Gibbs: Contract not problem for Taylor By David Elfin THE WASHINGTON TIMES Published May 18, 2005
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Safety Sean Taylor's ongoing absence from the team isn't because of unhappiness with his contract as had been believed, Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said yesterday. "I really don't think [it's] contractual," Gibbs said after the first of 14 days of voluntary organized team activities that followed offseason workouts that began March 21. "I think Sean understands he's got a contract. And we expect him to honor it." Having yet to hear from Taylor this offseason, Gibbs recently sent contract negotiator Eric Schaffer to meet with Taylor's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, but to no avail. Rosenhaus maintained his no-comment policy on Taylor's situation yesterday. "It's kind of hard because there's no interaction," Gibbs said. "I was hoping at some point we would hit a breakthrough. ... It will probably take me having a chance to sit down and talk with Sean to really figure out why he's not here." However, Gibbs said he "would be in shock" if Taylor misses anything mandatory like the June 17-19 minicamp. Running back Clinton Portis agreed, saying his ex-University of Miami teammate will be on time for the start of training camp July 31. Taylor, the fifth pick in the 2004 draft, endured a tumultuous rookie year during which he changed agents twice; was fined for leaving a mandatory NFL symposium, late hits and improper socks; and was suspended for a game by the Redskins after being arrested for driving under the influence. Those charges were later dropped. "Sean knows his responsibilities," Portis said. "He had a long season, going through the alcohol thing and all that. When you're under the spotlight forever [and] you finally get away from it, you want to stay out of it for a little while." Portis can relate to Taylor, having skipped the voluntary offseason program after his rookie season in Denver, preferring to work out in Miami with several other former Hurricanes. "I'm not justifying Sean's actions ... [but] I'm sure if he has a Pro Bowl-type year, everybody will forget about this," Portis said. The Redskins have all but forgotten about receiver Rod Gardner, one of just three players to start the past four seasons. Gibbs said "we're going to try to do what's best for the team." Translation: Gardner will be cut after June 1 to save the Redskins $2.1 million against this year's salary cap. While running back Chad Morton was able to do some work yesterday as he continues to recover from knee surgery, linebackers LaVar Arrington and Micheal Barrow and defensive tackle Brandon Noble were all excused because of similar ailments. Arrington and Noble might miss minicamp but should be ready come July. By then, the 35-year-old Barrow might well join Gardner as a cap casualty. "It's been a long process that we've all been frustrated by," Gibbs said of Barrow's nearly 10-month absence from action. "We're trying to get to a point where he can be turned loose." Defensive end Phillip Daniels, safeties Matt Bowen and Andre Lott, offensive tackle Jon Jansen, kicker John Hall, cornerback Ade Jimoh and linebacker Khary Campbell, all of whom finished 2004 on injured reserve, were on the field yesterday. So was offensive lineman Ray Brown, who had offseason surgery. Less than a month after undergoing surgery to remove a cyst from the base of his spine, Pro Bowl outside linebacker Marcus Washington did some light work. Washington's defense, which was third overall last year, is still ahead of its offense, which was third-to-last in 2004. "It looked like the blitz drill out there," Gibbs said. "We had to go over there and talk things over and at least get a few plays where we could throw the ball downfield." Still, Gibbs and quarterback Patrick Ramsey were pleased with the first day for the new shotgun-enhanced offense against a defense. Note -- Although the Redskins certainly could use another pass rusher, Gibbs said they won't consider signing outside linebacker Peter Boulware, who recently was let go by Baltimore.
"I was on the sideline and guys were talking about the score, and then it hit me -- we won by 21. I came in the locker room and I yelled it out, and immediately I just kind of broke down in tears. Because I miss Sean, you know."
By Jason La Canfora Washington Post Staff Writer Wednesday, May 18, 2005; D03
Safety Sean Taylor was not present for the start of the Washington Redskins' offseason practices yesterday, but Coach Joe Gibbs said he expects the second-year player to be on hand next month for the mandatory minicamp. Taylor has not returned numerous calls from his coaches, and Gibbs said he is unsure why he is not here but that his absence is not related to his contract.
When asked if the Redskins had been given assurances from Taylor's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, that Taylor would attend a mandatory camp June 17-19, Gibbs said, "I would be in shock if he missed something that was mandatory."
