DMD Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Either TEN is being a HUGE jerk about this or they are still holding out hope that BAL offers them something before they have to cut McNair. Oh yes, and it sucks to be Boller. McNair ruling may be on hold until JuneTiming could delay move to Ravens, leave QB behind By Jamison Hensley Baltimore Sun reporter Originally published May 17, 2006 The ruling from yesterday's hearing between Steve McNair and the Tennessee Titans might not come until June 1, a longer-than-expected wait that could delay the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback's move to the Ravens. With an agreement already in place with McNair, the Ravens will be halfway through their spring workouts by the time the grievance is resolved. Although the Ravens would prefer to have their quarterback situation settled sooner rather than later, offensive coordinator Jim Fassel said any veteran would have a viable shot at becoming the team's starter this season even if he is not added until after the spring camps. "If [Ravens officials] signed somebody [at that point], they certainly would feel like he could do that," Fassel said. "It's going to be overload working. If it happens after the [spring] camps, then part of my vacation time is cut short." The hearing, which was held at the Titans' team headquarters, lasted seven hours. McNair and his agent, Bus Cook, declined to comment after the proceedings. Richard Berthelsen, the NFL Players Association general counsel, said the union's stance is McNair has the right to work out at Tennessee's training facility. "Steve said what he has always said, 'He would love to be a Tennessee Titan and wants his jersey to be retired here,'" Berthelsen told Tennessee reporters. "It seems like the team is not allowing him to perform. That's why we're all here. "The club is saying they can keep him away, and that's what the arbitrator has to decide, hopefully by June 1." According to Berthelsen, the delay is the result of arbitrator John Feerick's busy schedule. Ravens officials privately remain confident that McNair will join the team over the next two months either by trade or release. However long the delay becomes, Fassel said he believes personal tutoring could quickly bring a veteran up to speed, but he admits there's no substitution for these next five weeks of workouts. The problem is the Titans likely won't be forced to release McNair even if he wins his grievance. The Titans could allow McNair back into their complex and hold onto him until late July, when they would need to dump his $23.46 million salary cap in order to sign draft picks. At that point, McNair would have missed all of the Ravens' minicamps. Whereas training camp is more physical, these spring workouts are where the Ravens do most of their heavy mental lifting. The Ravens basically install their entire offense over the next month, from formations to terminology to route combinations. This is also the time when quarterbacks get their timing down with the receivers. "A veteran quarterback can adapt, but [missing this time] still hurts," Fassel said. "It's got to flow quick. This is a game of reaction. The only way to get it is if it's embedded in you." This is a delicate time for the Ravens. They already have a contract in place for McNair, but they still want to show support for Kyle Boller at these workouts. Fassel explained to Boller that he should look at this situation as a "rite of passage." "It'll either build your toughness and character or it will make you fold your tent," Fassel said. "There are certain struggles that every quarterback is going to have to go through." In three years as the Ravens' starter, Boller has an 18-16 record with a career quarterback rating of 69.1. He has averaged just 165 yards passing per start, throwing 31 touchdowns and 32 interceptions. "I think he'll progress to be an outstanding quarterback one of these days," Fassel said. "But it's got to happen and he's got to show that progress." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savage Beatings Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Is there anybody on Tennessee's side on this one? Seems pretty clear who wins in the court of public opinion for whatever that's worth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMD Posted May 18, 2006 Author Share Posted May 18, 2006 As I understand it, McNair has already agreed to make $2 million more this year with the Ravens but the Titans won't give him a raise - they have to get some salary cap relief to sign players. But they won't even allow him to practice with them. Other than holding out hope of getting some value back for McNair, I do not see why they are acting this way. But they will not get value because BAL will wait until TEN has to release him. Not exactly respectful of what their franchise QB of the last decade has done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DKF Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 And here I thought you were talking about another gun charge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DKF Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 As I understand it, McNair has already agreed to make $2 million more this year with the Ravens but the Titans won't give him a raise - they have to get some salary cap relief to sign players. But they won't even allow him to practice with them. Other than holding out hope of getting some value back for McNair, I do not see why they are acting this way. But they will not get value because BAL will wait until TEN has to release him. Not exactly respectful of what their franchise QB of the last decade has done. 1474489[/snapback] I am sure he has his Super Bowl rings to comfort him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelBunz Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Tenn isn't doing themselves any favors in the PR dept. Agreed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loyalboyd Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Tenn isn't doing themselves any favors in the PR dept. Agreed. 