Deadline (the other one): White’s justified if he holds out
It's easy to tell this photo is from 2008 and not 2006 because Roddy White is celebrating. (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)
Since we’re about five hours from the baseball trade deadline and I hear only crickets, I wanted to weigh in on something before players are scheduled to check in tonight for Falcons training camp: Lay off Roddy White.
Honestly, of all the things I’ve anticipated writing one day, defending White’s position in contract negotiations wasn’t one of them. He wasn’t a bust in his first two NFL seasons — he was whatever is south of that. A bust is someone who was thought to be able to play but can’t. South of that is someone who can play but just seems to have brain lock or keeps tripping over his own ego.
Case in point: DeAngelo Hall.
For his first two seasons, that was White. He was lazy. He was immature. He lacked focus. He dropped passes. He had 29 passes in his first season and 30 in his second, and for a while there I wasn’t sure if the Falcons would give him a third. But he started to turn into a receiver in year three and last season he played his way into the Pro Bowl, with career highs of 88 catches, 1,382 yards (a franchise record) and seven touchdowns.
Today, Roddy White is one of the premier receivers in the NFL. Probably top 10. He wants to be paid like it. Frankly, I don’t blame him. He has a year left on his contract, and before you start pounding your keyboard with the typical response — “He’s selfish! He’s disloyal! He won’t honor his contract!” — you need to understand that NFL players live in a different world than other pro athletes. In fact, they live in a different from almost anybody. NFL contracts are not fully guaranteed.
White’s original “five-year” contract, like every NFL “five-year” contract, is really more like a series of one-year contracts. White’s original $7.3 million contract had only $4.75 million guaranteed. The Falcons could’ve dumped him after season two or three and paid him only the minimal (if any) remaining guarantee. Loyalty is a two-way street.
I’m not debating the NFL’s system — the players union accepts that in the Collective Bargaining Agreement so I’m not going to argue. But you can’t expect a player to NOT debate his value with time left on his contract when ownership does the same thing after every season.
Given the way the Falcons have operated under owner Arthur Blank, I have little doubt the team will take care of White. But if the receiver chooses to hold out when training camp opens Saturday in Flowery Branch, I wouldn’t have a problem with it. Withholding services is his only leverage. He should use it.
Because if the Falcons dumped White two years ago and didn’t pay him the remaing $2.55 million left on his contract, nobody would’ve said a word.
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136 comments Add your comment
Scott B
July 31st, 2009
11:01 am
I hope Roddy gets paid and isn’t forced to hold out. This offense has a chance to be very special. We need all the playmakers in camp so they are prepared to crank it up once the season starts.
Falcondore
July 31st, 2009
11:05 am
Great point Jeff. White is in a really weak position right now because he really will be stuck under our control for two more years, since RFA’s next year are trapped from going anywhere during the uncapped year in the following season. As such, the Falcons have a lot of motivation to simply slip to next year if they don’t get the terms they want for White’s contract.
However, we need White badly. He is a tremendous playmaker in the passing game and has really demonstrated a level of maturity that is rare at the position in the past two seasons. If we can lock him up for somewhere south of Greg Jennings money, it would be phenomenal, although he probably deserves a contract north of that, but south of Fitz.
NC Braves Fan
July 31st, 2009
11:07 am
Jeff: I hate to go off-topic on you here, but I can’t find a way to hit you up via email or DM you on Twitter. The earlier Braves post is not fully displaying for me for some reason.
FALCONS SORRY
July 31st, 2009
11:29 am
RODDY WHITE! I DO NOT BLAME YOU ONE BIT FOR HOLDING OUT! YOU CAME TO THE FALCONS THINKING YOU WOULD BE PLAYING WITH THE GREATEST QB OF ALL TIME MIKE VICK INSTEAD OF THAT MATTY HOPELESS! NO RECEIVER IN HIS RIGHT MINE WOULD RATHER PLAY WITH HIM THAN VICK! VICK CAN MAKE YOUR WHOLE CAREER AND MAKE YOU RICHER THAN YOU EVER DREAMED OF! IF YOU ARE HOLDING OUT TO SEE WHERE VICK SIGNS SO YOU CAN FINALLY PLAY WITH HIM AGAIN YOU ARE ONE SMART MAN! VICK MAKES BAD OFFENSIVES GOOD AND GOOD OFFENSIVES GREAT! MIKE VICK MAY NO LONGER BE THAT SORRY AUTHUR BLANK’S QUARTERBACK BUT YOU WILL ALWAYS BE THE PEOPLE’S QUARTERBACK HERE IN ATL MIKE!
ATLien
July 31st, 2009
11:30 am
Could White hold out but still attend mini-camp? Maybe not participate but be there on the side lines watching and observing, maybe attend the meetings? That way it could be a sign of good faith between the two sides. The Falcons brass would be implying that a deal is in the works and Roddy would be showing that he wants to be a part of this team.
mitch
July 31st, 2009
11:30 am
Dear Mr. JS–never let it be said that you aren’t a fairminded guy. It’s certainly apparent that you have the ability to see both sides of an issue. You are fairminded and have the ability to see both sides of an argument. All your readers are really glad to know that, I’m sure. Finally, I am tremendously relieved to learn that should White hold out at the beginning of training camp, you would have no problem with it. See what I’m saying? You would have no problem with it. And the way I see it, if you don’t have a problem with it, it follows that no other right minded person should either. Your pal, Mitch
Joey
July 31st, 2009
11:31 am
Let’s see, he performed one year out of three, got paid millions anyway, is still under contract for another year, for millions more, and you think he should hold out of camp for even more millions? This is your idea of loyalty, Jeff? You must come from a long line of Teamsters or UAWs.
