on the team that they love. Devotion like this is rare and very admirable. I wish we could set up a meeting between him and Smoot. I just thought this might interest some of you to know that there are still some decent athletes left in this league. Here's the article if you are interested.
http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/PIT/8232787

[oafusp]

Why is it that Smoot isn't willing to sign those documents that are worth over 12 million dollars? Greed, is it? Perhaps we aren't the team that he has envisioned himself finishing his illustrious career with. After all this is a man who has mirrored himself after the great Deion Sanders.
Anyway, I was reading an article on Jerome Bettis and see that he has once again taken a substantial paycut to remain in Pittsburgh as a backup. How many players of his stature do you think would take a paycut 2 years in a row just to remain on the team that they love. Devotion like this is rare and very admirable. I wish we could set up a meeting between him and Smoot. I just thought this might interest some of you to know that there are still some decent athletes left in this league. Here's the article if you are interested.
http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/PIT/8232787

Most players get 1 "payday". You're only a free agent once...after that you get to restructure a couple of times. But the big payday comes just once and that decides future bonuses....and the well being of your offspring. Smoot will be a core Redskin if he is here, but he is going to test the market like any other smart man. Mirrored himself after the great Deion Sanders???? EXACTLY...Deion has played for 6 teams...whoever was the highest bidder. Hell, why do you think he came out of retirement to play for the Ravens? How do you think he paid for all of those jazzy suits?

So you read an article on Jerome Bettis and because he is taking a pay cut you think Smoot should? Guess what other player is taking a pay cut....Marshall Faulk. See, players that take paycuts usually are in the twilight of their career and are only doing it for the betterment of the team they love. Those guys (Bettis and Faulk) already got that "Big Payday", they've been a free agent and got paid. Their personal success on the field is far superior to their egos...so they are not embarassed to take a pay cut. They know who they are and what they've done.

As for Smoot, Pierce, and the dozens of other free agents out there....you've got to repsect their view even if you disagree. Look at it from both sides. Sure, we all wish Smoot would stay...at a decent price. But this is his one shot and there is a demand out there. If he moves on do you have any doubt that Gibbs and Williams will not have a remedy?

PS - At least we are not hearing Smoot say he wants to be the highest paid cornerback in the league....and get the highest bonus in Redskins history....cause we and he knows he is not worth that....UNLIKE another teammate that thinks he can rap...#60.

[tcwest10]

Plus, Bettis is being realistic. He can't just go somewhere and start all over. In my mind, he played so well this year because he'd been slighted. Douche walked right in and took over the starting job. When he got hurt, Bettis came off of spot duty and blew everybody away. If he were to go to a new team and become the top guy, he might not be able to handle the full load anymore.
He chose to remain in Steel City, where he's beloved, has a great shot at a SB ring and where they know when to play him and when to sit him. It's a perfect situation.

[jdmills23]

Hey Dufus or oafus, whatever! I dont think I ever implied that Smoot should take a paycut, or are you saying that 12 million dollars is a paycut? Wow, thats right the contract that we are offering Smoot is a good sized amount of money. In fact it is more than Fred Baxter was offered from the Ravens. Check your facts first kid!

[Irn-Bru]

Hey Dufus or oafus, whatever! I dont think I ever implied that Smoot should take a paycut, or are you saying that 12 million dollars is a paycut? Wow, thats right the contract that we are offering Smoot is a good sized amount of money. In fact it is more than Fred Baxter was offered from the Ravens. Check your facts first kid!

It may not be a paycut in that he's already making more than 12 million. But you would probably agree with me that he's worth more than what he's currently getting paid (I think his contract was worth a few million total over a couple of years), right?

What if 4 other teams are willing to pay Smoot more than 12 million? That would suggest that he's worth more than that, making a contract worth 12 million to play with the Skins a pay cut.

I don't happen to think that other teams are going to offer him that, but he feels that he can make more than the Redskins are offering. It may not be a case of the highest bidder, especially if he can get more than one team to go after him. Again, I don't think that it will happen. . .but we could all be proved wrong come early March.

[jdmills23]

Bububu Bull! If you dont think that Bettis could have gone somewhere else for more money then maybe you should check around the league. Its all about the team with this guy! I watch the Steelers as much as I do the Skins, so I know what kind of character this guy has.
What team wouldnt want a guy who has had a resilient career,which has resulted in him being 5th on the all time rushing list. I know he wouldnt be #1 probably, but most guys would be "testing the market" for one last payday. Or am I wrong about this? I dont think so.

[Scottskins]

jd, for one thing, why are you attacking people? The difference between Smoot and Bettis is age. Smoot hasn't had a payday yet and Bettis has. Bettis can't go anywhere and get a big payday because he's getting old and will most likely only be able to play one more year. Most teams aren't going to bring a RB in for one year to be the main guy either. On the other side, Bettis loves the Steelers, and that's why he's coming back at all instead of retiring. You gotta love a guy like that...