1474676[/snapback] Have to agree the man have renegotiated and renegotiated and renogotiated again. Time to pony up. But if i was a player i would not renegotiate because they have shown their true colors now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revhookem Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Totally classless by the Titans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Score 1 Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 The Tennessee Titans apparently are willing to drag this out as long as they can. They couldn't strike a deal with the Ravens during the draft, and now McNair's agent, Bus Cook -- who reportedly already has negotiated a contract extension with the Ravens -- says he's not certain when both sides will agree on a trade. All he knows is that Tennessee has to dump McNair at some point, because he eats up $23 million in salary-cap space that the Titans need to sign their rookies. That said, the Titans appear more concerned about getting every last bit of value out of McNair before cutting him loose than they do about treating the most successful quarterback in their history with some respect. In fact, the most amazing thing about this story is that McNair's situation hasn't made more headlines. When a player raises a fuss about his contract, he's considered a malcontent. But when a team blatantly mistreats a player like McNair -- who has been working out with a trainer because the Titans won't let him into their training facility -- very few people seem to care. sportsillustrated.cnn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spain Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 I think the Titans are fully justified in their actions and should NOT release McNair until all efforts to sign him have been exhausted. Why should they help out the Ravens by cutting McNair now? From everything Fisher says, they will do everything possible to retain McNair. They will continue to negoiate in good faith. Until a deal is struck, they cant risk McNair getting injured while working out at their practice facility or they would be stuck for $24M against their cap next year. The Titans are paying for McNair to have a personal trainer. The Ravens simply want the Titans to end all negoiations and cut McNair now, which is absurd in the extreme. The Titans are doing the right thing here and for those of you who say they arent, simply dont know the NFL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Red Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 (edited) I think the Titans are fully justified in their actions and should NOT release McNair until all efforts to sign him have been exhausted. Why should they help out the Ravens by cutting McNair now? From everything Fisher says, they will do everything possible to retain McNair. They will continue to negoiate in good faith. Until a deal is struck, they cant risk McNair getting injured while working out at their practice facility or they would be stuck for $24M against their cap next year. The Titans are paying for McNair to have a personal trainer. The Ravens simply want the Titans to end all negoiations and cut McNair now, which is absurd in the extreme. The Titans are doing the right thing here and for those of you who say they arent, simply dont know the NFL. 1474861[/snapback] First off, the arguement by the Titans that he can't work out with them is crap. They told him not to work out, but then told him where he should work out. If he goes where the Titans tell him and gets hurt, there is no way that they are still not liable. Second, good luck on getting free agents who have more than the Titans as an option. Good luck on high priced, high talent players re-working their contracts again. The Titans painted themselves in a corner here. Third, is there any way McNair really wants to stay now? Even if they do work out a deal, won't they be back in this situation next year? He'll be asked, again, to rework his deal. He's already agreed to a $2 mil raise with the Ravens. $2 mil raise and I get to go back to throwing to Derrick Mason, I get Todd Heap and Mark Clayton. That's better than Vince Young waiting to take over and a WR corp the, if I remember right, is so bad it has a white guy on it. Fourthly (that a word?), McNair has to beat out Kyle Boller (the white Tony Banks), Brian St. Pierre, and some free agent rookie from UCLA. Give him a day and a half, and he's the man. Heck, just his ability to not drop the ball when he is under presure and his familiarity with Mason puts him WAY ahead of Boller. McNair has more major injuries and playoff games than I think Boller has victories. Ravens should be smart and wait it out, keeping their draft picks. Lastly, Jeff Fischer still has that god awful wife beating NASCAR watching haircut. At least Billick has enough courtesy to start losing his hair instead of getting the Deliverence cut. Edited May 18, 2006 by Big Red Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spain Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 First off, the arguement by the Titans that he can't work out with them is crap. They told him not to work out, but then told him where he should work out. If he goes where the Titans tell him and gets hurt, there is no way that they are still not liable. Second, good luck on getting free agents who have more than the