ATLien
July 31st, 2009
11:31 am
@FALCONS SORRY go back to your suburban Charlotte home you loser
mitch
July 31st, 2009
11:34 am
NC Braves Fan–ol’ Jeff is about to pull a fast one on us. Just hold your horses on account of it’s gonna be really cute. Your pal, Mitch
tupac elliot
July 31st, 2009
11:34 am
he should NOT be a distraction this season. After all, the first two seasons he was sub par and he got PAID! And Paid well to be sub par..therefore, get to camp and lets have a great superbowl season! And win it…..I have no doubt Arthur will take care of all the dedcated, hardworking, productive Falcons! Go Falcons!
PMC
July 31st, 2009
11:34 am
Just pay the man, geez this is a good time to reup Roddy anyway. 6 million a year wouldn’t be unreasonable. If they can get him for 5 years and 35-40 million or so including all the bonuses… do it.
PMC
July 31st, 2009
11:36 am
you’ve got to have guys like Roddy on the team. He’s an up and coming player coming into his prime and you paid for him to learn his rookie lessons… letting him get away would be stupid.
PMC
July 31st, 2009
11:38 am
The other thing, if it takes a bit of holdout that’s not going to hurt the Falcons this year as long as he’s training and working out on his own. It might even help giving more reps to some of the other guys. A short holdout would not be a bad deal but now that Jerry is signed this should be a top priority.
Art Vandelay
July 31st, 2009
11:39 am
Roddy deserves a contract just below that of Larry Fitzgerald. Nobody compares to Fitz in terms of ability, but there’s no denying that Roddy is just as important to the Falcons as Fitzgerald is to the Cardinals. Time to give him a contract that will lock him up for the rest of his career so the birds can get down to business!
Jeff Schultz
July 31st, 2009
11:41 am
ScottB – Agreed. This offense could be one of NFL’s best, esp. with addition of Gonzalez.
Falcondore – You’re right about the RFA thing, but I don’t think the Falcons want to get into a situation of franchising him or something. That’s never pretty.
NC Braves Fan – Explorer problem should be fixed. Sorry.
Falcons Sorry – Thanks for the daily Michael Vick reference. Also please click the CAPS unlock key. My eyes hurt. Thanks.
Atlien – I don’t follow. He either holds out or he doesn’t. If you’re whether he could report to training camp but walk out again before the season starts, sure, he can do anything he wants. FYI: The paychecks don’t start until Week 1 so it would make more sense to hold out now.
Joey – I have no idea what you’re talking about with the Teamsters. But maybe you’d like me to send somebody over to examine your kneecaps.
Brian
July 31st, 2009
11:44 am
It’ll be interesting to see how the Falcons F.O. handles this one, since it’s the first situation of it’s kind under the new regime. Now that Peria Jerry is signed, they should be able to focus pretty heavily on White if they really want his contract to be situated before camp starts. Get your popcorn ready!
quint
July 31st, 2009
11:45 am
Pay him based on his ranking as a wide receiver. If he was the no. 8 receiver in the NFL, pay him that way. Pay for performance.
Unca' Bob
July 31st, 2009
11:48 am
ATLein,
Our first priority was to get P Jerry under contract before Camp opened. They have done that. R White is under contract for ay least this season, and if he is a no show, it will cost him. Having said that, R White knows the disruption it would be team-wise. He also knows TD will do the right thing with his extention. He will be there.
jjb
July 31st, 2009
11:50 am
I have a problem with someone under contract holding out. They did not sign the contract under duress. And if he should get paid like a top 8 receiver, then he should be retroactively charged for the pay that he recieved when he didn’t deliver. It seems to me to be fair, he got overpaid for his first two years and underpaid for the last year of his contract. Don’t sign the contract if you can’t live with it. And yes, the team can cut you, but that is why there is guaranteed money in these contracts.
Atlien Backer
July 31st, 2009
11:51 am
I second ATLien’s post. I could not agree more with ATLien and I could not disagree more with FALCONS SORRY. But I would guess anyone with common sense would no that they are either low on the IQ scale or just trying to start something.
That GOD the Falcons did not listen to most of the fans that said draft the LSU DT instead of Matt Ryan ( and I was one that said that TOO.) I wasn’t sure if Ryan was really an NFL QB. He has only done it for one year, But by all accounts he looks like he is going to be a solid starting NFL problow QB for the next 7 – 10 years. Something the Falcons have not had well really ever.
Good luck with your contect Roddy White! Hope you don’t leave us & but I hope we don’t over pay to the point that it hurts us trying to bring in more talent or resign other players too.
We do need you Roddy your a great WR and you had a really specail year last year.
Good job to all the Falcons last year doing it again!
midnite
July 31st, 2009
11:51 am
Last year and a half Roddy really turned it around and made some great catches. About the only good thing to come out of the Bobby Petrino mess was that Roddy credited Paul Petrino(WR coach)with his recent success. I will be out at Flowery Branch for practice on Tuesday a.m. 08-04-09 as an on field guest, can’t wait!
