Interesting interview with ex Skin Jon Jansen

[nicefellow31]

Sounds like he is still upset about getting released.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/29/AR2009072903385_2.html

[skinsfan36]

ok so your bitter. but jansen you went downhill. memo to blache line up orakpo,jarmon on this guy

[ClubSandwichGuy]

Well he ended up with the Lions. I'd be upset too.

[shally]

Well he ended up with the Lions. I'd be upset too.

he's lucky to have a job in the NFL

[LATrueRedskin]

It is a business, Jon.

[native skin]

Sounds like he is still upset about getting released.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/29/AR2009072903385_2.html

I think anyone in his position would be upset. That guy battled for this organization for a long time. From an emotional standpoint this was his home/family for many years. It's got to be tough to be forced to move on. Unfortunately, his body wasn't able to do the things it used to do. Obviously, he's bit in denial about that. It's a tough pill to swallow in the NFL. Sorry Jon. Good luck to you bud.

[redskin_rich]

Still and will always be one of my favorite players for the Redskins in the millenium era. He was outstanding as a rookie and for some years, our best, even though Samuels got the acknowlegement. Jon suffered two horrendous injuries that ended two of his seasons and in between, played through broken bones on each hand and a torn calf muscle.

If not for the contract maneuvering that our front office has utilized as their decree, Jon could have and should have been a career Redskin. As it is, the writing was on the wall and Jon should not be in the least surprised.

[Oregonian]

Jansen had a solid career with the Redskins and was a likable guy, but he seems to have very little insight into his decline as a player during the last 3-4 years.

Even after playing so poorly last season, he went on the record this offseason saying that the RT job was his to lose and that he believed he would play at a Pro Bowl level this year.

Now he can't crack the starting lineup for the worst Oline in the league and yet still believes he was entitled to his starting job in Washington and it was unfair that he lost it.

[Santheb]

God Mike Wise is an awful writer.

Zorn called Jansen and told him Snyder wanted to speak with him two months ago.

So...Zorn called up Jansen and told him that Snyder wanted to talk to him two months ago..um. I know what he's saying but it took me a couple reads.

When it transpired threw him for a loop.

This I'm still trying to figure out.

[Swirvi]

God Mike Wise is an awful writer.



So...Zorn called up Jansen and told him that Snyder wanted to talk to him two months ago..um. I know what he's saying but it took me a couple reads.



This I'm still trying to figure out.

He also sounds like a total douchebag on his morning show and I think he is the worst thing that has happened to radio...especially since he replaced Big O and Dukes - way more talented radiophiles.

[shally]

It is a business, Jon.

+1

he will eventually be cut from the Lions as well.. deal with it, Jon...

[smoak]

Well he ended up with the Lions. I'd be upset too.

great, maybe the only team we can look down our noses at.

[smoak]

It kills me how much folks have turned their backs on a guys who was so good for so long... Loyalty doesn't exist these days I suppose

[Patrick]

I for one was sorry to see Jansen go - I truly believe he was inline for somewhat of a comeback season. I think he was playing hurt last year and wasn't letting on how bad it was. Regardless - he's with another team and I wish him all the luck in the world. .............. On a sidenote - wouldn't it be ironic if the did have a pro-bowl type season.

[RedskinsReaper21]

I think anyone in his position would be upset. That guy battled for this organization for a long time. From an emotional standpoint this was his home/family for many years. It's got to be tough to be forced to move on. Unfortunately, his body wasn't able to do the things it used to do. Obviously, he's bit in denial about that. It's a tough pill to swallow in the NFL. Sorry Jon. Good luck to you bud.

+1

[BurgundyNGold]

It kills me how much folks have turned their backs on a guys who was so good for so long... Loyalty doesn't exist these days I suppose
I don't think it's much about loyalty. They paid Jansen a few years back more than they probably should have. That was pretty loyal, no?

The problem is that, after so many major injuries, Jansen is just not starter material anymore. Yet, Jansen still thinks he is. That means that he wouldn't take well to being a reserve. In fact, he'd probably be bitter. He'd also be bitter if you asked him to take a paycut to stay on the team as a reserve. For all we know, maybe they did ask him that. Personally, I doubt it, but I can't say for sure in any case.

