The Local Media Is Stupid

[GSPODS]

Springs' absence angers Daniels
David Elfin THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Shawn Springs was the only player absent from the second session of the Washington Redskins' "voluntary" organized team activities yesterday at Redskin Park yesterday, and Phillip Daniels wasn't too happy about it.

"If there's no reason [for his absence] and I'm here, then be here, be a leader," said Daniels, who has been Springs' teammate for eight seasons with the Redskins and the Seattle Seahawks. "[Shawn]'s his own man. I'm a leader. I lead by example. I lead by being here. I'm not a rah-rah guy. He's not here to help us right now. ... He gotta deal with the way people perceive him. I can only say to him, 'Get here. Be involved with this.'"

Coach Jim Zorn said he hasn't heard from Springs. The cornerback's voice mailbox was full, and he didn't respond to a text message.

"This defense [under new coordinator Greg Blache], we put stuff in every day," Daniels said. "The older guys know this stuff. He needs to be here and be a leader for these young guys. I'm here coaching the young guys. Whenever I see something on the field, I go up to 'em and tell 'em what did they did wrong. That's what he needs to be here doing."

Daniels did allude to the continued coma of Springs' father, Ron, as a possible reason for his absence.

"I don't know if something's wrong," Daniels said. "I know he's going through a lot with his family, too. So I don't want to knock him too much until [I] get the full story, but I would love for him to be here."

Springs skipped almost all of the 2007 offseason to register his displeasure with the Redskins over their desire to rework his contract. He also missed this offseason's workouts until the mandatory minicamp May 2-4.

LaRon Landry's return from Louisiana and Santana Moss' return to health left Springs the only player absent.

Landry, a second-year safety who's expected to start in the secondary with Springs, said he had missed Monday's session because he was "taking care of a lot of family issues."

Zorn said he was pleased Landry had "practiced hard as if he had been here the entire time."

Meanwhile, Moss said his "flu" Monday had been a product of his extended 29th birthday celebration over the weekend.

"You think you're young and that you can hold up," Moss said with a laugh. "You have to chalk it up and be ready the next day."

Still got it

Zorn, a quarterback for the Seahawks and Lions for nine seasons, still can wing the ball.

After catching a ball behind his back, the 55-year-old took some reps at his old spot, even overthrowing Moss.

"I wanted to catch one of his balls because I've seen how he threw it back in the day," Moss said. "He can still throw it. I told him it was my fault for not coming through for him."

Springs

Springs Remains Hard to Reach

By Jason La Canfora
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 4, 2008; Page E04

Second-year safety LaRon Landry said he missed Monday's practice because of a family issue but plans to attend the remainder of Washington's organized team activities, while Coach Jim Zorn had yet to make contact with absent cornerback Shawn Springs as of Tuesday.

Landry returned to his starting spot in yesterday's practice, with Zorn playing down the incident. "[Monday] I was at home taking care of a lot of family issues, but I came back and I am ready to work," Landry said after practice, adding that he and Zorn "got everything squared away" during a morning meeting.

Springs has been working out in Arizona -- as he did last offseason -- and has told people that he does not intend to report to Redskins Park until the start of mandatory work in training camp. Springs has not contacted the team, however, Zorn said.

"We're still wondering where Shawn is," Zorn said, "but he knows what he's doing. We're still trying to reach him."

Zorn said that there could be a tendency to allow Springs's absence to frustrate the staff, but that he is not allowing it to do so. "Guys know how to stay aloof, and I could get frustrated," Zorn said. "But I don't get frustrated."

Springs reported to camp in shape last season after following a rigorous routine in Arizona that he is maintaining this offseason. The relationship between Springs and the front office grew strained a year ago, when the Redskins asked him to take a pay cut to remain with the team, but he finished 2007 in good form and enters this season as one of the most important players on the defense, particularly with cornerback Carlos Rogers a health concern after major knee surgery.

Springs

[GSPODS]

I'm not sure who to point the finger at:
Zorn, for not knowing Springs never attends OTA's, or Elfin and LaCanfora for making mountains out of molehills.

All anyone should care about is Springs showing up on gamedays, and he did a solid job of that last season, despite the fact that he always works out in Arizona during OTA's.

Since showing up for OTA's is not mandatory under the CBA, I'm struggling to figure out why everyone thinks this is such a big issue.

I also recall seeing these same stories last season.

[VetSkinsFan]

I'm not sure who to point the finger at:
Zorn, for not knowing Springs never attends OTA's, or Elfin and LaCanfora for making mountains out of molehills.