BugKiller
July 31st, 2009
11:51 am
Jeff,
If you had a Coach Killer, Dog-Killer, Receiver-Killer running back throwing you passes at a 52% completion clip, you probably wouldn’t work too hard, either.
As much as Petrino is justifiably hated in this town, and I’m at the top of the list, the one thing he did is point Roddy White in the right direction.
It probably helped, also, that the Dog Killer wasn’t throwing him passes the last two years, as well.
Jeff Schultz
July 31st, 2009
11:53 am
Art Vandelay — good analysis. White’s not in Fitz category yet but he is in terms of being valuable to Falcons. Other names at the top — Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson, Randy Moss (still), T.J Housh, Anquan Boldin, Hines Ward (when healthy) and probably a few others can’t think if right now.
Unca’ Boy — Agree that it’s worse if a rookie lineman misses time in camp.
Read between the CAPS...
July 31st, 2009
11:55 am
If you haven’t figured it out by now… FALCONS SORRY is just an act. He knows exactly what people don’t want to read and therefore everything he writes is just that. Give that man some benefit of the doubt because nobody could be that ignorant. I mean, it never makes any sense at all and I refuse to believe mankind is headed in that direction.
quint
July 31st, 2009
11:55 am
It’s kind of hard to have much sympathy for these guys when GA teachers signed blank contracts and are having furlough days.
Jeff Schultz
July 31st, 2009
11:55 am
Bugkiller — you had to open that door, didn’t ya? Here we go . . .
it's getting close
July 31st, 2009
11:57 am
ESPN is reporting the Roddy has signed a 10 year 500 million dollar extension…oh, wait. Never mind, it’s ESPN.
TotallyRad
July 31st, 2009
11:59 am
FALCONS SORRY – WHY ARE YOUR SHOUTING? Geez dude! Get a grip on yourself! Also, what are you smoking? MV the greatest of all time? Plz! You must not be a REAL football fan to think that! Just an MV fan right? Great athlete yes, greatest of all time? Not even close!
Mitch – we can do without your insightful wisdom about your sarcastic blurb on JS and his position on Roddy. We all know what he meant and your comments are a waste of space.
Last, I agree that RW deserves top 10…maybe even top 5 money. He has earned it. RW is a classic case of a guy who was immature and finally grew up. He is an incredible athelete with awesome hands. Not to mention his first couple of years he had a QB that couldnt hit him, and the last two he has had QB’s that can deliver the ball to him with touch.
Go Falcons GO
July 31st, 2009
12:03 pm
Gettin close wow Really! come on do you think anyone is that dumb! Really
Art Vandelay
July 31st, 2009
12:04 pm
Jeff, I may be a bit biased, but I’d take White over just about everyone on that list of top receivers, except maybe Calvin Johnson. In terms of how he fits with what the Falcons are doing, I don’t know that there’s a better man for the job right now. I also like that he does his job without being the typical primadonna or drama queen like so many of the other top wide receivers in the league. If he holds out for a better contract, that won’t change how I view him — it’s just business, and he’s doing what’s in his best interests. It speaks volumes about his character that he hasn’t been arguing his case in the media; I think he knows that the Falcons’ front office wants to keep him here for a long time, and he trusts that they’ll (eventually) pony up the money to ensure that.
bigeasy830
July 31st, 2009
12:04 pm
It Doesn’t matter if he shows up or not.
Falcons 4-12 in 2009
“Back To Life, Back To Reality”
Wes
July 31st, 2009
12:08 pm
Get your money Roddy. You know their gonna pay you. Just take the top 10 WR salaries, average it out per year what they are gonna be paid, and give him a 5 year deal for that amount and be done with it. He’s not Fitgerald, C. Johnson, or Randy Moss (maybe not Steve Smith, but pretty damn close), but he’s at least as good as anyone else you can name. Plus he’s confortable with Ryan, and the Falcons have the cap room. Get it done.
Marie
July 31st, 2009
12:14 pm
While I can agree with some of the points you made in your article, I have to agree with Joey that we should not be too hasty with loading Roddy up with a big fat contract. While he is showing good as a matter of fact I would say tremendous progress in becoming a quality receiver, I am just not sure he has arrived at the point where I am willing to bestow on him the Larry Fitzgerald status that some want to bestow on him. He may be more like a Braylon Edwards who occassionally shows flashes of brilliance but seems to never really put it all together.
I was re-watching the playoff game the other week on the NFL Network and Roddy dropped a few crucial passes in the final 2 quarters of the game and there is still a tendency on his part to be a bit butterfingery when you want him to be sure handed (granted I know even the best receivers will occassionally drop passes).
PMC
July 31st, 2009
12:14 pm
Hats off to PAUL PETRINO for working with Roddy.
As for his brother…. that *** **** can jump off a cliff.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
July 31st, 2009
12:22 pm
I was watching a MNF game one time and this guy for the Cardinals made a tough catch against the Cowboys for the game winner. He got knocked out when he came down in the end zone. When he came to, the Cardinals gave him a new contract. Maybe that will happen with Roddy. Do the Falcons play the Cowboys on MNF? Lets hope so for Roddy’s sake.