Clearly, the Redskins think that he cannot be a starter and doesn't deserve starter money. Equally evident after interviews this spring, Jansen as worked hard and believes that he is ready to reclaim his starting spot. If he cannot (or will not be alowed to) start here -- whether deserving or not -- the fairest thing to Jansen is to release him, allow him to be a free agent and potentially sign with some team for whom he might start.

The Redskins could have handled it better for sure but, ultimately, I believe that this is the best thing for Jansen if he still wants to get on the field.

[Moe]

What I found curious was the mention of the falling out between Jon and Buges. I know that Joe tends to pump 'his guys' up publicly but it sure seemed like he was riding Jon as long as possible last year (too long I think most would argue) which indicated that he believed in him.

Anyway, like most here I appreciate all Jansen did for this team and he was really a very good player for most of his time in DC, but I'm glad they've moved on and that he got another gig. I think his prescence on the team would've been a distraction and at this point it would seem that the new guys will offer more than he could have.

[Hrabanmaur]

There's really nothing of substance to this story aside from Jansen's whining, which only loses him more respect. He was a great player in his day and unlike the fallout with say, Lavar (as mentioned in the article), I thought the front office did the right thing by Jansen. They gave him a shot in OTAs, he didn't improve on last season's performance, they cut him loose after flying him down to the facility to do it in person. There's a lot of things to bash this front office for. I don't think the cutting of Jansen is one of them.

The editor at the post should have shredded this story before it went out the door.

[shally]

I don't think it's much about loyalty. They paid Jansen a few years back more than they probably should have. That was pretty loyal, no?

The problem is that, after so many major injuries, Jansen is just not starter material anymore. Yet, Jansen still thinks he is. That means that he wouldn't take well to being a reserve. In fact, he'd probably be bitter. He'd also be bitter if you asked him to take a paycut to stay on the team as a reserve. For all we know, maybe they did ask him that. Personally, I doubt it, but I can't say for sure in any case.

Clearly, the Redskins think that he cannot be a starter and doesn't deserve starter money. Equally evident after interviews this spring, Jansen as worked hard and believes that he is ready to reclaim his starting spot. If he cannot (or will not be alowed to) start here -- whether deserving or not -- the fairest thing to Jansen is to release him, allow him to be a free agent and potentially sign with some team for whom he might start.

The Redskins could have handled it better for sure but, ultimately, I believe that this is the best thing for Jansen if he still wants to get on the field.


agree. he has been royally compensated over the past 3 or 4 years with very little to show in return.. not his fault totally, because much of it is the result of age/injury.. still, he has nothing to gripe about

[SkinsfaninNJ]

I don't think it's much about loyalty. They paid Jansen a few years back more than they probably should have. That was pretty loyal, no?

The problem is that, after so many major injuries, Jansen is just not starter material anymore. Yet, Jansen still thinks he is. That means that he wouldn't take well to being a reserve. In fact, he'd probably be bitter. He'd also be bitter if you asked him to take a paycut to stay on the team as a reserve. For all we know, maybe they did ask him that. Personally, I doubt it, but I can't say for sure in any case.

Clearly, the Redskins think that he cannot be a starter and doesn't deserve starter money. Equally evident after interviews this spring, Jansen as worked hard and believes that he is ready to reclaim his starting spot. If he cannot (or will not be alowed to) start here -- whether deserving or not -- the fairest thing to Jansen is to release him, allow him to be a free agent and potentially sign with some team for whom he might start.

The Redskins could have handled it better for sure but, ultimately, I believe that this is the best thing for Jansen if he still wants to get on the field.

Totally agree. Last year at training camp, he had some really strong quotes about how he should be the starter. He is not dealing with the decline of his skills at all, and he is on the verge of becoming a locker room cancer.

[Keino]

Why does Wise think that a story on an ex-skin's hurt feelings about his release when his play had fallen off in noticable fashion is a compelling column on the first day of Training Camp. Really, who the Eff cares? How about a column on one of the players at Redskins Park? That strikes me as much more compelling.

[native skin]

What I found curious was the mention of the falling out between Jon and Buges. I know that Joe tends to pump 'his guys' up publicly but it sure seemed like he was riding Jon as long as possible last year (too long I think most would argue) which indicated that he believed in him.

