skinsfan913 Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 Winslow's career could be permanently damagedBy Len Pasquarelli ESPN.com Archive In life, for the most part, you reap what you sow. In the NFL, however, there are those occasions when you are forced to deal with the weeds cultivated by your predecessor. And so, even as the Cleveland Browns' rookie tandem of general manager Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel continues trying to grow the franchise in the right direction again, there will be times when the efforts are choked off by the flawed crops nurtured in the recent past. Which brings us, not all that surprisingly, to tight end Kellen Winslow. Assuming that the news reports are accurate, and that Winslow has suffered damage to his right knee sufficient enough to sideline him for the entire 2005 season, his lack of maturity can only be deemed staggering. In endangering his career by strapping himself to a motorcycle, the specific model of which has been alternately nicknamed the "crotch rocket" and the "donor wagon," Winslow displayed a dearth of common sense. Now his right knee, which figures to require extensive repair work, likely will display a long, ugly scar. Will those surgical sutures, the graphic and lifelong reminder of a joy ride that was transformed into a tragic lapse of judgment, forever alter Winslow's approach to life and to his livelihood? Time will tell. Should the events of the past few weeks dramatically change the manner in which the Cleveland organization views a player who saw himself as a football messiah? Quite clearly, the answer is yes. Remember, this is a player who was supposed to redefine the tight end position, just as his Hall of Fame father had done a generation ago. Instead, the younger Winslow might never be even a reasonable facsimile of his old man now, having opted instead to redefine irresponsibility. The second incarnation, indeed, looks like a cloning experiment gone amok. Suddenly, the self-proclaimed "soldier," who will have played just two games during his first two seasons in the league, looks more like a soldier of misfortune. The "Warrior" is wounded, "The Chosen One" a chucklehead. There are no guarantees now that Winslow won't be simply the latest first-round bust for a franchise whose new football regime is trying to bury the history of past drafts. And, for that, Kellen Winslow ought to be busted. In the ever-raging psychobabble debate over whether human beings are most shaped by nature or nurture, Winslow is Exhibit A for the centrists who claim to discern the tugging influences of both elements. For most of his formative years, Winslow was nurtured with the lesson that he was special, one of a kind. Little wonder, then, that it became defiantly second nature for him to view himself that way. It would be fashionable to place blame on his family. Or to assign culpability to departed Cleveland coach Butch Davis, who first recruited Winslow to the University of Miami, then invested the fifth overall selection in the 2004 draft in the tight end. But there were others who created a culture of entitlement around Winslow, who lifted him even higher than the lofty perch on which he positioned himself, and they can't simply escape blame. Flash back to last summer, his first NFL training camp, when the Browns' organization fawned over its first-rounder despite his tardiness because of a contract dispute. Here was a player who was to carry the franchise, right? Instead, a club functionary regularly toted Winslow's helmet and shoulder pads off the field for him after practice. That went over big, we can tell you, with his older teammates. The media hung on every syllable Winslow uttered because his words were so sparse. And that's because the organization required him to be available for interviews only once a week, a privilege customarily reserved for those who actually have accomplished something in their NFL careers. Winslow was insulated by more bubble wrap than a priceless Ming vase being shipped cross-country. His overinflated opinion of himself was further pumped by a pervasive air that suggested he was, indeed, "The Chosen One" he purported to be. Pump any balloon too full of hot air and, by nature, it sails off on its own breezes. It cavorts to its own thing, meanders in whatever direction the current takes it. Chances are that, provided the opportunity, Savage and Crennel would have punctured the inflated Winslow ego. Unfortunately, a concrete curb in a Westlake, Ohio, parking lot, where Winslow was motorcycling in indisputable breach of his contract, beat them to it. It is one thing to play with reckless abandon – a long-admired football quality, and one that Winslow demonstrated during the second game of last season when he went aggressively after an onside kick and ended up breaking his leg. But there is an integral and essential difference between reckless abandon and recklessness, the latter of which is what Winslow displayed when he hopped on that motorcycle. His professional football career now might be little more than one big wheelie, in the air one minute, on the skids the next. Because of the uncertainty surrounding Winslow's future and that of the franchise's investment – there are those who have suggested that, under the best-case scenario, Winslow will miss just the 2005 campaign – the new Browns' football regime needs to take a stand. That is not to suggest the team should attempt to recover the entire $9.4 million in signing and option bonuses to which it is contractually entitled if Cleveland is deprived of Winslow's services in '05. Still, if Winslow forfeited nearly two weeks of training camp last summer while Browns president John Collins fought to have such default language included in the contract, what was the point if those contract stipulations are rendered meaningless? If the Browns sincerely believe Winslow someday will emerge as the player they envisioned when they selected him