TLAW
July 31st, 2009
12:34 pm
retroactively charged??I get so tired of DUB____s saying that when a player’s performance was average or below par, that they didnt give any money back, so they shouldn’t ask for a raise when they out perform. That arguement is pure nonsense. When you fix a double cheeseburger and the guy at the counter asked for a Big Mac, do you have to give back half of your $7.25, I thought not.
Craig Walker
July 31st, 2009
12:36 pm
Plain and simple Roddy deserves to get paid and I’m sure the FO will make it happen. Everyone on the AFMB is getting all worked up over this too. No big deal, AB and TD will take care of Roddy. If for some reason he isn’t at TC when it starts I don’t blame him but I doubt that happens.
Hollywould
July 31st, 2009
12:45 pm
I get the feeling this deal will be done soon. Coach Smith will want it done. I say pay him what he
is entitled to. He has become one of the top ten receivers in the league and with Gonzo and this running attack will get a lot of single coverage. The best receivers cannot be covered one on one by any cornerback.
Gator Hater
July 31st, 2009
1:05 pm
Tell him to catch the big time throws, and he will get his money. Roddy is all about dropping those. He is far from elite status. Remember the Denver Game? How about the Arizona Game? Nuff Said.
TBizzle
July 31st, 2009
1:07 pm
1. All receivers drop passes. Just like the best batters strike out, the best FT shooters miss FT’s, and the best QBs miss wide open targets. That said, Roddy caught FAR more than he dropped. It’s easy to say “well, in this game and this time he dropped this pass and if he caught it then blah, blah, blah.” You can also say, “well, at this point in this game he caught the ball and if he would not have then blah, blah, blah.” It works both ways, folks.
2. The Falcons gave Jenkins a contract extension and handsomely rewarded him for providing 1/2 the product that White has provided. It’s time to reward Roddy.
Gator Hater
July 31st, 2009
1:08 pm
Heck what about that time Vick threw him a rainbow, and he just flat out dropped. He is not a big time player. That’s why we got Gonzo to make the winning catch.
Phil of Playaz Ball
July 31st, 2009
1:10 pm
One good season does not make him an elite receiver. Two good seasons and we can talk.
I appreciate RW attempting to get an extension, but I don’t think he should be offended if the Falcons don’t feel obligated to throw “franchise” money at someone with one Pro Bowl under his belt after several terrible years preceding it.
Gator Hater
July 31st, 2009
1:11 pm
TBizzle your’e not a true fan. I’ve been watching Roddy drop balls forever. I remember that one season were the Falcons leaded the league in that stat, so there is a point to be made. Finneran is my boy. He makes the catches.
Jonathan
July 31st, 2009
1:14 pm
To all those who think Roddy White is being disloyal by negotiating a new contract remember this. Javon Walker played far above his rookie contract in 2004, making the Pro Bowl with similar numbers to White. He tried to negotiate a contract through the media (hissy fits, threats, trade me, et al), and when The Great Farve talked him in to coming to camp (by calling him out publicly) without a new contract he came back and blew out his knee in the first game of 2005 and has never been the same since.
Fact is, this is a business. Moreso, it is a business that is predicted on something as fleeting as the health of an aging body. All Roddy White is doing is finding the market for his services while the market remains. He is entitled to do that, both morally and by the CBA.
Daniel
July 31st, 2009
1:15 pm
Roddy certainly deserves a pay raise and the Falcons FO seems to certainly know what it is doing these days. I can’t imagine that somehting won’t get done relatively quickly. Like many others here have said, they were obviously getting Jerry done first. I just wonder if it has really been long enough since the “Free Vick” t-shirt to have the public debate your value to the team. True Jeff, that holding out is his only leverage which is only useful when you have a high public opinion. Seems to me the smart move on Roddy’s part is to play this season, and continue to show his excellent play and renegotiate next season when Vick’s cap hit is gone and all you are left with is good will and money to spend. I know it is a gamble because of the injury risk, but he could get 6 mil over 3-4 years vs. 8-9 mil next year. Even with smart investment you won’t make 21 mil in 3 years time.
BMWe46Mdriver
July 31st, 2009
1:16 pm
@ FALCONS SORRY Based on you comment it appears that you are just another “one dimensional” NFL fan. In other words, you base you opinion soley on the highlight reels of sports center and fail to take the time to analyze the stats. Do this. Compare Michael Vick’s stats to Matt Ryan. Analyze it. Do you honestly think Roddy White desires to be on the receiving end of a pass from Vick or Ryan? Think about it. If Roddy is looking to be paid sufficiently for his services, I think he would prefer boosting his stock with someone who will pass him the ball on a more accurate and consistent basis. Again, this is my opinion, based on stats.
Ron
July 31st, 2009
1:18 pm
Go ahead and pay him. After all, you pointed out that most of the money doesn’t have to be guaranteed anyway. As long as he produces, you pay him. When he doesn’t, you cut him loose and are only responsible for the guaranteed portion of the contract.
Daniel
July 31st, 2009
1:18 pm
Also, I like a lot of Roddy’s game and he has really seemed to have turned a corner with his attitude. But, he can’t carry Larry Fitzgerald’s luggage(few can), but I would rather have him than Chad Johnson.
