slackermike Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A47876-2005Apr12.html Gibbs Is Hopeful About 2 Redskins Arrington, Moss Talk With Coach, But Not Taylor By Jason La Canfora Washington Post Staff Writer Wednesday, April 13, 2005; Page D01 Washington Redskins Coach Joe Gibbs said yesterday he has made progress in two of the three offseason personnel issues he faces. Gibbs said he and linebacker LaVar Arrington met and "have a good agreement, and a good feeling" after the linebacker complained publicly Monday about how the team treated him after he injured his knee last season. Gibbs also said he has spoken "numerous times" with newly acquired wide receiver Santana Moss, who has skipped voluntary workouts while seeking to renegotiate his contract. But Gibbs said safety Sean Taylor, who also has skipped the workouts while seeking to renegotiate the contract he signed as a rookie last summer, has not returned the coach's telephone calls. Gibbs said that, unlike Moss, he has no indication whether Taylor is on any sort of regimen. Gibbs said such distractions are commonplace in the NFL these days. "I'd be willing to say if you stacked us up with all of the other teams in the league," Gibbs said, "that we're on the low side for having problems. I think you look at that and say that's just part of today's football." Gibbs met yesterday with Arrington, director of sports medicine Bubba Tyer and James Andrews, who performed Arrington's two surgeries, to clarify the player's medical condition and ensure that all parties agreed on how to proceed with rehabilitation. On Monday, Arrington expressed concern over how the team has handled his injury and questioned a decision not to disclose a second surgery last Wednesday on his right knee, but Gibbs said that, after speaking to Arrington, the three-time Pro Bowl player agreed that the staff has taken every precaution with his knee since his initial surgery Sept. 23. As Arrington left Redskins Park yesterday, he was asked if he stood by his comments from Monday and responded: "You all already got your comment. . . . You all don't need me; you all say things and do things the way you all want to do it. . . . The truth is in front of you. . . . You all don't need a quote from me; you already have it." When asked if he felt better after talking to Gibbs, Arrington said: "I'm happy about trying to get my knee together and that's my main focus. . . . You all want to depict me as a bad guy. I'm hurt. It is what it is." After speaking with Arrington on Monday night, Gibbs said he anticipated Arrington would take a conciliatory tone yesterday. During his news conference, a few hours before Arrington spoke to the media, Gibbs said he was surprised by Arrington's comments Monday. "I think he knows every single thing that happened last year, and the way we were cautious about it," Gibbs said. "I think just frustration set in because he has been hurt for so long." Arrington met privately with Gregg Williams, assistant head coach-defense; took part in a meeting with the defensive team; and met privately with Gibbs. Gibbs said he was enthused by his chat with Arrington and the prospects for Arrington's recovery, and admitted that while Arrington's interaction with the media yesterday was, "not good," he is confident there is no rift with coaches. "I think between he and I, we have a good agreement, and a good feeling about it," Gibbs said late yesterday afternoon, well after Arrington had returned home. Gibbs also refuted Arrington's claim that the team was pushing back the settlement of a grievance over a $6.5 million bonus in his contract and said the team is ready to present its case whenever a hearing is held. "Certainly, we haven't been the ones who pushed it back," Gibbs said. Arrington remains on crutches and will not be able to run for at least two months, but Gibbs said the medical staff is confident he will be ready for training camp in July. While disappointed that Moss, who came from the New York Jets in exchange for star receiver Laveranues Coles, has opted out of voluntary workouts while he pursues a contract extension, Gibbs said the receiver is training in Florida and that the two have been in touch "numerous times." The Redskins are four weeks into their voluntary workout period, and team officials do not know whether Taylor and Moss, who has yet to meet quarterback Patrick Ramsey, will report to Redskins Park, but Gibbs said that, with both under contract for 2005, he expects them to be here for mini-camp in June. Both players informed the team previously that they would be taking part in voluntary offseason workouts, Gibbs said. "That's a part of an understanding today," Gibbs said. "Every single person we get ready to draft, every single person we interview to draft we ask them, 'Hey, if the Redskins draft you, are you willing to make a commitment to the Redskins in the offseason?' That's the first question we ask somebody, so we feel like this is hugely important. . . . And they all answered in the affirmative." Both Taylor and Moss are represented by Drew Rosenhaus, who is not commenting on either player. Gibbs maintains that, despite the absences of Taylor and Moss, the team still has a strong relationship with the agent. Negotiations on an extension for Moss are ongoing, but Gibbs did not directly address a question about whether recent progress has been made. "It's part of a process," he said, adding that he wants to keep the particulars of Taylor's contract concerns private and that the team is trying to "encourage him to come, and doing everything