in 2004, they won't terminate his contract. Instead, they should attempt, with the Winslow family and agents Kevin and Carl Poston, to define some middle ground. Recover a portion of the bonus money – let's say the $4.4 million option bonus and $1 million of his $6 million signing bonus (the prorated share for 2005) – and provide Winslow the opportunity to earn it back by reaching some performance levels in future years. It would be a fair and balanced resolution. Fair and balanced, it should be noted, being two qualities Winslow hasn't exactly demonstrated to his employers. When you proclaim yourself, rather loudly, "The Chosen One," that hyperbolic handle should suggest that you are a choosey one, as well, that you know the basic difference between right and wrong and are prepared to accept the consequences of your actions. To this point, given his deeds, Winslow has done little to confirm he deserves either that lofty title or the benefit of the douby. Now Pastabelly tell us what you really think!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vlad Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 Originally posted by skinsfan913 Winslow's career could be permanently damaged By Len Pasquarelli Heheh, Len is eeevil! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ntotoro Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 Pastbelly on Winslow's Injury That isn't exactly going to help him heal, is it... ? It would be fashionable to place blame on his family. Or to assign culpability to departed Cleveland coach Butch Davis, who first recruited Winslow to the University of Miami, then invested the fifth overall selection in the 2004 draft in the tight end. Uhh... you wanna' re-think the position where the Steamers drafted him, Jabba? Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wskin44 Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 Wasn't Winslow the sixth pick, not the fifth as fatboy says? Did anyone else tire of the preachy nature of this piece? Winslow (and Taylor for that matter) are something like 22 years old. I wouldn't want the world focusing on my 22nd year. I'm lucky to still be alive. Probably wouldn't be if someone had handed me millions of dollars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Harris Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 hmm, no 'skins bashing about how we should've selected winslow, interesting.....(although i'm sure pastabelly wishes we would've) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 he was the 6th overall pick, Lenny and the Browns also gave a high 2nd rounder to move up to draft him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernie5 Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 I might be wrong, but didn't the fat one question our pick of Taylor over Winslow? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheLongshot Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 Winslow's career could be permanently damagedBy Len Pasquarelli Damn, I didn't know Pastabelly had it out for Winslow. What? Did he take a metal pipe to his knee? :laugh: Ok, lets hear from all of you again which we rather had, Sean Taylor or KWII? As much as Sean's behavior is somewhat annoying to us, it isn't nearly as bad as Winslow. Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoCommiesGo Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 Wow, Len come on let it all out. He tore Kellen apart pretty handily their. The part about people carrying his gear off the field must have really pissed off the vets. Dang. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrockster21 Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 I almost hate to say it, but except for the inaccuracies (and the inexplicable use of the word 'hyperbolic') I completely agree with the message of this piece. I didn't realize he was treated as such a celebrity; even having someone carry his pads and helmet off the field?!?! Rookies should be carrying all the veteran's pads off the field, no!? No wonder he's such a head case...his head has been so pumped full of ego, it had to pop eventually... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PleaseBlitz Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 Just a bunch of cheap shots by Lenny. Thanks you arrogant a$$hole, lets dig up every little thing KWII has ever done that has been negative and write a feature about it. Way to kick a man while he is down. Yes, Len we all know what he did was galactically stupid, but what does that have to do with his "Solja" comment? This article added nothing new, just a fat, bitter 50 or 60-something year old dick taking pot shots at a 22 year old that made a mistake. I wonder if Lenny is a parent. I bet his kids are really screwed up. For the record, i dont like KWII, ive hated him since college, and i wont defend his actions, but this article was uncalled for and ESPN should be ashamed to have this guy on payroll. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ntotoro Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 Originally posted by PleaseBlitz For the record, i dont like KWII, ive hated him since college, and i wont defend his actions, but this article was uncalled for and ESPN should be ashamed to have this guy on payroll. The Hutt constantly spews his personal hatred and vitriol against the 'Skins and this is the post that sends you over the edge... ? Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrockster21 Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 Originally posted by PleaseBlitz I wonder if Lenny is a parent. I bet his kids are really screwed up. I know he has a nephew named Bam Margera.