Falcondore
July 31st, 2009
1:23 pm
Jeff, thanks for the reply. I’m not saying the Falcons want to get in a Franchise thing with Roddy. I’m just highlighting the fact that the only bargaining chip White has is a holdout. I think its nearly a given that White wants to be here and that the Falcons want to lock him up in the long term. I’m just saying that the Falcons have very little pressure to get a long-term deal done, and Roddy’s only way of pushing it a bit harder is to hold out.
ghostwriter
July 31st, 2009
1:24 pm
Lock him up within the next few days. Pay him top dollar and be done with it. He deserves the money; let’s not let this be a distraction.
richtfan
July 31st, 2009
1:31 pm
jeff, you already provided the answer. White and all other pro athletes, whether or not they have guaranteed contracts, need to honor their contracts. if he does well this year and establishes more than a single year of excellence, then he won’t have a problem getting a premier contract level next year. holding out is for people of no character. of course character is not a prerequisite for being a pro athlete.
matt
July 31st, 2009
1:39 pm
So, I’ve been a solid performer in my position at my company, and I’m getting phone calls from recruiters…so I think I’m just going to stay home and tell my employer that if he wants me to come in, he needs to cough up some more dough.
He is under contract, he sucked when we gave him the initial contract — and now he’s good, but come on. He is under contract. I love the Falcons, but I hate athletes — fricken prima donnas.
David
July 31st, 2009
1:41 pm
Sounds like you are trying to stir something up to sell papers. He has a contract like everyone else that is reading this blog.
Blue
July 31st, 2009
1:46 pm
Only if he returns the first round money he got for his first two years when he performed like “Mr. Insignificant”. Then it would be fair.
What?
July 31st, 2009
1:48 pm
What if he was a bust? Would he take a decrease in pay from the Falcons? Is there not a valid contract in place. Another greedy athlete as the country starves.
Falcondore
July 31st, 2009
1:49 pm
Matt, while I certainly sympathize with the fact that the behavior of a professional athlete would never fly in our world, you have to understand that comparing our jobs to those of professional athletes is like comparing apples to oranges.
Admittedly good help is hard to find, and there are plenty of people who are great at their jobs who deserve good compensation. But there are a lot fewer people who can have 1382 yards receiving in a year than there are people who can fill out reports, or negotiate deals, or make elaborate presentations. Players can’t help the fact that the demand in their market has driven up the value of their services. Furthermore, there are no guaranteed contracts in the NFL, so if Roddy breaks his leg next year and can’t play football after that, then he loses a lot of money for not getting paid up to his performance level and demand now. The fact of the matter is that it’s a game, and it’s a game they can only play for a short amount of time. People like you and I can work in an office for a long period of time. These guys have to do what’s in their best interests, even if it displays a “lack of loyalty.”
After all, why do you think there is a cap penalty in the NFL? To prevent owners from dropping a guy who gets badly injured in a hot minute.
Say What????
July 31st, 2009
1:52 pm
So what you are saying is that a contract is not really valid.
Based on that logic why have contracts at all? Why not have an open free agent period every year after the season is over and have teams bid on the services of players.
singndablues
July 31st, 2009
1:52 pm
If Roddy pushes it too far, he’ll become another member of the “see ya later – don’t let the door hit you in the a**” club. Don’t think the new Falcon management will tolerate too much disruption on the team before they move on. If that means a trade then it will get done. The one thing you can’t argue is that under Blank this franchise has been more than fair when it comes to paying their players. Hopefully the issues get resolved but Roddy has little leverage.
Jones
July 31st, 2009
1:54 pm
” was watching a MNF game one time and this guy for the Cardinals made a tough catch against the Cowboys for the game winner. He got knocked out when he came down in the end zone. When he came to, the Cardinals gave him a new contract”—-
Wasn’t that the scene from Jerry Maguire????
Kwijibo
July 31st, 2009
1:58 pm
What bull….If he was injured or sucked as bad the last two seasons as he did his first two seasons, do you think he should hold out until they gave him LESS money? Roddy signed a contract based on the negotiating position at the time and if he holds out, I’d say trade his butt. He made a commitment and signed a legal contract and shouldn’t be given praise for showing up to do the job he agreed to do. He held out after he got drafted too, which gives more reason to say STFU and go play football. TD has made it clear he wants to keep him and negotiate something that makes sense and Roddy should see that Jenkins and Babineaux were fairly taken care of last season.
Greedy asshats
Ryno
July 31st, 2009
1:58 pm
I USE THE CAPS LOCK KEY TO MAKE MY POINT AND I WILL NEVER END A SENTENCE AND I DON’T BLAME YOU IF YOU HATE THIS BECAUSE YOU ARE ALL RACISTS MIKE VICK SUPERBOWL GREATEST WE BELIEVE IN YOU ARTUR BLANK BAD SPELLING FOOTBALL IM MENTALLY HANDICAPPED POPEYES
Blue
July 31st, 2009
1:59 pm
TLAW; wow…what a cerebral comparison. Yeah…getting the wrong food at the counter is just the same thing. By the way…what freaking McDonalds do YOU buy your hamburger for $7.25??? Talk about a dumb_ _ _
Jethrine Schultz, STMFU
July 31st, 2009
2:02 pm
Hey!! Cut the sh*t-stirring out!! Roddy hasn’t mentioned holding out…
Who are you? his freakin agent??!!?? I agree with those who say he WAY underperformed his first years.Partly due to inaccurate throws, BUT OFTEN to DROPPED passes.Right in his hands….that COSTED US GAMES !!