Previously, Gibbs stated that he believed Taylor's absence was related to concerns about his contract. But the team has since sent salary cap specialist Eric Schaffer to Miami to meet with Rosenhaus, and Redskins officials say they are now certain that the contract is not the reason Taylor has remained in Florida. Gibbs said Rosenhaus has been reluctant to divulge details about Taylor's decision not to come to Redskins Park, but running back Clinton Portis reiterated his belief that the safety, who was a rookie last year, is burned out from football.
"He's doing the proper training" in Florida, said Portis, who speaks with Taylor regularly, "and when he gets here -- whenever that is -- he knows what his responsibility is going to be. I know he'll be here for training camp."
While Taylor's absence was unexcused and disappointed Gibbs, wide receiver Rod Gardner was not expected to be here as the team continues to try to trade him. Gibbs said there is still hope for a trade -- although Gardner's prolonged stint on the trading block points to the contrary. Asked about the possibility of releasing Gardner and saving $2.1 million toward the salary cap, Gibbs said, "We've considered all options and we're going to try to do what we think is best for the team."
Linebackers LaVar Arrington (knee surgery), Marcus Washington (back surgery) and Mike Barrow (knee tendinitis), and defensive tackle Brendan Noble (knee infection) are missing these no-pad practices; return man Chad Morton, whose season was ended by knee surgery, was not cleared to participate, Gibbs said.
Arrington is again visiting with James Andrews in Birmingham with hopes of being ready for July training camp. Barrow is working with specialists in Arizona after missing all of last season with knee ailments. Gibbs said Barrow is likely to begin his rehabilitation at Redskins Park soon, although no date has been set for a return.
The Redskins signed free agent linebackers Warrick Holdman and Brian Allen to add depth to an injury-depleted position, and Gibbs said both players will work at middle linebacker, which was weakened by the departure of starter Antonio Pierce and Barrow's injury. On offense, the team continues to work on the shotgun, a formation Gibbs shunned in the past, and is implementing more stretch plays with zone blocking, better suited to Portis and akin to how he played in Denver after the Redskins tried to be a power running team at the start of last season.
"We were set on being a smash-mouth team," Portis said. "That's what we wanted to go out and do. Unfortunately, that didn't win us a lot of games, so we changed a few things up."
Redskins Notes: The Redskins had interest in free agent linebacker Peter Boulware, but with the team just $1.5 million under the salary cap, his asking price is too steep. "I would say we probably got ruled out," Gibbs said. . . . Tight end David Kashetta was waived yesterday. Gibbs said punter Tom Tupa was excused from practice for personal reasons.
"I was on the sideline and guys were talking about the score, and then it hit me -- we won by 21. I came in the locker room and I yelled it out, and immediately I just kind of broke down in tears. Because I miss Sean, you know."
That bit from Portis about Taylor working out seems to be contradicted by something I read on the WP website a little while back which suggested he had turned up only once at the Uni of Miami for a game of half basketball or summit, hardly working out.
Very strange, but whatever his reasons, he aint doing his relationship with Coach JG any good at all.
Heres the bit I was talking about
"Redskins running back Clinton Portis has shown up now and then, and defensive back Sean Taylor, who has skipped the team's recent workouts, made one appearance -- and only to play a game of half-court basketball, Miami strength coach Andreu Swasey said. Both are former Hurricanes"
If its nothing to do with money why dosnt Taylor or his agent just say what it IS about? this isnt 20 questions time and all this conjecture just rubs everyone up the wrong way. Whats supposed to happen next, do we just sit and wait and hope he shows up at training camp?
I thought this was kinda good news, actually. At least he's coming to camp!!!!
"I was on the sideline and guys were talking about the score, and then it hit me -- we won by 21. I came in the locker room and I yelled it out, and immediately I just kind of broke down in tears. Because I miss Sean, you know."
hatsOFF2gibbs wrote:I thought this was kinda good news, actually. At least he's coming to camp!!!!
where does it say that?
In fact what it does say is
".... When asked if the Redskins had been given assurances from Taylor's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, that Taylor would attend a mandatory camp June 17-19, Gibbs said, "I would be in shock if he missed something that was mandatory."
"
That would suggest that there is no assurance he will turn up
Im going to go out on a limb and say he sounds like he is bipolar. My sister in law is bipolar and he is surely showing similar characteristics to how odd she acts. I think he should seriously see a dr.