And don't count Smoot gone yet either. Like Joe said, the trend these days is for players to posture a little to try and bump the contract up a little. Smoot may have every intention of returning, we don't know that yet...

[jdmills23]

What is the talk about payday? Do you guys honestly think that the offer is not more than adequate? And as for attacking people, WHAT? I am simply stating an opinion. If it is to blunt then I apologize, I didnt realize the sensitivity of the board.
The age has nothing to do with the players looking for a payday does it. Or do older players not need to get paid?
As for the love of the team that Bettis has, what is it that you think I'm posting this for? Thats my whole point. Smoot has been given a very nice contract offer, and the way I see it is that if he wanted to stay bad enough and be an anchor for this defense then why would he be "testing the market"?
All that I meant from this post is that there are loyal players still left in this league and I find that inspirational.

[Scottskins]

Of course I think it's adequate. But at the same time, I understand the facts of life. If it were you, wouldn't you want to get the best deal possible? If he leaves for a better offer, good for him, and good riddance. Doesn't mean I think he's stupid for leaving, just not redskin material.

Hey Dufus or oafus

If that's not attacking someone, I don't know what is. Someone being called a dufus and taking offense to it, makes them too sensitive? This board, like most places in life, doesn't allow personal attacks, and I'm pretty sure that was a personal attack. If oafusp was your friend, that would be one thing. But as far as I know, you don't even know him. The fact that you don't see it that way speaks volumes about you.

Age has nothing to do with paydays in the NFL? Really? It's a very rare player who can get a 10 mil bonus when he is Bettis' age. Especially when the player is admittedly close to retirement.

I understand what your saying, but your too harsh in how you convey your point. I agree Smoot should just sign his deal with us. It's a fair contract and I want him back. But at the same time, if he wants to try and push the Skins into a little bit more, or even sign a bigger contract with someone else, I don't hold that against him. If he is with us next season, I definitely won't hold it against him that he tried to get a little bit more. For many of these players, the money they make in the NFL is what will carry them thru life.

I personally would take a pay cut if it helped the team back to the top. Unfortunately, I'm not good enough to play in the NFL....

[jdmills23]

Of course I think it's adequate. But at the same time, I understand the facts of life. If it were you, wouldn't you want to get the best deal possible? If he leaves for a better offer, good for him, and good riddance. Doesn't mean I think he's stupid for leaving, just not redskin material.
That is the point I am trying to make!!! Once again I apologize that I have offended your sensitive nature. Please except my most sincere apologies Fonz. Alrightamundo?

[BossHog]

Once again I apologize that I have offended your sensitive nature. Please except my most sincere apologies Fonz. Alrightamundo?

Actually, he's 100% right about the attacks, I just wasn't here to clean up at the time.

You can act as sarcastic as you want... but if you keep up the personal attacks, you'll find yourself unable to post here for a while.

[oafusp]

JD, let me get this straight...

1. You think Smoot should just sign the contract the Skins offered him ($12 Mil bonus)
2. Smoot should be more like Jerome Bettis?
3. If a Redskin leaves for more money then they are not "Redskin material"?

[jdmills23]

Was calling him Fonz an attack or are you taking his side there BH? Just would like to know for personal reference.

[jdmills23]

Oafusp, to answer those questions without getting sarcastic as to not upset anyone.

1.Yes -As I stated before, the offer was more than fair and if he truly is a Redskin then why not sign? How much of difference in money is he looking to make?
2.Yes -Why wouldn't any professional athlete aspire to be like one of the classiest players in this league.
3.No -I dont think every situation calls for the same judge and jury.

I was merely trying to make a point that today's athletes are not worth the money that we are paying them. The situation worsens every time an above average player feels like he deserves a piece of the cake that Champ got last year. Well, I'm sorry but I dont think he deserves that much and allowing him to have it is only contributing to the inflation of salaries that we are witnessing in all professional sports.

[Scottskins]

first of all JD, your last post was a good one. If you continued to post like this, I would consider you a valueable member of this board and always respect your posts.

secondly, do you not see how calling me names is attacking me? Don't get me wrong, I could care less what people call me or say to me. Especially on the internet. But, what it comes down to is this, the people who own and run this site want the members here to respect each and their opinions, or at least pretend to. That's why the rules don't allow you or me to attack each other. Calling people names is attacking them, at least according to the rules it is. Knowing that, you need to act in accordance with the rules.

If you want to attack people on here, you must go to talking smack.

BH, sorry if I overstepped my bounds here, I just thought I'd help stop it before it became something, and next thing you know...