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 Originally posted by Ernie5 I might be wrong, but didn't the fat one question our pick of Taylor over Winslow? I think so Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warskinz Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 Originally posted by jrockster77 I know he has a nephew named Bam Margera.... Is that the same guy. Bam kicks his ass every show. Thats hilarious. He does look exactly like him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skillari Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 "If the Browns sincerely believe Winslow someday will emerge as the player they envisioned when they selected him in 2004, they won't terminate his contract. Instead, they should attempt, with the Winslow family and agents Kevin and Carl Poston, to define some middle ground. Recover a portion of the bonus money – let's say the $4.4 million option bonus and $1 million of his $6 million signing bonus (the prorated share for 2005) – and provide Winslow the opportunity to earn it back by reaching some performance levels in future years." After all that he says that they should offer Winslow a way to earn it back??? I don't care who's side you are on but how can anyone defend Winslow earing jack back. I don't care that he is ONLY 22 the fact is he signed a contract and it is for several Million dollars. Anyone who signs for that kind of money is suppose to be responsible for everything and anything they do. If he was a CEO and did anything outside his contract they would fire him. Fatsy is right about what he says and how he says it in the article (except the above paragraph) because Winslow set himself to look like the A$$HOLE he is. As for drafting Sean Taylor instead of Winslow. That has yet to be decided. Until he shows up and goes through more than 6 months without a controversy (i.e. agents, contracts, DWI's, skipping class) this is still open for debate. I know he had a great rookie season but after hearing Portis say that Taylor is "burnt out from football" I have serious doubts about him. How can you already be burnt out? You just signed for Millions and already are sick of it? That doesnt sound promissing. Just my 2 cents Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chachie Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 Question- Why was Winslow riding motorcycles in a parking lot instead of working out with the Miami U Crew down in Florida? I thought that was the place to be for all ex-Hurricanes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hooper Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 I'm no Winslow fan but that was a harsh frickin' article. I mean, the guy's 22 and his career might possibly be done -- no need to kick him when he's down, even if he did act like a punk. And I'm not so sure a morbidly obese person like Lenny P should lecture anyone on personal responsibility. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McMetal Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 As others have mentioned, I am 99% sure Fatsquarelli was ALL OVER US for not picking Winslow. Now this garbage. What's sad it that this hatchet job is only a pale reflection of venomous spew he routinely aims at the 'Skins. Hey Browns fans - Just imagine if EVERY SINGLE ARTICLE he ever wrote about your team had this exact same tone and slant? Welcome to our world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jschlesi Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 Thats just SPEW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrockster21 Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 Originally posted by Hooper And I'm not so sure a morbidly obese person like Lenny P should lecture anyone on personal responsibility. :laugh: :laugh: :rotflmao: :laugh: :laugh: That's the funniest thing I've heard in awhile! Thanks, Hooper! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoony Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 As a football fan I was looking forward to watching Winslow play. This is a shame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airborneskins Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 I just heard this through the Grapevine: Sean: Hey Kellen, Lets go try out your new bike. Kellen: Man, you know that I aint no good on that thing. Sean: C'mon man, how ya gonna get better if you don't try? Kellen: But I told Coach that I wasn't gonna ride it. Sean: Wuss Kellen: A'ight man, you talked me into it. But if anybody asks, we were at the U working out with the rest of the Canes. Sean: A'ight Kellen: I'm just gonna go over to that parking lot and practice for a minute. Sean: Wuss Kellen: (Riding around) Hey Sean, how do you....AWWWWWW!! Sean: Hey man I'm outta here!! Remember tell everyone taht I'm at the U. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevenaa Posted May 21, 2005 Share Posted May 21, 2005 "I'm no Winslow fan but that was a harsh frickin' article. I mean, the guy's 22 and his career might possibly be done -- no need to kick him when he's down, even if he did act like a punk." If his career is over, it is of his own doing. I don't feel any propensity towards compassion for his situation. He made a bad decision and now has to live with the consequences. I just can't feel bad for a guy that has it all and blows it being stupid. The Browns are who deserves the sympathy. A key piece to their puzzle is now missing. As for "fair and balanced", fatbutt doesn't have a clue. There is nothing "fair and balanced" in Winslows actions. He goes out and get's himself hurt and you're going to reward him by allowing him to earn back his bonus? A bonus paid for his services on the field. Services that will be nonexistent this year and will very possibly become just average due to the injuries. The Browns get screwed in this deal all the way around because of the loss of such a potential talent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TC4 Posted May 21, 2005 Share Posted May 21, 2005 Originally posted by PleaseBlitz I wonder if Lenny is a parent. I bet his kids are really screwed up. I doubt it If he did, he probally already ate them anyways Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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