we can to work that out." Redskins Notes: Gibbs said the inability to trade receiver Rod Gardner stems from his agent being unable to find a team to meet Washington's "very reasonable" demands (at least a third-round pick, sources said). Gardner's agent, Joel Segal, said there has been "significant interest" in the former first-round pick and is "optimistic that a deal can be reached by the draft." League sources indicated there is very little chance Gardner would return to the Redskins. . . . Gibbs said the team will have its final draft board completed by Thursday and is still evaluating offensive players. The draft takes place April 23-24. . . . With Arrington ailing, Antonio Pierce gone and Mike Barrow, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, unable to run until late May, Gibbs indicated the Redskins could look for linebacker depth in the draft but said the team is not currently negotiating with any veteran free agents. . . . Washington's restricted free agents -- quarterback Tim Hasselbeck, defensive lineman Demetric Evans, defensive back Andre Lott and running back Rock Cartwright -- have until Friday to negotiate and sign an offer sheet with other teams, which appears unlikely at this point, before their rights become the exclusive property of the Redskins. . . . The NFL schedule will be released today. Gibbs plans to finalize the offseason schedule, including all optional practices, mini-camps and training camp, shortly. 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zoony Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 Who else thinks this Taylor thing is going to get a whole lot worse before it get's better? :paranoid: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slackermike Posted April 13, 2005 Author Share Posted April 13, 2005 I hope not. I hope Taylor comes around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warhead36 Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 As long as Taylor plays as well as he did last season(and will be better this year)I doubt it will matter what he does in April. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skins11 Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 No matter what happens... Lavar is a baby. He gets mad, father Gibbs must soothe him. Same thing happened last year when Gibbs first signed on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoony Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 Originally posted by Warhead36 As long as Taylor plays as well as he did last season(and will be better this year)I doubt it will matter what he does in April. So let's assume Gibbs even LETS him play, for starters. What message does that send to the other guys at 'skins park right now busting their asses? Think they'll be there next year? Think Gibbs would lose any credibility, allowing a guy to waltz right in to the starting line up after contributing nothing to the offseason regimen? maybe not... but what if Taylor decides he really did get shafted on his contract. Think there is any chance he'll get a new deal? Absolutely not, Gibbs would never set that precedent. And rightfully so. But that would mean Taylor sits out in protest next year... maybe not.... but what if Taylor comes to his senses and reports to Redskins' park? Think he's capable of swallowing his pride like that? The kid is from the "U", he was drafted #5, and he has the world by the tail at a very young age. I give the chance that he shows up in Ashburn at about 200 to 1. maybe not... but we still lack a winner in all of the scenarios from above. Sh!tstorm on the horizon, I tell you. And I'm not trying to stir the pot... I'm really not an alarmist by nature. It's just the way I feel. Anyone care to put my mind at ease? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skins11 Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 When I look at the Taylor situation, I think Lavar Redux. Every year it seemed that there was a problem with Lavar's contract. The difference between the two situations is that Taylor has actually lived up to the hype and isn't just a boatload of potential. So early in his career he has become one of the best safeties in the NFL and really elevated the play of the defense as he matured. I just pray that Gibbs/Williams, the continuity of the coaching staff, winning will cure the ego thing, and he will want to stay on the team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skin_finatic Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 Cmon Taylor! What are you thinkin :doh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bazooka Tooth Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 I really hope Taylor comes around. I am happy that we have Gibbs running the show and not some other knucklehead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimster Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 Originally posted by zoony So let's assume Gibbs even LETS him play, for starters. What message does that send to the other guys at 'skins park right now busting their asses? Think they'll be there next year? Think Gibbs would lose any credibility, allowing a guy to waltz right in to the starting line up after contributing nothing to the offseason regimen? maybe not... but what if Taylor decides he really did get shafted on his contract. Think there is any chance he'll get a new deal? Absolutely not, Gibbs would never set that precedent. And rightfully so. But that would mean Taylor sits out in protest next year... maybe not.... but what if Taylor comes to his senses and reports to Redskins' park? Think