An Open Letter to Mr. Bailey [Archive] - hailRedskins.com Fan Board

dj_stouty

09-02-2003, 07:04 PM

I'm sorry...but I've heard enough, CHAMP!

Asked if he was disappointed, Bailey said: "You would think they would be disappointed. You figure they would want to keep the guys that they want here. It's all in their hands; they run the show."

THE SKINS MADE YOU AN OFFER...AND YOUR AGENT DIDN'T COUNTER. WHEN A COUNTER WAS NOT GIVEN, THE SITUATION WAS THEN PUT INYOUR HANDS~!!!!!

Champ~ You have made it clear since day one of the pre-negotiation talks that you do not want to wear the Burgandy and Gold. You have NEVER come out and said that you want to be a Redskin next year. You continue to say that you will play for the team that "pays me what I deserve to make" and that if that team is not the Skins, then that is "their choice". I heard the sound clips today on 980am. When asked if you wanted to stay a Redskin, you replied: "No Comment". WHAT DO YOU MEAN, NO COMMENT? You owe the Fans of Washington more than that, pal. This Thursday, I want you to look out into the stands at Fed Ex and tell me how many #24 jerseys you see. The majority of them are Bailey jerseys. Why? Because this town is enamoured with your football Skills. We know an ugly thing called the NFL Free Agency won't let us keep all of our stars...but we were counting on keeping you....and it is obvious that Mr. Snyder was content on making you a Skin for life. It was evident with his initial contract offer to you.

You are playing a game of BS, Champ. You tried to call Snyder's bluff. You were hoping for a low ball offer by Danny so you could snicker and balk at it and use it to prersuade the fan base that SNYDER is at fault. Well, you picked the wrong owner to play poker with. He DID give you a hefty offer. An offer that wuold make you the highest paid cornerback in the NFL. That's not bad, considering there were a nice handfull of LINEBACKERS with more Interceptions than you last year! That's not bad, considering you had more fumbles at Punt Return than most 1,000 yard wide recievers had ALL SEASON! That's not bad considering I've NEVER seen you turn around an ENTIRE season on an INT for TD. (Like Lavar has) If it looks like I'm pissed, then you're right.

You've said your peace, and I hope that you have a stellar season for the Skins so we can franchise you and get something out of you.

Oh...one more thing. Ask me if I'm going to cheer for you on Thursday night. If you do, I'll answer; "NO COMMENT".

Signed,

A pissed off fan with a Bailey jersey.

WRSK1NS

09-02-2003, 07:18 PM

CLap, Clap, Clap well said! Your thoughts are shared by many but few could have put it so well.
Champ, isn't this about more than just money?

rskinsfan10

09-02-2003, 07:30 PM

:beer:

Spence

09-02-2003, 07:32 PM

The problem with this situation is that it is business for the team and business for the player, but love for the fan. It's not easy to separate emotion from this subject, but I do my best because it is the only way to truly understand what is going on.

mtownskinsfan

09-02-2003, 07:38 PM

I haven't heard any of the things being said like "no comment" but I did read in the post that Bailey's agent waited a loooonnngggg time to counter. I think Bailey wants out for some reason. If that's the way it has to be, then so be it. Got news for him though. All teams that are perenial playoff contenders are that way for a reason-they pay their own stars pretty good money so that leaves very little for Champ. Besides, not many teams would give that kind of bonus to anybody. The skins are one of those few teams.

SkinsCT

09-02-2003, 09:23 PM

Well put, DJ. You took the argument of all Redskins fans and turned into a coherent message. Champ, you've got a good head on your shoulders, use it and re-up for a deal making you the highest paid player at your position.

NCskinsfanatic

09-02-2003, 09:37 PM

That sums up how i feel as well.Nice job DJS.I also agree that it's a buisness and Champ has to look out for his self.But he was offered good money, and my understanding is that was an opening offer.He either want's to be part of this franchise or he wants to be part of another because we wouldn't low ball him nor have we.

hail2skins

09-02-2003, 09:56 PM

Hey mtown, there wasn't a counter. As far as I can tell, there was never of formal rejection. It was reported that it would be rejected but I never saw a report that said it was rejected. That's bad business in my book. I don't like the fact that Champ is putting SO MUCH faith in his agent.