All anyone should care about is Springs showing up on gamedays, and he did a solid job of that last season, despite the fact that he always works out in Arizona during OTA's.

Since showing up for OTA's is not mandatory under the CBA, I'm struggling to figure out why everyone thinks this is such a big issue.

I also recall seeing these same stories last season.

It would be nice for the youngsters to have his guidance there I think is the point. Everyone practicing together from the start is also a morale booster for the team. The way FA has changed the game, any cohesion and consistancy is a good thing.

[GSPODS]

I'm not sure who to point the finger at:
Zorn, for not knowing Springs never attends OTA's, or Elfin and LaCanfora for making mountains out of molehills.

All anyone should care about is Springs showing up on gamedays, and he did a solid job of that last season, despite the fact that he always works out in Arizona during OTA's.

Since showing up for OTA's is not mandatory under the CBA, I'm struggling to figure out why everyone thinks this is such a big issue.

I also recall seeing these same stories last season.

It would be nice for the youngsters to have his guidance there I think is the point. Everyone practicing together from the start is also a morale booster for the team. The way FA has changed the game, any cohesion and consistancy is a good thing.

Springs doesn't get paid to show up a vountary OTA's and teach rookies. Springs gets paid to show up on gamedays and make plays.
Team spirit is for cheerleaders.
In much the same way that the only thing members of THN have in common is regular season Washington Redskins football, it is the same with many players. These players don't all like each other and they don't all want to "hang out" after work. Not any more than most of us want to hang out with the people we work with after normal business hours.

There are reasons why OTA's are voluntary and training camps are regimented. It's part of the CBA. OTA's are obviously a part the players union is not willing to concede as being mandatory.

The media is free to think Springs should be a team player before he is required to be a team player. So are the coaching staff. And so are the Redskins players who are attending OTA's. But the fact remains it is each player's choice to be there. It is not mandatory.

[1niksder]

I'm not sure who to point the finger at:
Zorn, for not knowing Springs never attends OTA's, or Elfin and LaCanfora for making mountains out of molehills.

All anyone should care about is Springs showing up on gamedays, and he did a solid job of that last season, despite the fact that he always works out in Arizona during OTA's.

Since showing up for OTA's is not mandatory under the CBA, I'm struggling to figure out why everyone thinks this is such a big issue.

I also recall seeing these same stories last season.

It would be nice for the youngsters to have his guidance there I think is the point. Everyone practicing together from the start is also a morale booster for the team. The way FA has changed the game, any cohesion and consistancy is a good thing.

Springs doesn't get paid to show up a vountary OTA's and teach rookies. Springs gets paid to show up on gamedays and make plays.
Team spirit is for cheerleaders.
In much the same way that the only thing members of THN have in common is regular season Washington Redskins football, it is the same with many players. These players don't all like each other and they don't all want to "hang out" after work. Not any more than most of us want to hang out with the people we work with after normal business hours.

There are reasons why OTA's are voluntary and training camps are regimented. It's part of the CBA. OTA's are obviously a part the players union is not willing to concede as being mandatory.

The media is free to think Springs should be a team player before he is required to be a team player. So are the coaching staff. And so are the Redskins players who are attending OTA's. But the fact remains it is each player's choice to be there. It is not mandatory.

For the record - this is what Springs does. I wouldn't be surprised if he's getting in more work than the DBs at the OTAs. He showed up one year to appease JJG but for the most part when he comes to camp after spending the off-season in the desert he's in better shape than he has been when he has attended OTAs or "player's private workouts' before the NFLPA gave it a name and he was in the other Washington.

As far as Zorn goes if he didn't know the deal I'm sure someone told him the other day.

[BnGhog]

I'm not sure who to point the finger at:
Zorn, for not knowing Springs never attends OTA's, or Elfin and LaCanfora for making mountains out of molehills.

All anyone should care about is Springs showing up on gamedays, and he did a solid job of that last season, despite the fact that he always works out in Arizona during OTA's.

Since showing up for OTA's is not mandatory under the CBA, I'm struggling to figure out why everyone thinks this is such a big issue.

I also recall seeing these same stories last season.

It would be nice for the youngsters to have his guidance there I think is the point. Everyone practicing together from the start is also a morale booster for the team. The way FA has changed the game, any cohesion and consistancy is a good thing.

Springs doesn't get paid to show up a vountary OTA's and teach rookies. Springs gets paid to show up on gamedays and make plays.
Team spirit is for cheerleaders.
In much the same way that the only thing members of THN have in common is regular season Washington Redskins football, it is the same with many players. These players don't all like each other and they don't all want to "hang out" after work. Not any more than most of us want to hang out with the people we work with after normal business hours.