[jdmills23]

Scottskin, the reason I made that little smart remark at the end of my post was because you questioned my character. You need never question my character, for all you know I work for the President or I'm homeless. I am a sarcastic person by nature, I will try to tone it down a bit. As for if I am worried about not being aloud to post anymore? Look at the # of post I've had since being a member. Not to many, right? I suppose the sun will shine tomorrow whether I post or not, but to belittle me would be a mistake. I am a fairly intelligent man who just loves the Redskins like the rest of you. So, why dont we just go back to talking about the welfare of our beloved team and forget that I ever voiced any sort of opinion. Thank you for your perspective and although we may not see eye to eye we want the same thing.

[Champsturf]

Age has nothing to do with paydays in the NFL? Really? It's a very rare player who can get a 10 mil bonus when he is Bettis' age. Especially when the player is admittedly close to retirement.

No it doesn't, at least not from the Skins. Look at what we've paid a bunch of overthehill pieces of crap.

If he is with us next season, I definitely won't hold it against him that he tried to get a little bit more. For many of these players, the money they make in the NFL is what will carry them thru life.

Sorry, but i WILL hold it against him.. The Skins have made a VERY fair offer. If he can't "carry himself through life" with that kind of $$, he is a total moron.

Normally we agree scottskins, but not here.

[Scottskins]

Scottskin, the reason I made that little smart remark at the end of my post was because you questioned my character. You need never question my character, for all you know I work for the President or I'm homeless. I am a sarcastic person by nature, I will try to tone it down a bit. As for if I am worried about not being aloud to post anymore? Look at the # of post I've had since being a member. Not to many, right? I suppose the sun will shine tomorrow whether I post or not, but to belittle me would be a mistake. I am a fairly intelligent man who just loves the Redskins like the rest of you. So, why dont we just go back to talking about the welfare of our beloved team and forget that I ever voiced any sort of opinion. Thank you for your perspective and although we may not see eye to eye we want the same thing.

It's cool JD, let's call it a misunderstanding and move on

Your right, it's our love of the Skins that brings us here afterall.

[Scottskins]

Age has nothing to do with paydays in the NFL? Really? It's a very rare player who can get a 10 mil bonus when he is Bettis' age. Especially when the player is admittedly close to retirement.

No it doesn't, at least not from the Skins. Look at what we've paid a bunch of overthehill pieces of crap.

If he is with us next season, I definitely won't hold it against him that he tried to get a little bit more. For many of these players, the money they make in the NFL is what will carry them thru life.

Sorry, but i WILL hold it against him.. The Skins have made a VERY fair offer. If he can't "carry himself through life" with that kind of $$, he is a total moron.

Normally we agree scottskins, but not here.

I can't remember us giving any older players a 10 mil bonus, but I could be wrong...

The reason I wouldn't hold it against him is that if he really is considering leaving us, then I don't want him here anyway. I want every single one of our players to want to be here because they love this team. That's very unrealistic, but if you can get rid of guys like these, then you should IMO. Coles would be gone if I had my way, but not if it hurts the team. It would of course because of the cap hit, so I don't want him gone for that reason only.

I'm not saying Smoot is realy considering leaving the team either. He may possibly just be posturing to try and get the Skins to bump the price some. If that's true and he ends up signing, then all is forgiven as far as I'm concerned.

Part of our problem the last decade has been the attitude of todays players. You don't see many players like DG anymore who figure they are lucky to be making millions of dollars for playing the game they love. DG never had a good contract until the twilight of his career and even that got restructured lol. I don't remember ever seeing him bitch about it or try to leave the team for money. Guys like him are certainly rare these days, but that doesn't mean you don't try to find them, and get rid of the money hungry ones =)

And what fun would it be if we all had the same opinions anyway

[BossHog]

i didn't say anything about being sarcastic, in fact, I said be as sarcstic as you want. I said no 'personal attacks' and try as I might to find another connotation of dufus, I can't find one.

And now your own little personal needs fixes are getting in the way of threads... and you're questioning moderators actions to boot?

Nobody expects people to have the same opinions, we go out of our way to make sure people can express those ideas... but express them like adults, not children.

[fleetus]

I'd love to keep Smoot and I do understand that he needs to receive an offer or two from other teams to gage his market value. The sad thing is, the Redskins made a very generous offer with the intention of signing him early so they could move on to other business on March 2nd. We will sign Rolle and Smoot will end up playing for another team for about the same money the Skins already offered him. He is a solid #2 CB, NOT a #1. No one is going to give him #1 type of money. It's a shame things have to work out this way but that's life in the modern NFL. Agents talk players into trying to squeeze every dollar they can get and many times that means a change of scenery. Smoots not wrong but he's going to end up somewhere else for the same money because he wasn't willing to accept a very good offer to stay here.