Excellent letter DJ.

BigCountry

09-02-2003, 11:37 PM

I remember back in Israel that the fans of this team were doing the same thing, both in frustration and and begging a player that was the symbol of their team to stay. Someone even offered to donate a kidney to raise money (football would be the greatest sport in the world if u.s fans had the passion European fans have) and he moved still moved to the rival team. Champ is pretty much the type of player that'll think about money first and he's not the only one. The LaVar Arringtons and Bret Favres of this league are rare. If we can give him more money then he'll stay, if team x or y give him more money then he'll leave. No reason to be mad. 90% of pro american athletes are like that. Players like Darrell Green, Jackie Slaighter are impossible to find these days if you don't look over in Green Bay. You think guys like Derrick Brooks, Darren Woodson, Ray Lewis wouldn't walk if they saw alot more money come their way from a differant direction? In a heart beat. Champ is being a typical American pro athlete so we shouldn't be mad at him. The reason I think everyone is mad because that kindda talent won't come around very often in the sporting world in general, let alone our specific organization.

Sports in the U.S.A are light years away from any place in the world in terms of resources, organization generally everything they do in the administrative side, which is why we rule track and basketball and are on top in every other sport that is seriously developed here. Soccer is another example. Take teams like Ireland or Scotland in the world cup. Soccer over there is a bigger and longer tradition then college football and baseball put together and the U.S is probably better. HOWEVER, the point I'm trying to make here is that our sports would be out of this world if some of the European values (mostly soccer) were installed here. I've lived their for the better part of my life and I'm sure seebs and seeway would back me up.

(Article may be on the way Mark)

Seebs

09-03-2003, 03:48 AM

That's true Organisation is top on the US for sports. But it's a business. in europe it's more about passion. Professionnal teams has started from amateur association. they are not in a close league. If you finish last, u go to the lower division (and you lost a lot of money).
When i try to explain US sports to friends i say that it is communism, very rich communism but communism. EVerything is done to have a fair chance for eveybody (draft, salary cap, EFA, RFA, UFA). Here in europe the richest has all the better player and a better chance to win...
My soccer team is not very performing right now but as we have a new GM, a new HC, and a whole bunch of new players, fans are patient. But if it keeps on, they can be very rude even with players...

BigCountry

09-03-2003, 03:55 AM

Plus you gave my soccer team hell over Ronaldinho and he went elsewhere! :banghead:

Seebs

09-03-2003, 06:36 AM

Originally posted by BigCountry
Plus you gave my soccer team hell over Ronaldinho and he went elsewhere! :banghead:

It's because old Alex Ferguson is a non-respectuous egocentric megalomaniac!

BigCountry

09-03-2003, 06:39 AM

He was offering money, that's very hard for him. He's sitting on what Real Madrid are spending and look who we get. The only one I like is the kid from cameroon who played for Nantes

Patrick

09-03-2003, 06:42 AM

djs - GOOD JOB and I would like to say - I feel your pain - BUT honestly I don't. Over the last twenty years, how many times have we seen this and it's all over the league. Free Agencies - It's frustating as hell.
But in Champs case even more so because I have a gut feeling that he's not feeling wanted by other players and that's why he wants out. The FO didn't low ball him as we all know, AND this theroy of coaching inconsistency, I don't buy it. Hell, half the teams in the NFL go through the same thing when not producing a winner. .. Bailey already stated the someone going to pay him what he worth - WHAT'S to say its not a team in a worse situation (and it probably will be). .......... Like I said, it is just a gut feeling but I REALLY beleive there is more too this behind the locker room door than what we are lead to believe by the papers and media.

LuvSkins17

09-03-2003, 07:23 AM

It's sad to say the day before opening day but...........I agree dj.

PennSkinsFan

09-03-2003, 08:14 AM

Here are my thoughts.

First, the rumor Kenny heard in regards to Champ not wantign to be here, I dont even consider that a rumor anymore. he obviously has no desire to be here, never made a counter offer, and I really do believe he was stunned att the opening offer by the front office.