While he is much improved, I am not looking to re-sign guys before their contract is due, unless it benefits the Falcons LONG-TERM…
So, quit swinging from his sack and let TD handle his business. I have COMPLETE CONFIDENCE in TD!!
DL
July 31st, 2009
2:02 pm
Jeff-whatever happened to honoring your contract!? I hope they restructure his deal, however should the falcons not do so, then Roddy is under contract and should abide by the agreement. It’s like YOU are hoping for this to become a distraction, why not, sells newspapers for you bums!
PS-”falconsorry” Go jump off spagheti junction.
W
July 31st, 2009
2:09 pm
GO GET YOUR MONEY DUDE
Falcondore
July 31st, 2009
2:12 pm
For those of you who talk about contracts:
When you bought a house before the recession started, you probably paid a lot more money for it than its worth right now with all the foreclosures and the fact that real estate prices have plummeted. My question is, if you had an option NOT to pay your loan, would you honestly honor whatever lending plan you started out on knowing your house is not of the same value?
The same goes for White. He entered into an agreement five years ago as a rookie when he had no idea that he would make it to a top 10 receiver in the league. But things have changed completely, and he certainly has the right to renegotiate for his value. I mean seriously, how many of you would tell your boss if he was offering a raise that “it’s ok, I am just fine with the salary I agreed to for x years.”
We all want him to play, but there’s a tremendous difference between his position and ours. He’s protecting himself, and he’s got a right to do that. A holdout obviously is not healthy, and I’m sure that he would prefer to avoid it, but it’s a sticky situation with Falcons brass because they really have no pressure to renegotiate any deal at all, and he wants to try and get something done while his value is at its peak.
FALCONS SORRY
July 31st, 2009
2:13 pm
THE ATLANTA FALCONS WILL WIN A SUPPER BOWL WITH MATT RYAN…THAT’S WHY I AM SO MAD!!! CAUSE MICHAEL VICK DIDN’T GET ONE FIRST !!!
I’M GONNA TAKE DL’S ADVICE AND JUMP OFF SPAGHETTI JUNCTION !!!
Blue
July 31st, 2009
2:14 pm
TLAW…a more realistic comparison for you. If you walked into a restaurant and ordered the filet mignon and they gave you chicken nuggets instead, you would apparently pay them the $40 for the steak, eat the nuggets, and it would be all good?
Falcondore
July 31st, 2009
2:15 pm
And seriously, greedy athletes? The reason they are “greedy” is because we pay tons of money to watch them play on Sundays. We have set the demand for the market, and as a result these guys get paid tons of money so we’ll be enticed to sit in the stands to watch them play. Professional sports isn’t like playing pick up in the backyard. It’s a business, and the business side of the game is just as competitive as what’s happening on the field.
MiltonDawg
July 31st, 2009
2:16 pm
Roddy wasn’t great the first 2 years bc/ he had Vick throwing to him and we all know Vick wasn’t the greatest passer. I agree that Roddy did step it up big time last year. He should get an extension & raise, but after a few games into the season. I just hope this doesnt turn into some drama affair.
Willie Coyote
July 31st, 2009
2:24 pm
Thank you Jeff! Everyone wants to blame the players for not honoring their contract but never care when the organization does the same thing.
Bad News
July 31st, 2009
2:24 pm
***V-I-C-K…S-I-G-H-T-I-N-G…I-N…N-E-W-E-N-G-L-A-N-D***
I can see it now…….
Brady
Vick
Moss
Welker
Halloway
Taylor
On the field at the same time on special packages by week 3 – it’s gonna be a blood bath. We will see who gets the “last laugh”
willie
July 31st, 2009
2:28 pm
Might want to check the stats, Joey. Roddy has had 2 big 1200+ yard years in a row. He is legit, so it would be nice to lock him up. Having said that, he still has 2 years left, so he better get his butt in and play hard even if we don’t extend him.
Braves Fan
July 31st, 2009
2:30 pm
To put Roddy Jones in a class with Larry Fitzgerald is completely ridiculous. Larry Fitzgerald is one of the best receivers ever and Roddy Jones is a receiver who had one good year. Just because we have had terrible receivers here for so long, do go overestimating his ability or his worth.
Saying that Roddy White is as good as Larry Fitzgerald and should be paid accordingly is like saying that Derek Anderson is as good as Tom Brady or Payton Manning. Again, one good year does not put you in a category with the best of league, much less one of the best of all time.
Also, I understand this is the way the NFL works, but again, he was not worth what he was paid in years one and two. Jeff, you even pointed out he was lazy, immature, and lacked focus. Perhaps we should look at it as if we take back the money from years one and two and apply them to year four. Then everyone might be in agreement that he was paid appropriately in all the years of his contract.
Reason
July 31st, 2009
2:30 pm
Enter your comments here
Mike Vick's Curse
July 31st, 2009
2:31 pm
You fools will never win another playoff game for many years to come!
2004 and counting!
I’ll be playing in New England and you losers will be sitting in Matty Ice grandmas living room watching me in the superbowl.