Anyway, like most here I appreciate all Jansen did for this team and he was really a very good player for most of his time in DC, but I'm glad they've moved on and that he got another gig. I think his prescence on the team would've been a distraction and at this point it would seem that the new guys will offer more than he could have.

Yeah you're probably right about that. He was a complete distraction last year. I would have liked to see him stay as a reserve but he obviously would not have been comfortable in that role. C'est la vie!

[native skin]

Why does Wise think that a story on an ex-skin's hurt feelings about his release when his play had fallen off in noticable fashion is a compelling column on the first day of Training Camp. Really, who the Eff cares? How about a column on one of the players at Redskins Park? That strikes me as much more compelling.

I liked reading about it. Being a Skins fan, I want to read all the angles. It's a part of Skins History. Wouldn't you have liked to read how Art Monk felt when the Skins let him go? I remember he was pissed! I read about it and I wanted to know, regardless of whether he would become a Hall of Famer or not. If Jon was only with the team a few years then I could see what your saying but he was a Skin through and through. Like I said it's a bitter pill to swallow but it's a part of football, so writers are going to pursue those stories.

[sinskin]

I don't recall hearing anything mentioned last year about Jon being a cancer about not starting. I'm sure he didn't like it obviously but he didn't publicly state this did he? Nor have I heard anything about restructuring his contract to take a pay cut. I really think at this very minute that Jon would be a better back up then say "what we have currently" or just as good. Why not keep him until we draft a replacement rather then signing unproven question marks. This being said, I think behind the scenes there were one of two things that happened. He said *(^&(^!$% to a restructured pay cut or he said &%^#!! to being a back up. So off he went.
Either way it was done quietly. And if so, why would he be whining about it all if this was true. Anyone agree to this?

[shally]

I don't recall hearing anything mentioned last year about Jon being a cancer about not starting. I'm sure he didn't like it obviously but he didn't publicly state this did he? Nor have I heard anything about restructuring his contract to take a pay cut. I really think at this very minute that Jon would be a better back up then say "what we have currently" or just as good. Why not keep him until we draft a replacement rather then signing unproven question marks. This being said, I think behind the scenes there were one of two things that happened. He said *(^&(^!$% to a restructured pay cut or he said &%^#!! to being a back up. So off he went.
Either way it was done quietly. And if so, why would he be whining about it all if this was true. Anyone agree to this?


we have seen this sort of stuff before with guys like pierce and lavar who took shots att he franchise after leaving.. my guess is that jansen's career probably follows a trajectory more like lavar's after leaving us.. if he is starting for the Lions, someone is going to be running for their life..

[dj_stouty]

Like in most releases over the past few years; I'm sure there is more backstory here that involves our FO coming up short on communication to the player. As others have mentioned in above posts; the guy played hard, played hurt and revised his contract when necessary to help the team - all while being overlooked for the Pro Bowl on a few occasions thanks to him playing on the right side of the line. I know this is a business, but I also think you need to communiate properly and handle situations with more care when dealing with a longtime player like Jansen. Again - I know our FO well enough to believe things probably weren't handled as well as they should have.

Anyway, I wish him luck in Detroit (except when they play us) and I wouldnt be surprised to see him in a coaching or broadcasting role some day.

[Keino]

I liked reading about it. Being a Skins fan, I want to read all the angles. It's a part of Skins History. Wouldn't you have liked to read how Art Monk felt when the Skins let him go? I remember he was pissed! I read about it and I wanted to know, regardless of whether he would become a Hall of Famer or not. If Jon was only with the team a few years then I could see what your saying but he was a Skin through and through. Like I said it's a bitter pill to swallow but it's a part of football, so writers are going to pursue those stories.

A month ago, sure. Today, when we open camp? Not one bit. I don't care about any other team's players when we open training camp. There are too many stories with players on our own roster that we could have read about today.

Maybe prior to our game against the Lions this may have been compelling for me. Did I care what Monk thought about being released on the day training camp opened in 93? Not one bit. He played for another team and my focus was on the players on our team. I would think that our local paper would also make the players on our team the focus. Let Mitch Albom interview Jansen about his release.

[firehawk157]

Jansen still believes he's a pro-bowl player and he doesn't like to help out younger players who may replace him. Not exactly a divisive force but that's a good start.