Second, i believe the front office knows he does nto want to be here. That is why they offered a first initial high offer to make it look as if they tried, and that Champ is greedy. It worked. They knew he wouldn't sign. Champ is taking his ball and walking with his tail between his legs because he was beaten at the PR game by the front office.

I think i will finally allow my daughter to wear my Champ jersey. Thanks Champ. Thanks from a fan. Give me two first rounders and get the hell out!

Seebs

09-03-2003, 08:16 AM

Originally posted by BigCountry
He was offering money, that's very hard for him. He's sitting on what Real Madrid are spending and look who we get. The only one I like is the kid from cameroon who played for Nantes

Djemba-Djemba is real good, he will be a stud in some times. Look also for the youg portuguese named ronaldo. I've seen glimpses of him, hee's 18 and seems to have a huge potential.
Concerning Ferguson and ManU, their furst offer was about 16M€ which is really low for Ronnie, and after that they made more decent offer to Paris and when they were close to have a deal they lowered there offer. Graille (our president) went almost mad after Ferguson so he dealt with Barca. Now we have a very good relatioship with Barca.

RichardBradley

09-03-2003, 08:17 AM

I am sure that when Champ reads this he will get all choked up... Seriously would you sign a 9 year contract and show loyality to a company that has shown this kind of instability over the last 4 years? The money will be there from another team so don't reply with a money issue. Champ knows if for one moment Snyder thought he could get a better CB from another team he would rather sign a player off another team than Champ. Champ's no comments make sense because he said he was leaving everything up to his agent who he stated has done well for him...

TexSkin

09-03-2003, 08:22 AM

Remember that cryptic statement Spurrier Made during the offseason about how if Champ left and he got 2 1st rounders he would accept it. Maybe he knew about Champs intentions all along.

dj_stouty

09-03-2003, 08:31 AM

Originally posted by RichardBradley
I am sure that when Champ reads this he will get all choked up... Seriously would you sign a 9 year contract and show loyality to a company that has shown this kind of instability over the last 4 years? The money will be there from another team so don't reply with a money issue. Champ knows if for one moment Snyder thought he could get a better CB from another team he would rather sign a player off another team than Champ. Champ's no comments make sense because he said he was leaving everything up to his agent who he stated has done well for him...

I'll tell you what...I'd rather lose with an owner who is actually TRYING to win games than lose with an owner who isn't. If Bailey wants to sign a 20 million dollar signing bonus with the Cardinals (who, by the way are so far under the cap it is ridiculous) then he should go right ahead. You think they reek of stability?

There are not many teams in the NFL that can boast stability over the past 4 years. Hell...The Rams fell off the face of the earth after their super bowl win, the former Champs in NE just got rid of their defensive leader of the past 5 years, and most of the league's current top teams (Bucs, Falcons, Eagles..etc) were CRAP 4 years ago. Most of the teams that were good 4 years ago (Bears and Jags are examples) are now CRAP! The league's mission is instability, so let's not use that as a crutch not to sign with you current team.

RichardBradley

09-03-2003, 08:45 AM

Its not a crutch if champ does sign with Arizona then you can blast him.. But what if he signs with a good team for less? Lets not cruicify him considering no one knows whats in Champs mind but Champ. All these rumors about him not wanting to be here are just that...I remember seeing Marty Shottenhimer saying that he would never coach for an owner like Snyder and we all know that history

dj_stouty

09-03-2003, 09:37 AM

Originally posted by RichardBradley
Its not a crutch if champ does sign with Arizona then you can blast him.. But what if he signs with a good team for less? Lets not cruicify him considering no one knows whats in Champs mind but Champ. All these rumors about him not wanting to be here are just that...I remember seeing Marty Shottenhimer saying that he would never coach for an owner like Snyder and we all know that history

This is no longer a rumor. When asked if he wanted to be a Redskin he said; "No Comment". I don't think a mind reader is necessary to translate that comment. If his heart was set on being a Redskin, he would say so.

Rat_Boy

09-03-2003, 09:50 AM

Screw Champ Bailey.

Use the money on John Abraham from the Jets and sign a decent CB to replace Roland Greedy Bailey.