Titans as an option. Good luck on high priced, high talent players re-working their contracts again. The Titans painted themselves in a corner here. Third, is there any way McNair really wants to stay now? Even if they do work out a deal, won't they be back in this situation next year? He'll be asked, again, to rework his deal. He's already agreed to a $2 mil raise with the Ravens. $2 mil raise and I get to go back to throwing to Derrick Mason, I get Todd Heap and Mark Clayton. That's better than Vince Young waiting to take over and a WR corp the, if I remember right, is so bad it has a white guy on it. Fourthly (that a word?), McNair has to beat out Kyle Boller (the white Tony Banks), Brian St. Pierre, and some free agent rookie from UCLA. Give him a day and a half, and he's the man. Heck, just his ability to not drop the ball when he is under presure and his familiarity with Mason puts him WAY ahead of Boller. McNair has more major injuries and playoff games than I think Boller has victories. Ravens should be smart and wait it out, keeping their draft picks. Lastly, Jeff Fischer still has that god awful wife beating NASCAR watching haircut. At least Billick has enough courtesy to start losing his hair instead of getting the Deliverence cut. 1474864[/snapback] First, the Titans would be liable for the entire $24M against their cap if McNair was injured while working out at Baptist Sports Park. That would be a cap hit so severe that it would take years to recover. So, it is only prudent for them to request that he not work out there until they can resolve the contractual issues. They didnt tell him where he had to work out, they just said they would pay for it. If he is injured working out with a personal trainer on his own, the Titans would NOT be liable for the $24M. This only makes sense from the Titans pov. Can you really blame them for protecting their franchise from possible complete destruction? Second, the Titans have never had problem attracting free agents. And only a fool would hold this against them. They have the right and obligation to protect their franchise. This is a business afterall and they would be guilty of malpractice of they didnt take their current course of action. Third, McNair has stated repeatedly that he wants to remain a Titan. And lets get real for a second, who wants to live in Baltighetto? What a complete shi@tehole of a town. Fourthly, why do you feel the need to make to very racist comments in your post? If someone made those same comments about blacks, you would be pissed so dont make them about whites. Besides, McNair would be the starter in Tennessee or Baltiturd. Finally, Jeff Fisher and his 1970's porn mustache is one of the most respected coaches in the NFL. Brian Billick is an arrogant ass who nobody in the league can even stand. Dont try to even compare these 2 guys... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sox Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 If the Ravens want him that badly,you'd think they'd pony up a draft pick for him.The Titans aren't being one bit more selfish than the Ravens are. The Titans want some value for a former MVP;the Ravens want him for free. There is also the possibility that someone else will get him if and when he's cut.He can sign with anybody he likes when he does get cut,and there are no guarantees that it will be the Ravens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackass Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 (edited) First, the Titans would be liable for the entire $24M against their cap if McNair was injured while working out at Baptist Sports Park. That would be a cap hit so severe that it would take years to recover. So, it is only prudent for them to request that he not work out there until they can resolve the contractual issues. They didnt tell him where he had to work out, they just said they would pay for it. If he is injured working out with a personal trainer on his own, the Titans would NOT be liable for the $24M. This only makes sense from the Titans pov. Can you really blame them for protecting their franchise from possible complete destruction? Second, the Titans have never had problem attracting free agents. And only a fool would hold this against them. They have the right and obligation to protect their franchise. This is a business afterall and they would be guilty of malpractice of they didnt take their current course of action. Third, McNair has stated repeatedly that he wants to remain a Titan. And lets get real for a second, who wants to live in Baltighetto? What a complete shi@tehole of a town. Fourthly, why do you feel the need to make to very racist comments in your post? If someone made those same comments about blacks, you would be pissed so dont make them about whites. Besides, McNair would be the starter in Tennessee or Baltiturd. Finally, Jeff Fisher and his 1970's porn mustache is one of the most respected coaches in the NFL. Brian Billick is an arrogant ass who nobody in the league can even stand. Dont try to even compare these 2 guys... 1474882[/snapback] Spain, everything you say actually makes sense. What would you say the chances are of mcnair going back to Tenn? Edited May 18, 2006 by Jackass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spain Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 What would you say the chances are of mcnair going back to Tenn? 1474908[/snapback] 25%. But there is still a chance and stranger things have happened. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DKF Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 .... And lets get real for a second, who wants to live in Baltighetto? What a complete shi@tehole of a town. 1474882[/snapback] Mason turned down more money from the Patriots to move there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spain Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 (edited) Mason turned down more money from the Patriots to move there. 