Please, record the date and time. I actually agree whole-heartedly with Keino!

[Keino]

Even a blind squirell finds a nut sometimes.

[firehawk157]

Even a blind squirell finds a nut sometimes.
I was thinking the exact same thing actually.

[shally]

Even a blind squirell finds a nut sometimes.


:moon2:

depends where the squirrel is looking for those nuts...lol

[sinskin]

:moon2:

depends where the squirrel is looking for those nuts...lol

Leave it to Dr. "Longfinger" Shally

[smoak]

I don't think it's much about loyalty. They paid Jansen a few years back more than they probably should have. That was pretty loyal, no?

The problem is that, after so many major injuries, Jansen is just not starter material anymore. Yet, Jansen still thinks he is. That means that he wouldn't take well to being a reserve. In fact, he'd probably be bitter. He'd also be bitter if you asked him to take a paycut to stay on the team as a reserve. For all we know, maybe they did ask him that. Personally, I doubt it, but I can't say for sure in any case.

Clearly, the Redskins think that he cannot be a starter and doesn't deserve starter money. Equally evident after interviews this spring, Jansen as worked hard and believes that he is ready to reclaim his starting spot. If he cannot (or will not be alowed to) start here -- whether deserving or not -- the fairest thing to Jansen is to release him, allow him to be a free agent and potentially sign with some team for whom he might start.

The Redskins could have handled it better for sure but, ultimately, I believe that this is the best thing for Jansen if he still wants to get on the field.

I was speaking more of fan loyalty, but yes, the organization could have either cut him earlier in the offseason or let him go to camp and compete...

Either way, he's gone, and I can understand his frustration/disappointment

[lorimike]

Sounds like he is still upset about getting released.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/29/AR2009072903385_2.html<<<

It happens to very aging NFL player. Jon has played a long time and made lots of money. He is only on a one year deal in Detroit so they must not be that confident in Jansen either.

[MadDog97]

I agree with posts that Jansen had become a liability at RT. Though he was a stallworth, he did not realize his time was running out and the best thing he could do was start grooming his successor. He would be seen as a soon to retire player becoming a teacher/coach. I think everyone is bitter when they are let go after years of service, but you deal with it.

I do agree with Jansen on the silliness at Redskins park, but what else is new? We should have used a draft pick a long time ago for a premiere right tackle, instead of trading for some aging veteran. Anyway, best to Jansen and thank you for your years in the trenches in burgundy and gold.

:sun:

[TrueOracle]

Just a couple of thoughts:

1) For those that are saying, "it's a business, Jon." Remember that blade cuts both ways. Stop crying when players are trying to get the best deal they can find... even if it means they're holding out for a couple of days. Also, stop whining when players don't seem to "earn their paycheck on the field." That's also part of the business. It's commonly referred to as business risk. God forbid JC does well this year. There will be a ton of "business" going on.

2) Not sure of the connection with Jansen and Arrington or Pierce. Each deal was a problem for all the wrong reasons. Jansen has slipped for sure. But LaVar was still balling and making plays (remember that Tampa playoff game) when those retards on defense (read: Williams & Lindsey, probably by direction of the FO) thought Warrick "Revolving Door" Holdman was a "better fit." We all know that we lost when it came to Pierce - no argument required.

My point is they all had a beef with this FO the same way fans have problems with their moronic missteps. The players each had different platforms and issues for their problems with the team and should be treated as such; not just lumped together under the disgruntled player label.

[BurgundyNGold]

Just a couple of thoughts:

1) For those that are saying, "it's a business, Jon." Remember that blade cuts both ways. Stop crying when players are trying to get the best deal they can find... even if it means they're holding out for a couple of days. Also, stop whining when players don't seem to "earn their paycheck on the field." That's also part of the business. It's commonly referred to as business risk. God forbid JC does well this year. There will be a ton of "business" going on.
Poor job performance is not part of business outside of Congress. It's a precursor to unemployment lol.