That is all.

RichardBradley

09-03-2003, 10:09 AM

Whats he supposed to say he wants to be a Redskin for life and then if it dosen't work out then he looks like a hyppocryte? If he was as greedy as you say then he would have held out... How come no one here blasted Jansen for not getting a deal done last preseason?

Skinzaholic

09-03-2003, 10:10 AM

I guess we can all now relate to how the Jets fans felt after losing Coles...

Truth is... EVERY team goes through this... you groom a player into a star and they turn and run for the bigger money. That is why Dan Snyder has the mindset he does... because he knows that money wins SuperBowls.

dj_stouty

09-03-2003, 10:25 AM

Originally posted by RichardBradley
Whats he supposed to say he wants to be a Redskin for life and then if it dosen't work out then he looks like a hyppocryte? If he was as greedy as you say then he would have held out... How come no one here blasted Jansen for not getting a deal done last preseason?

Actually, Jansen did the exact opposite in this situation...and that is why he was not blasted.

RichardBradley

09-03-2003, 10:55 AM

Jansen didn't sign until the end of the season and cut off talks before the season how is that different?

Keino

09-03-2003, 11:28 AM

Originally posted by RichardBradley
Jansen didn't sign until the end of the season and cut off talks before the season how is that different?

Because when asked if wants to remain with the team Jansen's reply was Yes, if we can get the contract worked out. It was not "No Comment". That answer implies that it doesn't matter what the Skins do at this point. It seems Champ wants to be gone and is not being up front about it. That is the difference.

dj_stouty

09-03-2003, 11:40 AM

Originally posted by RichardBradley
Jansen didn't sign until the end of the season and cut off talks before the season how is that different?

Also...I'm pretty sure that it was the Redskins who made the decision to table the negotiatins with Jansen until the end of the year. Everything I've read during that timeframe shows Jansen talking about wanting to be a Redskin and how he hoped the Redskins would give him another offer.

Champ and his agent, on the other hand, are the catalysts behind tabling negotiation talks till the end of the season. They had the power to counter Snyder's original offer.

rskinsfan10

09-03-2003, 01:04 PM

Originally posted by RichardBradley
Jansen didn't sign until the end of the season and cut off talks before the season how is that different?

There is a simple answer as to what the difference is in the two situations.

The FO made an offer, Jansen's agent countered.

End of story.

Green-Is-Good

09-03-2003, 01:55 PM

Excellent post DJ

Rat_Boy

09-03-2003, 03:48 PM

How come no one here blasted Jansen for not getting a deal done last preseason?

Because Jansen kept his mouth shut for the most part instead of making himself look like a greedy ME player in the media every damn chance he got.

Screw Champ!

Sign Abraham!

Green-Is-Good

09-03-2003, 04:16 PM

Donnie or John?

GoingDeep

09-03-2003, 04:35 PM

Is it thursday night yet?

Green-Is-Good

09-03-2003, 04:39 PM

For me, it's been September 4th for 2 months!

mtownskinsfan

09-03-2003, 09:47 PM

Originally posted by hail2skins
Hey mtown, there wasn't a counter. As far as I can tell, there was never of formal rejection. It was reported that it would be rejected but I never saw a report that said it was rejected. That's bad business in my book. I don't like the fact that Champ is putting SO MUCH faith in his agent.

Excellent letter DJ.
Your'e right about that. Thanks a lot, I did mean to say rejection, not counter. Still don't like where this is going though. BTW, he won't go to the eagles because of dc stability-I look for Johnson to become a head coach after this year.

Hailyeah

09-03-2003, 10:00 PM

Come on DJ, PSF, Rsfn10, H2skins, Ratboy. Luvskins, everyone else. Why destroy a player that has at least 16 games left with us? He's bought and paid for through this season. Maybe Champ's just doing some soul searching, I don't know? Richard is right, your blowing the 'No Comment' thing way, way out of proportion. Yes, in fact, you are mind reading there. You guys will all be red-faced if he re-ups midyear like Jansen did. Let's play ball and cheer on all our guys including #24.