he's capable of swallowing his pride like that? The kid is from the "U", he was drafted #5, and he has the world by the tail at a very young age. I give the chance that he shows up in Ashburn at about 200 to 1. maybe not... but we still lack a winner in all of the scenarios from above. Sh!tstorm on the horizon, I tell you. And I'm not trying to stir the pot... I'm really not an alarmist by nature. It's just the way I feel. Anyone care to put my mind at ease? I agree with the Taylor part - the message it sends to other players in there busting their butts, but I actually feel better about the severity of the situations from this article. - I believe its the media creating drama and blowing things out of proportion again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NVskinsfan Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 Originally posted by zoony Who else thinks this Taylor thing is going to get a whole lot worse before it get's better? :paranoid: He SIGNED the contract!, HE needs to abide by it!!! "NO COOLING OFF" PERIOD, JUST LIKE AUTO SALES Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thinker Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 Frankly it seems like Taylor is just plain angry at the world. I don't know where that comes from but all the misfortune that has befallen him has been his own doing. He chose not to hire an agent until virtually the last possible moment and a guy that was somewhat suspect as far as his experience working on major deals. He chose to sign the contract. He chose to not go to the rookie seminar. He got a shaving cream pie in the face (hello - every rookie and most baseball players during interviews get those) - yet he felt wronged by the press for not "warning" him. He chose to speed in the middle of the night after a mid-week party and got pulled over by the police. Exactly who is out to get him? Exactly how did the Redskins sc*w him? Exactly how have they acted in bad faith? So it's not about the Skins - it's about his delusions and immaturity. I would have hoped that Rosenhaus could counsel the kid. Unfortunately he seems to be marketing himself to all of the unhappy players in the league. For Taylor's sake I hope someone can talk to him and let him know that all of this will only hurt him in the short, medium and long term. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 Taylor is immature Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinsfan51 Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 I'm listening to Coach's press conference from today right now. What I hear in his voice is 1.) He's confident that Lavar overreacted, and thinks he'll get his brain back when he calms down, 2.) He seems frustrated with Moss and especially Taylor. 3.) You can bet that there will be some consequences as a result of these guys dissing the team. I don't know why Moss can't participate in the workouts and work on his contract while gelling with the team. Taylor is just out of line, and I don't know if he's just on a "Miami-Rules" kick with Moss, and if Moss influenced him somehow to skip and work out at Miami. Who knows? All I know is that he is not doing right. He's just out of being a rookie, and yes, he played pretty good last year. But he has some problems on and off the field, and this is not the time to demand a new contract. Like Coach said, "It's a commitment and you need to understand that and honor it." Neither Moss nor Taylor are honoring their commitments. They ARE letting the Redskins down and they are letting the fans down. In my opinion, there is no reason that either of them should be skipping these workouts. I hope they both grow up and start being responsible. Like Coach just said, "...to get them to sacrifice their goals for the goals of the team." I wish it was the 1980s again. These new, selfish players don't impress me at all. :2cents: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jivelikenice Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 ST wants to work out in & is reportedly working out in Miami so whats the big deal. I think Gibbs is good in interacting wit hthe public but he is becoming too public in my opinion in defending his team's action and his own to the public. This is such a non-issue for the fans until and unless ST skips out on Mini-camp. Even then, do you know how many playersskip out on camps, etc... yet once the season starts its forgotten....Everybody relaxxxx, enjoy the draft next week, and stop worring about all these off the field issues until Camp rolls around... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenlipper Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 Taylor is costantly making bad decisions. Hopefully he'll grow up soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebowski Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 Originally posted by skinsfan56 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A47876-2005Apr12.html "I think between he and I, we have a good agreement, and a good feeling about it," Gibbs said late yesterday afternoon, Isn't that the exact qoute he had about Coles when the Coles story broke? As for getting in touch woth Taylor, maybe he should poct messages on his message board. Taylor not returning calls is wierd, but nothing to panic about. The coaches can NOT let it seem like it is ok to skip a workout. They have to keep this tone. I don't think it is as big a deal as it is being made out to be. Do I think he should be there? Hell yeah! Do I think he and the team would benefit from it? You bet. But I don't see reason to