2) Not sure of the connection with Jansen and Arrington or Pierce. Each deal was a problem for all the wrong reasons. Jansen has slipped for sure. But LaVar was still balling and making plays (remember that Tampa playoff game) when those retards on defense (read: Williams & Lindsey, probably by direction of the FO) thought Warrick "Revolving Door" Holdman was a "better fit." We all know that we lost when it came to Pierce - no argument required.
I generally agree with your assessments except for this part. Anyone who had been paying attention had noticed that Arrington had lost at least one step that season, maybe two. His knee problems were the writing on the wall. That does not excuse the man love for Holdman or the fact that Arrington was treated shabbily by GW and the FO before he started to decline. But they cut him at the right time. "Mr Nickels" didn't do anything of consequence for the Gints the next year either because he was pretty much done a year or two earleir.

My point is they all had a beef with this FO the same way fans have problems with their moronic missteps. The players each had different platforms and issues for their problems with the team and should be treated as such; not just lumped together under the disgruntled player label.
Agreed.

[HanburgerBum]

It kills me how much folks have turned their backs on a guys who was so good for so long... Loyalty doesn't exist these days I suppose


Actually, I think it is the other way around--Jansen has turned his back on the organization that has paid him well for a long time.

True, Jon was a stellar player for the Skins, and he played "hurt". But, he is in denial about his current skills. He is no longer a NFL pass blocker, and there was every reason for Wash to release him.

Does Jansen not think professional sports is a meritocracy? The best players get to play--not who has been here the longest. How would he have felt back when he was a rookie if an undeserving veteran was kept ahead of him?

While Jansen hasn't sunken to the level Lavar did, the "bitterness" shown by that column does not serve him well and is not the "classy" Jon all Redskins fans at one time admired.

[shane88]

Actually, I think it is the other way around--Jansen has turned his back on the organization that has paid him well for a long time.

True, Jon was a stellar player for the Skins, and he played "hurt". But, he is in denial about his current skills. He is no longer a NFL pass blocker, and there was every reason for Wash to release him.

Does Jansen not think professional sports is a meritocracy? The best players get to play--not who has been here the longest. How would he have felt back when he was a rookie if an undeserving veteran was kept ahead of him?

While Jansen hasn't sunken to the level Lavar did, the "bitterness" shown by that column does not serve him well and is not the "classy" Jon all Redskins fans at one time admired.

+1
Jon needs to wake up and realize he ain't close to the player he once was...as is usually the case for most players of his tenure/injury history....He should be thankful that he made it back to play another couple of seasons after the achilles rupture....his career could've ended then and there(and perhaps in retrospect, it kinda did)...Jon, we love ya, you were a helluva warrior, no doubt....now squeeze what ya can out for Detroit and prepare for life as a former NFL player.

[saratogan]

I think anyone in his position would be upset. That guy battled for this organization for a long time. From an emotional standpoint this was his home/family for many years. It's got to be tough to be forced to move on. Unfortunately, his body wasn't able to do the things it used to do. Obviously, he's bit in denial about that. It's a tough pill to swallow in the NFL. Sorry Jon. Good luck to you bud.

+1 Best of luck to an outstanding Redskin, and my respect to you as a loyal Redskin and a player who played with some major injuries or returned from some many would not be able to come back from.

[HanburgerBum]

+1
Jon needs to wake up and realize he ain't close to the player he once was...as is usually the case for most players of his tenure/injury history....He should be thankful that he made it back to play another couple of seasons after the achilles rupture....his career could've ended then and there(and perhaps in retrospect, it kinda did)...Jon, we love ya, you were a helluva warrior, no doubt....now squeeze what ya can out for Detroit and prepare for life as a former NFL player.


When the Redskins gave Jon an extension a couple of years back despite the serious injury, he should have realized then that was his "severance pay" for his past stellar service. A lesser organization would have cut him lose at that point (assuming it was doable capwise).

It is true that the athlete is usually the last one to realize that his skills are gone and it is time to hang up his cleats. I seriously doubt Jon would make the Lions roster come opening day.

[rskinsfan10]

Why does Wise think that a story on an ex-skin's hurt feelings about his release when his play had fallen off in noticable fashion is a compelling column on the first day of Training Camp. Really, who the Eff cares? How about a column on one of the players at Redskins Park? That strikes me as much more compelling.Too many times on his radio show, he has mentioned how he relishes in controversial stories that he is able to report or speak on. After said confession, I believe this is proof that he really does live by that mantra.