Green-Is-Good

09-03-2003, 10:02 PM

Or... We could cheer on all of our guys EXCLUDING #24

dj_stouty

09-03-2003, 10:04 PM

Originally posted by Hailyeah
Come on DJ, PSF, Rsfn10, H2skins, Ratboy. Luvskins, everyone else. Why destroy a player that has at least 16 games left with us? He's bought and paid for through this season. Maybe Champ's just doing some soul searching, I don't know? Richard is right, your blowing the 'No Comment' thing way, way out of proportion. Yes, in fact, you are mind reading there. You guys will all be red-faced if he re-ups midyear like Jansen did. Let's play ball and cheer on all our guys including #24.

I know that you are one of Champ's biggest supporters...but don't you feel the least bit slighted by his recent comments?

I'm a big fan of Champs as well, but listening to his recent clips on the local radio this past week has been very upsetting...and I think us fans have every right to speak out on it.

Hailyeah

09-03-2003, 10:08 PM

Yes, you have every right. I'm surprised, but just think its a hardball tactic. If he does leave, I'll be enraged. I just don't see it though.

I just question the timing and the gang tackling by all. We're opening up tomorrow. I was feeling pretty darn positive until all of this.

rskinsfan10

09-03-2003, 10:52 PM

Originally posted by Hailyeah
Yes, you have every right. I'm surprised, but just think its a hardball tactic. If he does leave, I'll be enraged. I just don't see it though.

I just question the timing and the gang tackling by all. We're opening up tomorrow. I was feeling pretty darn positive until all of this.

I still feel positive. If this is a tactic, then he is the one that is putting himself at risk to lose out financially. With his recent statements and conduct, he has put the pressure on himself to be a peak performer with absolutely no decline in his play as an option. That bodes well for the Skins as far as this season goes, and if the tag is placed on him and someone else decides to offer him a kings ransom, we can get the picks. Win-win as far as I'm concerned. There is also the risk of injury, but I'm sure that he has thought all this through with his negotiating ploy.

Also, despite what "Richard" says about "our" take on this rumor, this rumor is widely spread, and it didn't start here. Like I said, I got it from a reliable source, and I was questioned about it by some folks that know that I'm in the band when I stepped foot inside my barber shop over the weekend. None of those folk know my source, so that tells you how widespread it is. Couple that with his own printable comments, it doesn't look good for him on the PR front. We aren't the only ones beating him up. There is widespread dissension in regards to him throughout the DC metro area, and it all goes back to the comments that he chose to make, or the ones that he didn't ("No comment").

hail2skins

09-03-2003, 11:31 PM

I'm a big Champ supporter as well but I don't like what I've been hearing from him lately. When I first met him it was with his father who told me that Champ will stay and sign every autograph that was asked of him. He did and I've been a big supporter every since. That was during his rookie season and his play has help as well in regard to my support.

We are seeing a different Champ Bailey now. How many times have you heard quotes from him in the past? Not many and he always said he let his play do the talking. Remember those questions regarding leadership several years ago when they were searching for the leaders on this team.

If he doesn't want to be here, then he should say it. If it's all about money then say that too. Don't try to lay blame else where. Alot of us consider the offer that we made to acceptable/reseasonable. He never said a thing other than I'm letting my agent handle all of this and that's a whole other issue we can dissect too. The point is I support him and I'm glad we have him this season. I hope he has an outstanding season for us. But come the end of the season, tag him and see what happens. His camp has put no effort into these negotiations. That alone tells me alot.

Spence

09-03-2003, 11:34 PM

Champ will be a Redskin next year. And the year after that. And the year after that. And so on.

RichardBradley

09-04-2003, 08:28 AM

You heard of making the band part 2?(with Puffy) We should start making the GM part 1. Their are more people here with inside sources then a good case of hemroids. Champ just wants to get paid and that is all if the Skins don't want to pay him the someone else will. If you are loosing sleep over this they get a life

dj_stouty

09-04-2003, 08:39 AM

RichardBradley

09-04-2003, 08:59 AM

Come on that was funny and you know it... Seriouslly! Good luck Redskins from Florida...............