It's not quite as informative to read about the conversation with CP as it is to hear it. I'm sure someone can post the soundbyte later, but I saw the interview with CP on comcast last night, and CP said that he "was in the same position in Denver after his first year." That's not good news for those hoping that ST is just hangin' in Miami. CP made it sound like ST might not be happy as a Redskin... I hope this will be proven wrong...
personally, i get the vibe that taylor may have Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Disorder/whatever they are calling it these days. you know, the same thing that ricky williams has that influenced so much of his bizarre behaviour. i had a girlfriend with that so it's not entirely unfamiliar to me.
think about what he is doing- last year, he avoided the media. he doesn't return his coaches telephone calls. he's working out by himself in florida. becoming a "celebrity" can be extremely difficult/distressing for someone with that condition, and everything he has done so far seems to be just trying to hide from it all, minimize it. (of course it has the opposite effect because then people start talking even more about his strange behaviour...)
even if i'm completely wrong, i would hope our coaches would recognize this as a possibility and look into the best way to procede with sean so we don't end up with a ricky williams situation of our own.
die cowboys die wrote:personally, i get the vibe that taylor may have Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Disorder/whatever they are calling it these days. you know, the same thing that ricky williams has that influenced so much of his bizarre behaviour. i had a girlfriend with that so it's not entirely unfamiliar to me.
think about what he is doing- last year, he avoided the media. he doesn't return his coaches telephone calls. he's working out by himself in florida. becoming a "celebrity" can be extremely difficult/distressing for someone with that condition, and everything he has done so far seems to be just trying to hide from it all, minimize it. (of course it has the opposite effect because then people start talking even more about his strange behaviour...)
even if i'm completely wrong, i would hope our coaches would recognize this as a possibility and look into the best way to procede with sean so we don't end up with a ricky williams situation of our own.
I was just about to post something along the same lines. He seems like he's a really quiet, shy and soft spoken type of guy. Probably more at ease without a camera jammed in his face. The media has a problem with this. I remember reading articles last summer where some reporter would say "and Sean Taylor declined to comment... again." He would talk to the fans, but he didn't want to talk to the press. A lot of people (fans included) think that a multi-million dollar contract means that their entire lives are dedicated to the sports world. I don't think Sean wants to get away from "football", I think he wants to get away from the NFL for a while. That, I can understand completely.
GW said himself that Sean wouldn't be missing much by missing these voluntary workouts. He said something along the lines of "my hands are tied, I'm a Sean Taylor fan." "He's the greatest athlete I've seen and so easy to coach."
Of course, he could just be an enormous jackass and doing all of this for unknown reasons. Who knows. He's a hell of a football player.
hatsOFF2gibbs wrote:I thought this was kinda good news, actually. At least he's coming to camp!!!!
where does it say that?
In fact what it does say is ".... When asked if the Redskins had been given assurances from Taylor's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, that Taylor would attend a mandatory camp June 17-19, Gibbs said, "I would be in shock if he missed something that was mandatory." " That would suggest that there is no assurance he will turn up
He will. He's trying to prove that he's so good that he doesn't need these voluntary practices to be a dominant force on the team. He'll be back when he's required to.
Jake, sorry about that. I should've put them together in the first place.
"I was on the sideline and guys were talking about the score, and then it hit me -- we won by 21. I came in the locker room and I yelled it out, and immediately I just kind of broke down in tears. Because I miss Sean, you know."
Lots of people seem to be getting too worked up over this situation and reading way too much into it IMO!
hatsOFF2gibbs wrote:..He's trying to prove that he's so good that he doesn't need these voluntary practices to be a dominant force on the team. He'll be back when he's required to.
I agree with you hatsOFF! IMO this guy feels he does not have to be here and he thinks he's got nothing to gain by it! There is also some posturing and big time ego involved and when it comes time to play I think he really wants to play.
This will be interesting to see how both Greg and Joe treat him. We do not know (for sure) what is happening but I think this guy understands his contract situation and is just pushing the envelope.
Sean may be in for a little surprise if he is "handling" this wrong.
my 2 cents
Until recently, Snyder & Allen have made a lot of really bad decisions - nobody with any sense believes this franchise will get better under their guidance Snyder's W/L record = 45% (80-96) - Snyder/Allen = 41% (59-84-1)
Taylor Absent From OTA Session By Gary Fitzgerald Redskins.com May 17, 2005
Safety Sean Taylor was among several players not in attendance at the start of OTAs on Tuesday, head coach Joe Gibbs said. The OTAs, league-sanctioned practice sessions, are voluntary. "It's just one of those things that we have to deal with," Gibbs said. "Obviously this is voluntary, but at the same time, when everybody else is here, it is disappointing."