1474927[/snapback] Maybe he realized that Kyle Boller is a better QB than Tom Brady... Why does Mason still maintain a residence in Nashville and he and his family spend most of their time down here if Maryland is so great... Edited May 18, 2006 by spain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMD Posted May 18, 2006 Author Share Posted May 18, 2006 First, the Titans would be liable for the entire $24M against their cap if McNair was injured while working out at Baptist Sports Park. That would be a cap hit so severe that it would take years to recover. So, it is only prudent for them to request that he not work out there until they can resolve the contractual issues. They didnt tell him where he had to work out, they just said they would pay for it. If he is injured working out with a personal trainer on his own, the Titans would NOT be liable for the $24M. This only makes sense from the Titans pov. Can you really blame them for protecting their franchise from possible complete destruction? 1474882[/snapback] Correct me if I am wrong (and I imagine even if I am not), but the contractual issues are so big that there is no way that TEN is going to be keeping him beyond wishful thinking or mortgaging the future even more should he agree to restructure his contract yet again. His salary of $24M has to be removed to have any hope of signing the rookies by the end of July as I understand it. Imagine how much a QB selected third is going to cost alone. So what you have is the QB that has been arguably the best in the history of the franchise treated in such a manner that he has had to file a grievance with the NFLPA. The Titans are already moving ahead with Young, Volek and Mauck in their preparations because they know that is what they will have this year unless they sign Kerry Collins. If they wanted to protect their franchise, just release McNair now since there is no chance he will remain from the mere financial aspects of it. I am not sure how the Titans are protecting themselves from anything. They are just leaving their once-star QB in a bad situation despite the inevitable conclusion of this. While it is obvious that McNair is being harmed, what is it that the Titans are gaining here other than hope against reason that they can squeeze some drops of value from a QB that they are going to have to eventually cut anyway all at the expense of the prior "franchise" player? Second, the Titans have never had problem attracting free agents. And only a fool would hold this against them. They have the right and obligation to protect their franchise. This is a business afterall and they would be guilty of malpractice of they didnt take their current course of action. 1474882[/snapback] Not sure why this is particularly germane, but the Titans have only signed four players that I know of - Givens (just a $2M bite this year), S Hope, Mawae and Thornton. Not like a buying spree exactly. All needs and I think good choices, but Givens was hardly considered the premier FA at his position. Third, McNair has stated repeatedly that he wants to remain a Titan. And lets get real for a second, who wants to live in Baltighetto? What a complete shi@tehole of a town. 1474882[/snapback] While he may have said that during the off-season, I have not see anything from McNair in the last couple months that said he wants to remain a Titan. I have heard his agent Bus Cooke say that he does which is pretty standard for an agent to say and is really pretty meaningless. I know he has agreed to a contract with the Ravens and that he had to file a grievance against the Titans. At this point there does not seem to be much that says McNair wants to be a Titan other than some agentspeak. I am sure all things being equal (and they are not), McNair would prefer to make the same coin without moving and learning a new offense, but that cannot happen. Fourthly, why do you feel the need to make to very racist comments in your post? If someone made those same comments about blacks, you would be pissed so dont make them about whites. Besides, McNair would be the starter in Tennessee or Baltiturd. 1474882[/snapback] Ah - classic "look at this hand over here". Finally, Jeff Fisher and his 1970's porn mustache is one of the most respected coaches in the NFL. Brian Billick is an arrogant ass who nobody in the league can even stand. Dont try to even compare these 2 guys... 1474882[/snapback] Fisher is respected despite his 9-23 record over the last two seasons. After 11 years, he has to be one of the most senior HC's around. But that has nothing to do with what the Titans are doing to McNair. If Fisher does matter here, it is notable that he is in the final year of his own contract and the Titans have had no discussions with him about an extension which is reported to be more $$ than the Titans are going to want to pay, so in the long-term, Fisher could be a lame duck coach since the rumor mill has him going to coach a new franchise in LA if that happens. Short of convincing McNair that he should either play for far less money (and he has already agreed to a contract with BAL) and backloading his contract so that there are yet more salary cap problems down the road, what is TEN accomplishing here other than looking like they are willing to hang McNair out to dry while delaying the inevitable? If it is somehow gamesmanship against BAL (who they play in week 10), I fail to see how any of this is benefiting the Titans. The Titans need to till the soil and start anew and they are making moves towards that. They had a horrible WR situation last year by letting Mason go and relying on Bennett and a gaggle of rookie WRs (and not even all that highly drafted ones at that) as a way of priming for the future while slashing costs in the present. They made two great (IMO) moves with Young and White as well. I like the TEN future, but it cannot happen until McNair's salary is gone and they can actually pay for the rookies which they cannot with him still there. I just cannot see what they are acomplishing here other than needlessly harming McNair and sending the message out that TEN treats even star players in a way that results in them filing grievances. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DKF Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Maybe he realized that Kyle Boller is a better QB than Tom Brady... Why does Mason still maintain a residence in Nashville and he and his family spend most of their time down here if Maryland is so great... 1474976[/snapback] His wife has family in the area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Score 1 Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 If the Ravens want him that badly,you'd think they'd pony up a draft pick for him.The Titans aren't being one bit more selfish than the Ravens are.1474883[/snapback] The Ravens are selfish? You do know they offered to trade a Draft pick for McNair day two of the draft, right? Titans turned them down. Now the Ravens are content to wait until the inevitable happens & Tenn outright cuts McNair. Since when did a smart business decision, become defined as selfish? The Titans want some value for a former MVP;the Ravens want him for free.1474883[/snapback] You've basically repeated yourself here. Again, the Ravens offered a Draft pick for McNair & Tenn blew them off. Now the Ravens are content to wait for the Titans to cut him. Ozzie ain't stupid and he gave them a chance. Not his fault the Titans FO is imbecilic. There is also the possibility that someone else will get him if and when he's cut.He can sign with anybody he likes when he does get cut,and there are no guarantees that it will be the Ravens. 1474883[/snapback] While it is true that McNair could sign with a team other than the Ravens, what other team is going to offer him $12,000,000 ($11 mil guaranteed & $1 mil 1st years salary) & the starting job? Once cut, I'd say it's about a 99.9% chance we see McNair in a Ravens uni for 2006. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revhookem Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Spain, no one is suggesting that Tenn shouldn't be worried about being on the hook for $24mil... but I'm pretty sure they must have been at the table when that deal was written up and signed. They were short-sighted in drawing it up that way, and are being short-sighted now to think that their current tactics are doing them any good. If McNair wanted to stay - which I fully believe he wanted to do until they pulled this crap - why would he have already negotiated a deal with Balt? And it's not about them helping or hurting the Ravens... it's about treating the guy who has been the face of your organization, and who was inches away from winning you a SuperBowl, with the respect he deserves. I do think this will wind up hurting Tennessee when it comes to shoping for free agents in the future... or when they have veterans whose contracts are up. If they really want to "protect" the franchise, they should McNair loose. Then they can either re-sign him (which won't happen), or move forward with their younger QBs. Right now, they are doing NO ONE - including their team - any good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azazello1313 Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Why should they help out the Ravens by cutting McNair now? 1474861[/snapback] that's really the bottom line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Score 1 Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Why should they help out the Ravens by cutting McNair now?1474861[/snapback] Conversely, why should they blatantly mistreat McNair, the most successful quarterback in their history? R-E-S-P-E-C-T has been earned....show some class Tennessee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azazello1313 Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Conversely, why should they blatantly mistreat McNair, the most successful quarterback in their history? R-E-S-P-E-C-T has been earned....show some class Tennessee 1475562[/snapback] well, conversely...mcnair isn't showing much respect to the titans by agreeing to a deal under the table with another team when he was under contract and they were trying to work out a way to bring him back. the titans want some compensation, the ravens want to wait them out and get him by giving up less. the titans are trying to leverage that as much as possible to either make them willing to part with a pick, or to make it more costly for them if they won't. doesn't hurt mcnair much either way, but even if it did i don't see where the titans owe him much after he made the under-the-table deal with the ravens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Score 1 Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 well, conversely...mcnair isn't showing much respect to the titans by agreeing to a deal under the table with another team when he was under contract and they were trying to work out a way to bring him back. 1475586[/snapback] There was no under the table deal Azazello1313. The Titans specifically gave their permission for McNair & the Ravens to negotiate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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