Keino

09-04-2003, 09:00 AM

Originally posted by RichardBradley
You heard of making the band part 2?(with Puffy) We should start making the GM part 1. Their are more people here with inside sources then a good case of hemroids. Champ just wants to get paid and that is all if the Skins don't want to pay him the someone else will. If you are loosing sleep over this they get a life

If Champ just wants to get paid, then he would've either Signed the offer making him the highest paid player at his position or he would've countered.
I haven't really understood your comments in this thread at all. Champ was asked a direct question: "Do you want to be a Redskin next year?" his reply was "no comment". Thats staright from the Horse's mouth, not an inside source.
There is something else going on here, anyone can see that.:banghead:

rskinsfan10

09-04-2003, 09:03 AM

BigCountry

09-04-2003, 10:28 AM

Everyone needs to get off Champ's back. If he wants to move because of money and take care of himself and his family then why should he pick the fans over that? If he wants to move to a more stable organization then it's his right. He would have been a star without the Redskins anyways. Those of you who think someone that wouldn't pee on a fan if he was burnning owes us something are sadly mistaken. That's the way being a fan goes, we worship them, they do what's good for themselves. Expecting much more from it will eventually lead you to dissapointment.

Spence

09-04-2003, 10:57 AM

RichardBradley

09-04-2003, 11:10 AM

I couldn't agree more......... You don't understand my posts on this subject? Last year Darell Gardner kept saying I will be here next year we will wotk it out.... Unless you are Champ Bailey or Daniel Snyder you have no idea what is said in those meetings... I don't care what kind of so call information you think you have...Warren Sapp said the same thing when asked about weather or not he would be in Tampa next year... Its called negotiations why would you handcuff yourself bu saying something that is not pratical in the NFL today?

PennSkinsFan

09-04-2003, 11:16 AM

My problem is with Champ's declaration that he wants to be the next Darrell Green. Ye, why can't he be honest and straghtforward and just say it liek he feels it. he doesn't want to be here, period. That is clear. Just move on.

dj_stouty

09-04-2003, 11:33 AM

As a fan who spends a lot of money on the Redskins every year...and even more in time devoted to following the team, I have every right to question or challenge our player's integrity or loyalty to the team. ESPECIALLY if I am convinced a player does not want to wear the Burgandy and Gold anymore.

Keino

09-04-2003, 11:34 AM

Originally posted by RichardBradley
I couldn't agree more......... You don't understand my posts on this subject? Last year Darell Gardner kept saying I will be here next year we will wotk it out.... Unless you are Champ Bailey or Daniel Snyder you have no idea what is said in those meetings... I don't care what kind of so call information you think you have...Warren Sapp said the same thing when asked about weather or not he would be in Tampa next year... Its called negotiations why would you handcuff yourself bu saying something that is not pratical in the NFL today?

Yes, But Gardner wanted to be here if the money was right. The point is THERE HAVE BEEN NO MEETINGS.

Im not upset at Champ at all for wanting to be the highest paid player at his position etc etc etc. What upsets me is 1 week before the 1st game, when asked if he wants to be a Redskin his answer was "No Comment". I would expect that type of response from a Selfish, Locker room Cancer.......not a player who wants to carry the torch that Darrell Green left behind. As I was telling DJ Stouty on an AIM convo, I don't care about loyalty to the fans......But I do care about loyalty to your teamates that you do battle with week in and week out. His response should have Been "Yes I want to be a Redskin" whether that was true or not. The Contract issue will take care of itself one way or another, but his demeanor is most upsetting.

And Warren Sapp said he wanted to be with the Bucs. Again you are not seeing the difference. That No Comment spoke Volumes to me.

rskinsfan10

09-04-2003, 01:10 PM

Originally posted by BigCountry
Everyone needs to get off Champ's back. If he wants to move because of money and take care of himself and his family then why should he pick the fans over that? If he wants to move to a more stable organization then it's his right. He would have been a star without the Redskins anyways. Those of you who think someone that wouldn't pee on a fan if he was burnning owes us something are sadly mistaken. That's the way being a fan goes, we worship them, they do what's good for themselves. Expecting much more from it will eventually lead you to dissapointment.