[shally]

Too many times on his radio show, he has mentioned how he relishes in controversial stories that he is able to report or speak on. After said confession, I believe this is proof that he really does live by that mantra.

absolutely true.. most reporters live to talk about trainwrecks, not trains arriving safely and on time.. that jansen wanted to vent was just what he was looking for..

[HanburgerBum]

Too many times on his radio show, he has mentioned how he relishes in controversial stories that he is able to report or speak on. After said confession, I believe this is proof that he really does live by that mantra.


I don't think it's a reporter's or a columnist's job to avoid controversy. They are not Redskins employees. It is up to the player to avoid controversy by keeping his mouth shut. Ex-players, especially ones without class, often fail to avoid controversy. Lavar obviously did that, and now Jansen has to a lesser extent also done that.

[firehawk157]

I don't think it's a reporter's or a columnist's job to avoid controversy. They are not Redskins employees. It is up to the player to avoid controversy by keeping his mouth shut. Ex-players, especially ones without class, often fail to avoid controversy. Lavar obviously did that, and now Jansen has to a lesser extent also done that.
It is (or was) a reporter's job to not try to create news. A Washington reporter seeking out a long tenured Redskin on being cut long after the fact is just that.

[rskinsfan10]

I don't think it's a reporter's or a columnist's job to avoid controversy. They are not Redskins employees. It is up to the player to avoid controversy by keeping his mouth shut. Ex-players, especially ones without class, often fail to avoid controversy. Lavar obviously did that, and now Jansen has to a lesser extent also done that.It amazes me the obsession that you have with LaVar. Dude (I'm assuming), he's gone. Let it go. Many players have left this organization ripping them a new one as they were walking out the door. I could care less, and I'm a former employee of the Redskins. When one of the players starts saying bad things about the fanbase or ME PERSONALLY, then and only then will I start to take what they say PERSONALLY. Jansen has the right to feel however he wants to feel. He is the one that went through whatever it is he went through with the team and its leadership. At the end of the day, how he feels isn't going to have an impact on the W-L record of the 2009 Redskins. For me PERSONALLY, during my 10yrs with the Marching Band and 8yrs being a part of the Funky4, I was privileged to forge some friendships with a lot of the players that have come and gone over the last decade. Of those players (LaVar being one of them), NONE of them I would consider to be classless. I've seen them do too many good deeds away from the cameras and reporters that debunks that classification. There aren't too many MEN when given the opportunity to vent when they felt they have been wronged that are going to "take the high road". I have yet to read an article written by anyone at the Post or the Times where a current or former player said that I was an awful percussionist, terrible dancer, or a sorry fan. Actually, the contrary occurred with them giving myself and others unsolicited compliments on what we did to entertain the fanbase. So until those negative comments about ME occur, I think I PERSONALLY will continue to view and take these types of interviews with a grain of salt. History tells me that you will not do the same. Your perogative of course....

[rskinsfan10]

I would like to add that I too have said some very disparaging things about this organization on this message board, during and after my time as an employee. You see, I too was "wronged" by a member or members of its "leadership". When I was asked about it by members of this board, I didn't bite my tongue. I said exactly what was on my mind without mincing a single word. I suppose that makes me "classless" also?

[shally]

I would like to add that I too have said some very disparaging things about this organization on this message board, during and after my time as a member of it. You see, I too was "wronged" by a member or members of its "leadership". When I was asked about it by members of this board, I didn't bite my tongue. I said exactly what was on my mind without mincing a single word. I suppose that makes me "classless" also?

when you sign on with the Lions' board, THEN we will think about it..lol


jk..... you have been, and will always be, a class act...

[rskinsfan10]

when you sign on with the Lions' board, THEN we will think about it..lol


jk..... you have been, and will always be, a class act...LOL, Thank you sir. Right back at you.

[joethefan]

+1

he will eventually be cut from the Lions as well.. deal with it, Jon...


hopefully after we play them and orakpo's on that side...whoo-hoo...

[colkurtz]

I really liked Jansen as a player and he was almost a lifetime Redskin. Unfortunately, the physical skills fade and the player has to be replaced. He just was not NFL material this last season. It's tough for some players to recognize that their career is over.

