2981

2982

Yeah, those two statements are in complete agreement.

2983

But sluggo, paying Haynesworth to sit on the bench and McNabb to sit on the bench so they can see ‘who’s boss’ is stupid. Even ESPN today, Ditka said the benching of McNabb was stupid. McNabb has led them to the same number of wins they had all of last year IIRC. He’s keeping them in games they ought to be out of. But man, that ‘who’s boss’ routine only works in college. Any coach with any sense will tell you that you’ve already lost your authority when you have to resort to public obvious domination ploys.

Goddammit, I didn’t say “Shanahan has a problem with black people”. The least people could do is read and respond to what I did say. But no, everyone is so anxious to throw around the word ‘racist’ they see it where it very specifically isn’t being said. Again, with feeling, I have no idea if Shanahan is a racist. He appears to have issues with the well known black players he’s coached.

2984

The sad thing was Gibbs was hired as coach the same year or next year and Portis wasn’t the best fit for his scheme, whereas the previous running back, Stephen Davis, was. Portis has had a better career than Davis, but I remember at the time wishing the Redskins had Bailey back along with Davis.

2985

Lorini, I’m not saying I agree with Shanahan’s moves. I think putting in Rex Grossman was absoultely idiotic. I’m suggesting it’s far more likely his motives had nothing to do with race.

And there’s really no way around it: When you say “I don’t think Shanahan likes black players,” there’s not much room for ambiguity there. Whether you think so or not, that’s the equivalent of saying “I think he’s a racist,” which is what everyone is reacting to.

2986

Does not equal:

The implication of your statements, whether you are intending to imply that or not, is that you think Shanahan’s decisions are racially motivated.

2987

I am pretty sure what Rex Grossman is known for is cracking under pressure. It was a stupid move that basically made a tough loss even worse. They created drama that didn’t need to be there.

Dumb. (But not as dumb as the Randy Moss stuff)

2988

I can’t wait for the day when pro sports finally get on board with technology and integrate replays with officiating with some sensibility.

There’s a pass to Gonzalez in the Colts/Texans game ruled a completion. Within 10 seconds, we can see via replay that the ball hit the ground and that it should be overturned. Why can’t we have a ref upstairs or in a central office somewhere who sees that replay and calls down with the correct call? Why do we have this dance where the coach has to challenge it and then we to go to commerical while the ref sorts out the easiest call in the world?

If the play is borderline and debatable, then fine, let the coach throw a challenge flag. But in both baseball and football, there are always obvious overturns in any game that could be fixed in a matter of seconds. It’s silly that it’s happening already.

I find it amusing that in many regards, the NBA is already doing this, and with little fanfare. Guy steps on the three point line? The score is adjusted without even breaking the flow of gameplay. It can get a little silly at the end of games when they’re trying to figure out if there should be 2.1 or 2.3 seconds on the clock, but they seem light years ahead of the NFL and MLB.

2989

It’s about selling the controversy. Of course there’s no reason to have the NFL’s moronic challenge system with flag tossing if your actual intention is getting the calls correct. It’s done for the audience. It’s the equivalent of adding in a quick-time event to ‘enhance’ the gameplay.

2990

And the Moss sweepstakes begin!

The Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins have already contacted the Vikings, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. ESPN claims Oakland, the Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams, the New York Jets and the Patriots are considering Moss.

2991

Hooooooooly shit re Randy Moss. Does that make the Moss trade the worst deal this year? Seems like it must; the Vikings got four games of almost no productivity (perhaps not his fault) and are on the hook for his salary? Dayum.

Supposedly Seattle is interested in him. What a terrible idea.

2992

How 'bout just the college way of doing things, where every play is reviewed and they stop play if they want more time to look at something.

2993

Man, I’d love for him to go to any of those teams. And the Vikings are done. That franchise needs some serious change right now. Favre, Childress, and the GM need to go.

2994

Moss is on waivers. He is no longer Vikings property. On Wednesday, one by one teams will have the chance to claim Moss, going in the order of current record from worst to best. If Moss clears waivers (no one claims him) he becomes a free agent. There will be no trades or compensation for the Vikings here. They’re outta the picture.

Moss is owed a pretty decent chunk of change on his current contract. Any team claiming him assumes the balance of that contract for the year. Should Moss not be claimed and become a free agent, his current contract is void and he may sign with any other team he is able to work a deal with. Due to the amount of money owed him, it’s unlikely a team with little shot at the postseason will claim him. According to some reports, the first team to come up with a chance at Moss who may be legitimately interested in him is the Rams.

Love to see them take a flier on him. Maybe he’s done, and will pout and mope around Rams Park. I have no doubt that if he does this, Steven Jackson will cockpunch him and Spags will cut him again. But if he really wants to play football for a non-panicky coach and an up-and-coming team desperately in need of a deep threat NFL-caliber wideout it could be a very good fit.

2995

More like the Moss lottery. And like all lotteries, it’s a money loser of an investment.

2996

Just a small addendum here - if no one claims Moss, the Vikings are on the hook for the balance of his contract for the year. Any deal signed with another team at this point is entirely separate, and doesn’t influence what Minnesota would owe.

This is hilarious.

2997

It’s a loaded question, and it’s unanswerable, pure and simple Lorini. This is also the guy that took a shot to hire McNabb in the first place, and seems to have had success in the NFL despite all those non-whites on his team!

PS:

Not liking someone because of the color of their skin is a pretty good definition of racism, so yes, you did basically say you think he’s racist. It’s like asking if he stopped beating his wife yet. You put it out there.

2998

Hitler reacts to Moss’ release.

2999

But that’s not necessarily racism. Which I understand is a discussion that doesn’t belong here. So let’s move on to reviews and Randy “I’m bigger than the entire NFL” Moss. If anyone wants to continue the discussion, pm me.

3000

Are you sure? NFL contracts aren’t guaranteed, so I always thought once an NFL team releases a player, their salary ends.