There are reasons why OTA's are voluntary and training camps are regimented. It's part of the CBA. OTA's are obviously a part the players union is not willing to concede as being mandatory.

The media is free to think Springs should be a team player before he is required to be a team player. So are the coaching staff. And so are the Redskins players who are attending OTA's. But the fact remains it is each player's choice to be there. It is not mandatory.

For the record - this is what Springs does. I wouldn't be surprised if he's getting in more work than the DBs at the OTAs. He showed up one year to appease JJG but for the most part when he comes to camp after spending the off-season in the desert he's in better shape than he has been when he has attended OTAs or "player's private workouts' before the NFLPA gave it a name and he was in the other Washington.

As far as Zorn goes if he didn't know the deal I'm sure someone told him the other day.

I don't have any problem with him working out on his own. I do think it wasn't professional of him to do it without talking to Zorn when he was just here at Redskins park a month ago. That's when all this "voluntary mandatory" talk Zorn started, and he was here then. It would have been plan old curtsey for him to have walked over there after practice and tell Zorn his plans.

Like I said, I don't really have a problem with it, but in the real world, it drives me nuts when co-workers of mine do the same kind of crap to me.

Its like person A is suppose to cover Days X-Z and the day before saying "Oh, I didnt tell you, I'm going on vacation those days, You will have to cover those days". Its Like You couldn't have told me two weeks ago?

[VetSkinsFan]

I'm not sure who to point the finger at:
Zorn, for not knowing Springs never attends OTA's, or Elfin and LaCanfora for making mountains out of molehills.

All anyone should care about is Springs showing up on gamedays, and he did a solid job of that last season, despite the fact that he always works out in Arizona during OTA's.

Since showing up for OTA's is not mandatory under the CBA, I'm struggling to figure out why everyone thinks this is such a big issue.

I also recall seeing these same stories last season.

It would be nice for the youngsters to have his guidance there I think is the point. Everyone practicing together from the start is also a morale booster for the team. The way FA has changed the game, any cohesion and consistancy is a good thing.

Springs doesn't get paid to show up a vountary OTA's and teach rookies. Springs gets paid to show up on gamedays and make plays.
Team spirit is for cheerleaders.
In much the same way that the only thing members of THN have in common is regular season Washington Redskins football, it is the same with many players. These players don't all like each other and they don't all want to "hang out" after work. Not any more than most of us want to hang out with the people we work with after normal business hours.

There are reasons why OTA's are voluntary and training camps are regimented. It's part of the CBA. OTA's are obviously a part the players union is not willing to concede as being mandatory.

The media is free to think Springs should be a team player before he is required to be a team player. So are the coaching staff. And so are the Redskins players who are attending OTA's. But the fact remains it is each player's choice to be there. It is not mandatory.

Sounds like it's been a long time since you've been on a successful team in any aspect. I've stated my opinion and You've rebutted. My mid year's resolution is to ignore the incessant debates" that you have by cut/paste/quote and bore everyone to death. Stir the pot with someone else, I ain't buying.

[GSPODS]

I'm not sure who to point the finger at:
Zorn, for not knowing Springs never attends OTA's, or Elfin and LaCanfora for making mountains out of molehills.

All anyone should care about is Springs showing up on gamedays, and he did a solid job of that last season, despite the fact that he always works out in Arizona during OTA's.

Since showing up for OTA's is not mandatory under the CBA, I'm struggling to figure out why everyone thinks this is such a big issue.

I also recall seeing these same stories last season.

It would be nice for the youngsters to have his guidance there I think is the point. Everyone practicing together from the start is also a morale booster for the team. The way FA has changed the game, any cohesion and consistancy is a good thing.

Springs doesn't get paid to show up a vountary OTA's and teach rookies. Springs gets paid to show up on gamedays and make plays.
Team spirit is for cheerleaders.
In much the same way that the only thing members of THN have in common is regular season Washington Redskins football, it is the same with many players. These players don't all like each other and they don't all want to "hang out" after work. Not any more than most of us want to hang out with the people we work with after normal business hours.

There are reasons why OTA's are voluntary and training camps are regimented. It's part of the CBA. OTA's are obviously a part the players union is not willing to concede as being mandatory.

The media is free to think Springs should be a team player before he is required to be a team player. So are the coaching staff. And so are the Redskins players who are attending OTA's. But the fact remains it is each player's choice to be there. It is not mandatory.

