GARDENER DONE????
Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 3:06 pm
GARDENER PERMANENTLY PLANTED?
A league source tells us that the Bengals haven't finalized a widely-reported contract with free-agent defensive tackle Daryl Gardener because the contract won't be finalized. Ever.
Per the source, Gardener's chronic back problems have prompted the Bengals to back off on their interest in the former first-round draft pick, whose back troubles initially greased the skids toward an abrupt and unexpected divorce two seasons ago in Miami.
Then came a one-year visit to D.C., which Gardener parlayed via good behavior and effective play into a long-term, big-money contract with the Broncos. In Denver, however, Gardener's career hit a low point, thanks in large part to a street brawl at an IHOP parking lot and a pissing match with coach Mike Shanahan. A grievance filed by the team to recover much of his signing bonus was resolved with an agreement that he'd be released on June 1.
After the arrangement was announced, the Bengals (with permission) reached a tentative agreement with Gardener, to be consummated after June 1. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis was the defensive coordinator in Washington during Gardener's comeback season, and Lewis believed that he could manage Gardener's reputation for being a deep-fried turd.
But nearly three weeks later, nothing has happened. There have been rumblings from guys like Tony Williams regarding the question of whether the Bengals need Gardener's services. The real issue, though, is the condition of his back.
We're told that, in the end, nothing will happen, due to Gardener's health. And it likely means the end of the line for Gardener, whose only hope might be to sign a one-year deal for the veteran minimum in order to prove that he's healthy.
A league source tells us that the Bengals haven't finalized a widely-reported contract with free-agent defensive tackle Daryl Gardener because the contract won't be finalized. Ever.
Per the source, Gardener's chronic back problems have prompted the Bengals to back off on their interest in the former first-round draft pick, whose back troubles initially greased the skids toward an abrupt and unexpected divorce two seasons ago in Miami.
Then came a one-year visit to D.C., which Gardener parlayed via good behavior and effective play into a long-term, big-money contract with the Broncos. In Denver, however, Gardener's career hit a low point, thanks in large part to a street brawl at an IHOP parking lot and a pissing match with coach Mike Shanahan. A grievance filed by the team to recover much of his signing bonus was resolved with an agreement that he'd be released on June 1.
After the arrangement was announced, the Bengals (with permission) reached a tentative agreement with Gardener, to be consummated after June 1. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis was the defensive coordinator in Washington during Gardener's comeback season, and Lewis believed that he could manage Gardener's reputation for being a deep-fried turd.
But nearly three weeks later, nothing has happened. There have been rumblings from guys like Tony Williams regarding the question of whether the Bengals need Gardener's services. The real issue, though, is the condition of his back.
We're told that, in the end, nothing will happen, due to Gardener's health. And it likely means the end of the line for Gardener, whose only hope might be to sign a one-year deal for the veteran minimum in order to prove that he's healthy.