Thanks Artie for showing your true colors – enjoy your “choke of the new franchise”!
TCM
July 31st, 2009
2:32 pm
I have become a RW fan more recently than when he was first drafted out of UAB. Hopefully he will get rewarded and we won’t say another young Falcons’s player reach his potential here, then leave right when it’s time for the franchise to cash in on it’s investment. Michael Jenkins got a new deal(don’t know why), so I guess RW should too.
All the Vick comments are just as stupid today as they were back when he played. The man was more than just a RB playing QB behind the “worst” oline in the NFL. People forget that. I feel ATL will take care of him, AB usually does pay the money. I hope RW gets in and nothing is disrupted as this has the makings to be one of the most anticipated starts to a Falcon’s season since MV’s 2nd year after winning the playoff game in GB.
Go Falcons…………
43 Years Of Failure
July 31st, 2009
2:36 pm
This franchise stinks! It’s the laughing stalk of the NFL. In 43 years, there has only been 2 playoff wins in this decade and that was by the quarterback that you guys say is glorified running back.
This organization will always suck!
BigMike
July 31st, 2009
2:39 pm
A lot of players start playing when they want the big money. Soon as you pay him he will lay down like the rest of them.
Matty Ice
July 31st, 2009
2:42 pm
Roddy White is a very good WR – like Schultz said – he’s “top 10″ – however he is NOT “top 5″ – those in that club are: 1) Larry Fitzgerald, 2) Andre Johnson, 3) Calvin Johnson, 4) Randy Moss, 5) Steve Smith……..so let’s be real – Roddy does not deserve $10 million/year – all the guys above are more prolific and have done it for more years. Roddy is in the 2nd wave of Anquan Boldin, Reggie Wayne, Greg Jennings, Terrell Owens, Marqes Colston and Brandon Marshall – again, most of those guys have had more productive careers to date – Roddy has had two good years. Many will bring up the “franchise tag” of Antonio Bryant for $9.98 million but that is a one year tag so its higher – he would average closer to $8 million/yr in a longer deal. Roddy deserves a 4 year deal at around $8.5 mil/yr. with maybe like $17 mil guaranteed – very similiar to what Michael Turner got as a free agent. That contract would probably put Roddy White paid at probably about the 5th – 7th best overall and that is where his worth is. If Roddy wants more than that, then I would play hardball with him since Falcons control Roddy’s rights for next two years.
Observer
July 31st, 2009
2:44 pm
Jeff – White’s justified if he holds out? WRONG!!!!!
First off, let me say that I am in favor of Roddy getting a new contract and I think the Falcons would buy a lot of goodwill by doing so but he is by no means ENTITLED to one. If this was the year he wanted a new contract he should have signed for four years instead of five. If he and his agent are unable to come to terms with the Falcons on a new deal, he is contractually obligated to honor the terms of his current deal for the remaining year. He doesn’t have to like it but if he is any measure of a man that’s what he will do.
As to your contention that the world of NFL contracts is somehow different than the rest of the world – WRONG AGAIN. Contracts are bilateral agreements. That means BOTH parties are supposed to be bound by the language of the contract. If the contract states that it can be renegotiated mid-term, then fine, that means the team has the same right to expect a new deal when a player turns out to be a bust. Of course, no player would ever sign a contract giving the team the ability to pay them less but they always expect the team to “take care of them” after a particularly good year.
Contracts are risky instruments for BOTH parties. If Roddy White doesn’t think the $4.75 million is adequate guaranteed money then he shouldn’t have signed the deal. After his first two years, $4.75 million was looking way too rich. Given his performance for the past couple of years, maybe the Falcons got the better of it. Such is the nature of contracts but regardless, both parties have to live up to the terms of the deal.
timthebrave
July 31st, 2009
2:53 pm
I go a new contract at work too. I started off slowly but I have been doing great lately. They signed me to a new deal and now all I do is blog all day long…suckers
Falcondore
July 31st, 2009
3:01 pm
Matty Ice I think you nailed White’s value at this point. I think he should probably be somewhere around the Jennings deal. Certainly not in Fitz’s category.
All I'm Saying Is...
July 31st, 2009
3:01 pm
Matty Ice
July 31st, 2009
2:42 pm
—Great post sir! More insight in one paragraph than most AJ/C sportwriters provide in one entire blog.
LET’S GO FALCONS!
Rod
July 31st, 2009
3:08 pm
Roddy is doing well – so he wants a raise?
So you’re telling me that his first couple of years when he sucked – he paid back the Falcons part of his salary because he was overpaid?
I doubt it. Falcons overpaid the first two years, now they get to underpay. FAIR IS FAIR.
@ Bad News
July 31st, 2009
3:17 pm
Is this what it’s come to? The Great Mike Vick in “Special” packages for NE. LOL, actually that sounds about right because we all know the Greatest QB alive will NEVER beat out Brady! And his first name is Tom, LOL. At least it seems reality is starting to set in for you. Congratulations!! Welcome back to earth.
Dawg95
July 31st, 2009
3:19 pm
I don’t see how Roddy can not show up at camp! You said he is under contract for another season. Not showing up for camp would be a direct violation of his contract! That doesn’t make any sense to me. If I was Falcons management that would make me mad as hell!! I’d put the lawyers on him if he violates his contract.