Sounds like it's been a long time since you've been on a successful team in any aspect. I've stated my opinion and You've rebutted. My mid year's resolution is to ignore the incessant debates" that you have by cut/paste/quote and bore everyone to death. Stir the pot with someone else, I ain't buying.

Discussion about the Washington Redskins is boring?

[LOSTHOG]

One thing we know for sure is that Springs will show up to camp in shape. He always does. Since there is not a complete change in defensive philosophy I'm sure he will be fine. This will also give the staff a chance to get a longer look at some of the new guys. Springs in the desert and Rogers watching from the sidelines gives a lot more reps for the other guys.

[VetSkinsFan]

I'm not sure who to point the finger at:
Zorn, for not knowing Springs never attends OTA's, or Elfin and LaCanfora for making mountains out of molehills.

All anyone should care about is Springs showing up on gamedays, and he did a solid job of that last season, despite the fact that he always works out in Arizona during OTA's.

Since showing up for OTA's is not mandatory under the CBA, I'm struggling to figure out why everyone thinks this is such a big issue.

I also recall seeing these same stories last season.

It would be nice for the youngsters to have his guidance there I think is the point. Everyone practicing together from the start is also a morale booster for the team. The way FA has changed the game, any cohesion and consistancy is a good thing.

Springs doesn't get paid to show up a vountary OTA's and teach rookies. Springs gets paid to show up on gamedays and make plays.
Team spirit is for cheerleaders.
In much the same way that the only thing members of THN have in common is regular season Washington Redskins football, it is the same with many players. These players don't all like each other and they don't all want to "hang out" after work. Not any more than most of us want to hang out with the people we work with after normal business hours.

There are reasons why OTA's are voluntary and training camps are regimented. It's part of the CBA. OTA's are obviously a part the players union is not willing to concede as being mandatory.

The media is free to think Springs should be a team player before he is required to be a team player. So are the coaching staff. And so are the Redskins players who are attending OTA's. But the fact remains it is each player's choice to be there. It is not mandatory.

Sounds like it's been a long time since you've been on a successful team in any aspect. I've stated my opinion and You've rebutted. My mid year's resolution is to ignore the incessant debates" that you have by cut/paste/quote and bore everyone to death. Stir the pot with someone else, I ain't buying.

Discussion about the Washington Redskins is boring?

Selective comprehension and acknowledgement for 100, Alex...

[1niksder]

I don't have any problem with him working out on his own. I do think it wasn't professional of him to do it without talking to Zorn when he was just here at Redskins park a month ago. That's when all this "voluntary mandatory" talk Zorn started, and he was here then. It would have been plan old curtsey for him to have walked over there after practice and tell Zorn his plans.

Not sure who dropped the ball here but I understand where you are coming from.

Like I said, I don't really have a problem with it, but in the real world, it drives me nuts when co-workers of mine do the same kind of crap to me.

But you lost me here...

Its like person A is suppose to cover Days X-Z and the day before saying "Oh, I didnt tell you, I'm going on vacation those days, You will have to cover those days". Its Like You couldn't have told me two weeks ago?

Shawn wasn't suppose to be there, it's optional and he just happens to be the only one not there AGAIN (caps meaining he did the same thing during JJG's 2nd season of OTAs). He doesn't have to tell anyone that he's going on vaction, if anything it would be "Oh I didn't tell you, I'm notcutting my vacation short, but I'll still be pretty much doing the same thing you are" Again it's a comunications thing at it'sworst. And if his voice mail is full as rumored than it's not just the Redskins that he isn't taking calls from.
If he were to come in 20 poundsover weight and out of shape that would be one thing, but he went back and forth with Gibbs on this every year. Yet he showed up for Zorn's first OTA sessions as a head coach with no fan fare a few weeks ago. Now that's he back into his normal routine there seems to be a problem

[Hooligan]

It'd sure be nice if our receivers had more of a challenge when they line up against our corners in practice. Right now it's just Smoot and roster filler.

[skinsfan#33]

Look Springs doesn't HAVE TOO be there and he has a history of not being at OTAs, but he should have told his new HC he wasn't going to be there.

Not telling Zorn is rude and disrespectful, but not as rude and disrespectful as not returning his calls!

If he told Zorn before he was a no show, Zorn could have told the media that Landry was MIA and Springs was not going to attend for personal reasons. That way Zorn doesn't look like he is running a circus.

On that topic, why didn't Landry call Redskins Park to let them know he was going to miss a day. This whole attitude of not calling your job when they expect you to be there and letting them know your not going to be just floors me!