DeSean Jackson...

[Fritz]

...is now a Redskin. Thoughts?

[hypo]

who cares.

[Thomas Fitzcharles]

Good Day, Fritz.

I believe this is a major problem with all sports and entertainment mmm, maybe life in general." If you got talent" it does not seem to matter what type of person you are. People will want that talent, even to the detriment of that individual and others around him. Happen to me got pushed through high school, because I could play hockey even got a four year scholarship. But graduated with no education. When I got hurt and couldn't play any longer, I had to learn everything I should of learned in high school. It is really tough for these young people to become good people with values when everyone around them is telling them they are the greatest thing since sliced bread and they can do nothing wrong. The way we as a society put these people on a pedestal and hang on everything they do or say just because they can catch a ball, sing a song, can act in a movie or are pretty seems to be a flaw in our society. It has ruined many a person

Sincerely

Thomas

[Fritz]

I don't disagree in the least. That's not say all athletes are like that. Athletics can also be a great tool to GET that education for those with talent that couldn't otherwise afford a degree. It's a mixed bag unfortunately.

As for Jackson, I'm not entirely sure where he falls. I don't entirely buy the gang affilitation stuff. I'm sure he has friends in gangs. Considering where he grew up I'd be surprised if he DIDN'T know anyone in gangs. I just don't buy that he's actively involved. I'm also not sure how much I buy the 'locker room cancer' story. Yes, he's definitely a diva. So many wide recievers are. However, when I think locker room cancer, I think of Terrell Owens. I've seen Jackson errupt on the field. I've seen Jackson get into with coaches during a game. What I can't remember doing is Jackson actively undermining a coach. Emotions on the field are one thing. Exterting your body that much brings emotions to the surface, so I try not to hold on field emotion against a player so long as they are a good teammate off the field. Look at Garcon. He plays very angry. Off the field? Pretty awesome guy that gives tons of money to his native Haiti.

[Thomas Fitzcharles]

Good Day, Fritz.

I agree it is a small % of bad apples in any of these groups that make it tough for the rest. But they do seem to get all the press. "If it bleeds it leads". It is only once in awhile we hear about the good things these people do. Maybe this kid with a second chance will turn out great for the redskins. Hopefully he won't turn out like the tightend for the Pats.

Sincerely

Thomas

[MorGrendel]

Nope. He's a thug and a dive. It's Haynesworth all over. He was cut by his team after his most productive year. Chip Kelly want a "college-esque" locker room and Jackson just doesn't fit. To my knowledge, no one else even picked up the phone. It is exciting and it will take some of the press off RGIII, so I am cautiously opptomistic but prepared to be disappointed.

[Fritz]

Nope. He's a thug and a dive. It's Haynesworth all over. He was cut by his team after his most productive year. Chip Kelly want a "college-esque" locker room and Jackson just doesn't fit. To my knowledge, no one else even picked up the phone. It is exciting and it will take some of the press off RGIII, so I am cautiously opptomistic but prepared to be disappointed.

8 other teams actually picked up the phone. We just got the first and only visit thanks to a very strong push by all levels of the organization. The Haynesworth analogy, while somewhat pertinent for attitude, doesn't stack up from a financial perspective. Haynesworth's contract averaged over $14 million a year for seven years. While the overpayment itself was bad, it was really the length that was so bad. You couldn't cut the bastard without an enormous cap hit. Jackson is going to average $8 million per year for three years, a pay cut from his contract with Philly. The financial commitment is nowhere near as bad (something Allen is great at as GM) and Jackson has more talent at a position of greater need. If it's not working out after a few years, then don't resign him. It's only a three year contract.

A thug and a diva, sure. So are half the NFL's recievers. A locker room cancer is my worry, and I'm not convinced that he is. Chip Kelly is a firm believer in system over player. That doesn't always work, as Shannihan proved over his time in Washington. The problem is getting overly inflexible, which Kelly is showing signs of. A "college-esque" locker room just does not work in the NFL. That's been shown time and again. Players are not in awe of the coach, nor does the coach have absolute power as with college. Don't get me wrong, I'm strongly in favor of character being a factor. That's why I'm torn on this signing. Jackson is a top level talent with potential baggage issues. If he can mature, then this signing is a total steal that the Eagles should kick themselves for. If not, we have more drama. We'll just have to wait and see. Haynesworth, however, this is not.

[MorGrendel]

I don't know, you are seeing a lot more success with College-Style out west. In particular, look at SF and Seattle.

I'm surprised the Eagles cut him, seems like it there is a reason. I guess we will see.

[Fritz]

Harbaugh and Carrol aren't the overly controlling types with a "system." Their rosters are full of potential personality problems too. Look at Lynch and Sherman in Seattle. Plenty of potential ego right there. Kaepernick annoys the crap out of me. The difference with Kelly, in my mind, is that he's a system guy. I'm curious to see how the system functions in the years to follow. Look what happened to the read-option this read. Defensive coordinators in the NFL are damned good at adapting over off seasons. I get that Jackson is a diva. I get that he had some discipline issues. But in grand scheme of the NFL he's not that bad. I have to wonder how well Kelly can last if he's hyper sensitive to divas.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not pro-Jackson. I'm just not completely against him either. I'm still in shock that Philly just dumped him like that. It absolutely puts up some red flags, but they're such vague flags. If he is a productive member of the team, the 'skins have gotten away with a very good signing.