jump off a bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsHokieFan Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 Well to be honest this is a big deal. Once again its not about being in shape. These guys are athletes whose bodies need to be working out constantly. I have no doubt they will be physically ready. It is once again about establishing chemistry and a sense of family with your teammates. You get that in the offseason by working out with them, joking around in the weightroom and just by being around each other a lot. It is a matter of trust. Can you trust a guy who wasn't there with you in the offseason like the rest of the team? This is where it all starts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ngrubb8242 Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 In no way am i about to compare Taylor to Orlando Pace but some players including Julian Peterson of the 49ers skip the voluntary workouts much like Orlando Pace does every year only to report to training camp in tip top shape. Drew Rosenhaus is a great agent and in no way do i think he will allow his clients to show up in bad shape he hasnt done it in the past and wont in the future it hurts his credibility trust me we'll be fine and Taylor will be there the start of mini-camp :2cents: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebowski Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 Originally posted by SkinsHokieFan Well to be honest this is a big deal. Once again its not about being in shape. These guys are athletes whose bodies need to be working out constantly. I have no doubt they will be physically ready. It is once again about establishing chemistry and a sense of family with your teammates. You get that in the offseason by working out with them, joking around in the weightroom and just by being around each other a lot. It is a matter of trust. Can you trust a guy who wasn't there with you in the offseason like the rest of the team? This is where it all starts Do you know all this first hand? Or this just been beaten into you like the rest of us? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jivelikenice Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 We're beating up on Taylor too much. Yes its frustrating to some degree but lets look at the track record; his arrest was ridiculous & his play on the field was outstanding for a rookie...He has switched agents and is upset about his contract, but who wouldn't be if you found out later that your agent didn't get you the the best deal possible...and still, did that cause him to walkout??? Relax folks....cut the drama, lets talk draft and the Clements rumor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzSkinsFan63 Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 Originally posted by ngrubb8242 In no way am i about to compare Taylor to Orlando Pace but some players including Julian Peterson of the 49ers skip the voluntary workouts much like Orlando Pace does every year only to report to training camp in tip top shape. Drew Rosenhaus is a great agent and in no way do i think he will allow his clients to show up in bad shape he hasnt done it in the past and wont in the future it hurts his credibility trust me we'll be fine and Taylor will be there the start of mini-camp :2cents: yeah but it is totally not fair to the other guys or the coaches because then the coaches have to make decisions on who starts and a lot of times it ends up being the guy who didn't work out because he's better. it's a load of B.S from supposed professionals. they should set a friggin example. They'll be the first to whine when you lose 2 games in a row. It should be mandatory but then the NFLPA gets involved.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebowski Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 Originally posted by AzSkinsFan63 yeah but it is totally not fair to the other guys or the coaches because then the coaches have to make decisions on who starts and a lot of times it ends up being the guy who didn't work out because he's better. it's a load of B.S from supposed professionals. they should set a friggin example. They'll be the first to whine when you lose 2 games in a row. It should be mandatory but then the NFLPA gets involved.. Its not like these guys are sitting at home playing xbox. They are working out just like the guys at Redskins park. They are still being very professional. In fact, you could make the argument that Taylor is better off working out in Miami learning from Ed Reed then up in Washignton. I'm sure Ed is teaching him a lot. Taylor has all preseason and regular season to learn from our coaches and players. Whats wrong with him learning a thing or two from Ed Reed for a month? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f_trizzy Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 I just get the feeling that we shouldn't get too attached to Sean Taylor because it just has the look like he is going to jump ship once his contract is up if not trying to get out before that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoCalMike Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 I am not concerned about Moss & Taylor working down in Miami, however the fact that Taylor is not returning Gibbs' calls is kind of bothering me. The Lavar situation also seems to be blown way out of proportion as it seems he is mostly frustrated about his rehab, and the media took a few quotes and ran like the wind with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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