John
July 31st, 2009
3:24 pm
Fire the bum.
Get real
July 31st, 2009
3:33 pm
The guys going to holdout? Even while under contract? It’s funny how he wants a new contract now with more money, but where was Atlanta when he was useless the first couple of years? Guess the team should have taking back money then. Dude, just get to camp and quit complaining. Your making over 2 mil this year. Don’t expect me to feel sorry for you. If I remember right, didn’t you drop some passes that were very critical in games? Get your butt to camp and really earn a new contract extension!! Cause you can’t get an extension until you play this contract our anyways. Same ol’ same ol’, a player thinking they are the team.
Kurt
July 31st, 2009
3:40 pm
Applauding or encouraging a professional athlete, who by the way is overpaid in the first place, to hold out or not show up for work when he is “under contract” is so STUPID. No other way to put it. I lost what little bit of respect that I had for you Jeff. Just plain stupid. A man should honor his contract. Any man. No one in the Flowery Branch twisted his arm and made him sign it a few years back. He knew then exactly how much he would be making this year. If he had sucked, would he be agree that the Falcons should renegotiate his contract for less? That’s what I thought. What a bunch of crap.
Shadyman
July 31st, 2009
3:41 pm
Give him the bling, then they can all get a ring.
DerrickT
July 31st, 2009
3:43 pm
Jeff – Surely you must be tired of the Michael Vick references in your blogs week after week, month after month. So why do AJC, ESPN, NFL Network, 790 The Zone, 680 The Fan – all continue to write and talk about this FORMER ATL player. I am so SICK of “All Things Vick”.
I know your paper (and other media outlets) get a lot of fan reaction to any mention of Vick, thus you keep his name in the news cycle to generate page views/ratings thus additional revenue. For freakin’ once, I wish you all – especially those with media outlets with the ability to add blog and commentary from fans to put a filter on your websites that avoids posting any reference to these words: “Vick” “Michael Vick” “MV7″ and anything else that brings him up.
I’m tired of it already. From both Vick supporters and Vick detractors. ENOUGH already. Really – He’s gone, can’t you all just move on to something else ! GWiz!@
David C
July 31st, 2009
3:50 pm
Yea give him 30 mil..he will splice his acl in the first game
Jimmy Williams
July 31st, 2009
3:57 pm
If Roddy holds out he better not come to camp cause you know how those deers are in Flowery Branch they attacked Rod Coldman one time an if you talk to the people that live round there they tell you that Arthur blank breeds them to do that. They all the time busting thro houses and getting into kitchens steeling food raping pets and stuff. Its true RODDY STAY AWAY until they pay you so you can buy a armor truck or something to get you to the branch I am a securty guard and I could probably help you but I dont have the lambo no more so you gotta drive
Paddy
July 31st, 2009
4:00 pm
Falcon Sorry had me fooled for awhile. Shame on me. On purpose he misspells, CAPS and says the most outragious, unbelieveable things on any blog. I will now just sit back and get a good laugh when he resurfaces. FS keep ‘em coming.
Trainwreck
July 31st, 2009
4:15 pm
A lot of people said that White only had 1 good year… he was pretty good 2 years ago if I’m mistaken. No he is not elite but hes pretty good. Don’t break the bank but you have to take care of your top players and Rowdy Roddy White is one of those players, and he is young. Mr. Blank and Mr. Dimitroff will do what they have to do
Chris
July 31st, 2009
4:56 pm
I don’t know if I’d call White a top-10 receiver, but he deserves to get whatever he can. NFL players, unlike their baseball bretheren (Mike Hampton, anyone?), have to get whatever guaranteed money they can. Since he’s a current Pro-Bowler, he needs to strike while the iron is hot.
It’s hard for WRs to make an impact in the first year or two. How much of RW’s development was hindered by the poor QB play before Matt Ryan?
Hopefully he gets a new deal done in time to be ready for the new season.
say what ???
July 31st, 2009
5:02 pm
108th
TBizzle
July 31st, 2009
5:03 pm
Gater Hater – I’ve watched Roddy play football a lot longer than you and can assure you that he’s always been one hell of a receiver. There’s a reason why he led the NCAA in receving yards during his senior year at UAB (and no, it’s not just because of the competition).
Did he have his fair share of troubles during his first two seasons? Absolutely, but what else do you expect from a WR who played without a true passing QB, was in a run first and run second offense, didn’t have a true mentor (see Joe Horn), and then did self-inflicted damage by being somewhat lazy? The total recipe was one for disaster.
That said, he is the first Falcon WR in a LONG time to have back-to-back seasons with over 1,000 yards receiving. He is the first Falcons’ WR to make the Pro Bowl in over a decade. He did all of this with the QB lineup of Joey Harrington, Chris Redman, Matt Schaub, Byron Leftwich, and rookie in Matt Ryan (despite how good Ryan is).
Roddy is an elite WR. There are numerous stats that prove it. He was #1 at the top of a list during the offseason for “indespensible players.”
pete nose
July 31st, 2009
5:07 pm
The falcons should not renegotiate his contract.He needs to live up to his contrack for the next 2 years and then talk about it.From what i have seen he’s not one of the elete recievers in the NFL.I think one day he could be but right now he’s not.