Gibbs preferred to focus on those players who were in attendance on Tuesday.
"I told our players today that I think we have the best participation," he said. "We have had great participation with our players in the offseason. I think it puts us way down the road as far as preparation for the season."
Linebacker LaVar Arrington was in Birmingham, Ala., to visit Dr. James Andrews, the Redskins team physician, as he continues to rehabilitate his knee. Linebacker Mike Barrow and defensive tackle Brandon Noble were also rehabbing injuries. Barrow, Gibbs said, was rehabbing in Arizona.
Punter Tom Tupa was excused due to personal reasons.
Undrafted rookies Rich Parson, a wide receiver, and Zak Keasey, a linebacker. were still completing college courses.
Wide receiver Rod Gardner, who has been granted permission to seek a trade, was not expected to attend OTAs
The first mandatory practices of the offseason will be at the June 17-19 mini-camp at Redskins Park
"I was on the sideline and guys were talking about the score, and then it hit me -- we won by 21. I came in the locker room and I yelled it out, and immediately I just kind of broke down in tears. Because I miss Sean, you know."
I was watching some of the past videos which I had missed on Redskins.com (The Larry Michael ones). I watched the JGibbs interviews and the PRamsey one. Then I watched the OTA videos. The first video, "OTA Warmups," has the guys stretching around. Right at the end of the video, there's a big guy stretching on the field with the number 36 on his back. I was like, HEY!!!!! That's my boy STaylor out there!!! I was confused why the media was saying he wasn't there but in video footage, he was. 2 minutes later, I recalled his number change. You can see it at: http://www.redskins.com/news/multimedia.jsp It's like the fourth or fifth one down. "OTA Warmups"
"I was on the sideline and guys were talking about the score, and then it hit me -- we won by 21. I came in the locker room and I yelled it out, and immediately I just kind of broke down in tears. Because I miss Sean, you know."
Man Im not even gonna sweat this.
He'll be back... I really think everythings straight... theres gotta be more to this and im not gonna anyalize it too much and make myself go nutz.
and if he doesnt come back.... ah well... Bowen and Clark can go at it.
but i still think everythings fine... he better learn some respect and call Gibbs though, takes 2 minutes.
Don't matter where you are.... YOU'RE IN REDSKINS COUNTRY!
Bottom line - we don't know what is up with Sean, AND we are not ENTITLED to know. Let him get himself together. He had a tough year personally.
We as fans remember the hits, the INTs, the plays. He may likely remember the pain, the work, the travel and the stress - in addition to bad press here and there for being quiet.
I am just glad to hear it is not about money, and if you are out there reading this Sean, please talk it over with your coach as I am sure Joe Gibbs can keep it confidential.
You have tons in fans in DC and around the country ready to support you!
FanofallthatisGibbs wrote:I also think this is semi-good news.
Bottom line - we don't know what is up with Sean, AND we are not ENTITLED to know. Let him get himself together. He had a tough year personally.
We as fans remember the hits, the INTs, the plays. He may likely remember the pain, the work, the travel and the stress - in addition to bad press here and there for being quiet.
I am just glad to hear it is not about money, and if you are out there reading this Sean, please talk it over with your coach as I am sure Joe Gibbs can keep it confidential.
You have tons in fans in DC and around the country ready to support you!
Great post! Agree with you 100%!
"I was on the sideline and guys were talking about the score, and then it hit me -- we won by 21. I came in the locker room and I yelled it out, and immediately I just kind of broke down in tears. Because I miss Sean, you know."
FanofallthatisGibbs wrote:I also think this is semi-good news.
Bottom line - we don't know what is up with Sean, AND we are not ENTITLED to know. Let him get himself together. He had a tough year personally.
We as fans remember the hits, the INTs, the plays. He may likely remember the pain, the work, the travel and the stress - in addition to bad press here and there for being quiet.
I am just glad to hear it is not about money, and if you are out there reading this Sean, please talk it over with your coach as I am sure Joe Gibbs can keep it confidential.
You have tons in fans in DC and around the country ready to support you!
y would a millionaire, readin this site.......
neway, every1 need to calm down, he'll be back durin camp, and will be a new person.......not like last yr, watch him in every tv interviews, after game interviews etc...he's gonna lead the defense this yr, alond wit 56!!!!!!!