I wish him well in Detroit. I think he will have a good follow-on career in the media, as he is pretty well-spoken. finally I hope he comes back to retire as a Redskin.

The average NFL career is 3-4 years. Jansen doubled that and should be pretty happy about it.

[shally]

hopefully after we play them and orakpo's on that side...whoo-hoo...

on that note, i want to see what excuses he offers when their prize qb is run over-- and not just by us.. i saw somewhere that the lions are EXPECTED to give up between 40-50 sacks minimum this year !! that is a lot of pounding for anyone to take..

[HanburgerBum]

It is (or was) a reporter's job to not try to create news. A Washington reporter seeking out a long tenured Redskin on being cut long after the fact is just that.


I don't agree.

It is not clear who sought out whom, but it is really irrelevant. It is a journalist's job to report news and provide a forum for views. Mike Wise did his job. It is up to Jon Jansen to publicly express his bitterness or not. No one, presumably including Mike Wise, was holding a gun to his head.

[HanburgerBum]

It amazes me the obsession that you have with LaVar. Dude (I'm assuming), he's gone. Let it go. Many players have left this organization ripping them a new one as they were walking out the door. I could care less, and I'm a former employee of the Redskins. When one of the players starts saying bad things about the fanbase or ME PERSONALLY, then and only then will I start to take what they say PERSONALLY. Jansen has the right to feel however he wants to feel. He is the one that went through whatever it is he went through with the team and its leadership. At the end of the day, how he feels isn't going to have an impact on the W-L record of the 2009 Redskins. For me PERSONALLY, during my 10yrs with the Marching Band and 8yrs being a part of the Funky4, I was privileged to forge some friendships with a lot of the players that have come and gone over the last decade. Of those players (LaVar being one of them), NONE of them I would consider to be classless. I've seen them do too many good deeds away from the cameras and reporters that debunks that classification. There aren't too many MEN when given the opportunity to vent when they felt they have been wronged that are going to "take the high road". I have yet to read an article written by anyone at the Post or the Times where a current or former player said that I was an awful percussionist, terrible dancer, or a sorry fan. Actually, the contrary occurred with them giving myself and others unsolicited compliments on what we did to entertain the fanbase. So until those negative comments about ME occur, I think I PERSONALLY will continue to view and take these types of interviews with a grain of salt. History tells me that you will not do the same. Your perogative of course....


Let me start by thanking you for all those years of service in the Redskins marching band. There is nothing like it to pump up the fans at the games.

I don't have any idea what is the nature of your "bad blood" with the Redskins organization. Hopefully, you were not treated unfairly.

Now, as for Lavar, there is really no way to describe his behavior the last year he was in Washington other than classless. Wash had made him the face of the franchise and had paid him more $$ than any player ever up to that point. He responded by not being coachable and refusing to play within the defensive scheme. Because of his immense physical talent, he actually played well at times. But, he could have been a HOFer.

When injuries lessened his effectiveness, he became expendable. But, on the eve of the final regular season game (vs Philly) when a win would clinch a playoff spot for the first time in a long time, he gave a "bitter" interview to the Washington Times. How was that going to help team chemistry? How was that going to help the team win? He couldn't wait until after the season or until after he has left the organization? I am sorry, but that in my opinion was inexcusable. I may forgive him one day, but not yet.

Jansen obviously has not said or done anything nearly as egregious as Lavar. But, his public expression of "bitterness" was nevertheless disappointing, especially since it isn't even clear just exactly what his grip was. The way he was released, or the fact that he was released?

It has been fairly evident to almost anyone that Jansen can no longer pass block and he deserved to be released. As to the manner by which it was done, I am not sure what Jansen expected--after all, there is really no good way to release a veteran player who doesn't want to be released.

[BIGREDSKINSFAN1963]

jansen did good his first years here under every one of his coaches,but injuries killed him the last 3 seasons.bottom line,he was so frequently injured these last 3 seasons,he became dead weight that had to be cut.

[shally]

jansen did good his first years here under every one of his coaches,but injuries killed him the last 3 seasons.bottom line,he was so frequently injured these last 3 seasons,he became dead weight that had to be cut.

not his fault because he was injured, but, he was stealing from the franchise based upon production for the past 3 years.. he has no reason to complain..