I actually agree with this, and I myself said before that if the money is what he wants, and if a change of atmosphere is what he feels that he needs, then fine. Just play out your contract and leave after it's over.

Where I disagree is although he doesn't owe the fans anything, he doesn't need to be playing some type of PR War Games with the owner at the expense of the fans. Snyder could care less of his perception, so that is an angle that could have been avoided if that is indeed is intention. Don't cry in front of the cameras that the offer that was given to you was the equivelent of a slap in the face, because no one that has an ounce of common sense will take you seriously. And again, if you don't like the offer, COUNTER IT. That in a nutshell is the sticling point with most of the anti-Champ dissent. You cry that you want something done, Snyder hears your cries and makes and offer, and instead of you sitting down with your agent to shoot back a proposal more to your liking, you do nothing. Your agent claims that he will counter at the end of the week, but nearly three weeks have passed. That's the beef right there.

jporterweb

09-04-2003, 01:24 PM

Hailyeah

09-04-2003, 04:49 PM

I totally understand the point about no counter offer by Champ's agent. That seems strange and somewhat frightening, but most of you appear to be concluding that he's already history. My point is simply that there is plenty of time for counteroffers and so on. It may be a yellow alert, but no one should be clobbering Champ this bad.

Kenny, what about a possible perspective that Champ feels he needs to play hardball after what happened to the last guy they said was a 'Redskin for life', your boy Stephen. Wouldn't you A) wanna make sure that the deal is fair and the FO really wants you around for a long while? B) take time to see if this organization can actually go from paper tiger to contender this year? Its not like Snyder has a clean record here.

Am I reaching here? Yes. Are you guys reaching by saying goodbye to Champ? Hell yes.

NamVet4

09-04-2003, 07:22 PM

DJ - Well stated and well understood!

In a little less than 40 minutes Champ will walk onto the field and begin the season. It is up to him how he plays it out this year. Not his agent, not the FO and not Danny Snyder. I like Champ and admire his skill at the position. I have always felt that he was an above average player on an average team. Saying that I mean that if he goes to one of the current powerhouse teams, he may not fare as well. I want to see him stay, but not at a cost that is going to prevent the TEAM from improving.
Good Luck Champ..... play better than you talk!

rskinsfan10

09-05-2003, 07:30 AM

Originally posted by Hailyeah

Kenny, what about a possible perspective that Champ feels he needs to play hardball after what happened to the last guy they said was a 'Redskin for life', your boy Stephen. Wouldn't you A) wanna make sure that the deal is fair and the FO really wants you around for a long while? B) take time to see if this organization can actually go from paper tiger to contender this year? Its not like Snyder has a clean record here.

If that is the case then I can't say that I buy that excuse. My reasoning is no matter what the total dollar amount is in the end on whatever he signs, we (I at least) do not expect him to see all of that cash, regardless of who he is and who the owner may be. I remember when Deion signed his contract, and people were awe struck at the total dollar amount, he said in a press conference after he signed "we all know that Deion ain't gonna see the back end of that contract". That contract, or big deal that he may sign, will not survive it's current form. It will either be restructured down the road, or he will be released, period. That goes for whatever team he may sign for. It's just the way that NFL is now with the cap and the way that FO's manipulate it. To be specific about the points that you raised:
a) I go back to not offering a counter. If he and his agent didn't think that what was offered was fair, then tell Snyder what there idea of fair is/was in the form of a counter. Again, the main sticking point in my eyes in the current Bailey fan dissent movement.
b) If he wanted to wait to see if the team and Snyder could win this year, then he shouldn't have lobbied for a new deal during camp, saying that he wanted something done soon. He is already under contract for 1 year, so if that is what he wanted to do as far as feeling out the team, why ask for a new deal now?

It is unfortunate that the current level of fan disatisfaction currently exist towards him, and he wasn't accepted greatly during player introductions last night, but I have to say that IMO he and he only is to blame for this. People don't like for their emotions to be played with, and as much as it can be said that loyalty no longer exist in the current NFL, the fans are loyal to their stars, their studs. In the PR game (assuming that he is/was playing one, it is the fans that are the targets of all that back and forth BS, and when they feel like they are being hoodwinked, they react accordingly.