The Walker gamble
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 at 11:02 am in Oakland Raiders.
Second in a series of concerns regarding the makeup of the 2008 Raiders with the reporting date approaching on July 25 at the Napa Marriott:
C’mon. Aren’t you just a little bit nervous about the Raiders’ decision to sink some $16 million in guaranteed money into Javon Walker?
It was shaky at best even before his weekend of partying in Las Vegas left him with a broken jaw and a fractured orbital bone, according to police reports.
Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said at the club’s final OTA availability that Walker’s injuries were not an issue regarding being ready for training camp. We’ll take him at his word and assume Walker will be on the field on July 26, the day the Raiders hold their first practice on the Redwood School fields behind the Napa Marriott.
The thing is, even before Walker was found unconscious on a Vegas side street, there were indications he was in far from top form.
Having undergone three knee surgeries, Walker was being hold out of the second practices of the mandatory minicamp and OTAs. On two occasions, totally umprompted, coach Lane Kiffin made mention of Walker’s weight, indicating conditioning was an issue.
Kiffin was merely doing some gentle prodding through the media, but you’d like to think Walker would have arrived in prime condition, especially after talking such a good game about how he wanted the Broncos pay for the mistake of letting him go.
His decision to go to Vegas and spray champagne before the club’s final OTA, in that light, is troubling. Rich, young players are going to have their fun, but Walker is 29 years old. He should know better.
A revealing story by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson painted the picture of a player who may still be deeply troubled by the shooting death of teammate Darrent Williams, who died in Walker’s arms in a limo. Former teammates and coaches are legitimately concerned about him.
Walker can be a generous, caring, engaging person, but also talked his way out of both Green Bay and Denver, the first over a contract issue, the second over the way he was used.
While it’s true the Raiders have a reputation for being a haven for the misunderstood, the best M.O. is usually to get a guy who needs to prove something and do it at a reasonable or even minimum salary, so he is hungry and eager to please.
In this case, the Raiders agreed to pay $16 million to a player who the Broncos didn’t want at a little over $5 million.
Either Al Davis or Mike Shanahan is going to be really wrong here.
The 2008 Raiders will be all about the development of JaMarcus Russell as a franchise quarterback. While it’s way too early to tell how that will go, I like what I’ve seen in a handful of practices.
As Kiffin noted, the key to getting Russell on track is his supporting cast. Walker is a big part of that cast.
Walker has had exactly one truly elite season in his six-year career. In 2004, he caught 89 passes for 1,382 yards and scored 12 touchdowns for the Packers and Brett Favre. Walker had an above average season in 2006 with the Broncos, with 69 catches for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns _ a little better than Jerry Porter’s best seasons.
Walker, as astutely noted by Ronald Curry, is expected to be the Raiders top receiver by virtue of his paycheck.
During minicamps, the top free agent wide receiver wasn’t Walker, but Drew Carter, who looks to be the first to develop a chemistry with Russell. Curry looked strong after having surgery to remove a bone spur, but there was no mention of any surgery regarding a bone spur in either of his hands, which seemed to fail him at times in 2007.
The rest of the receiving corps is full of question marks. Johnnie Lee Higgins had one spectacular minicamp practice and followed it up by dropping everything in sight. Arman Shields, the fourth-round draft pick, pulled a hamstring and fell behind seventh-rounder Chaz Schilens.
Free agent Todd Watkins had some impressive moments. Drisan James, Jonathan Holland, Marcel Reece and Will Buchanon are all longshots, hoping for a chance at the practice squad.
The Raiders need a reasonable facsimile of the Walker who caught four passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns at the Coliseum on Dec. 22, 2003, the night the Packers embarrassed Oakland 41-7 on Monday night.
Davis likes the idea of looking at a situation differently than everyone else.
The signing of Walker would certainly qualify.
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July 2nd, 2008 at 11:04 am
uno
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:05 am
first!
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:10 am
release him and move on.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:11 am
We shall have to wait and see on Walker…no use fretting already. Besides, we have LTs and DTs to worry about first…
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:11 am
and to answer the question, yes Jerry I have been a lot more than just a little nervous about this deal…for every reason that you outline. On the whole, this is NOT the receiving corps that I’d hoped we’d go into Jamarcus’ first full year with. Not great on paper, and looking worse in reality by the day. Hopefully the OL will gel enough to allow DMac to run like hell!
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:14 am
Make him play in pain.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:14 am
Jim,
Wouldn’t there be severe salary cap implications to just releasing Walker? Wouldn’t his signing bonus, which is prorated over the length of his contract, suddenly count 100% against the cap this year???
I don’t think they can void his contract for being the victim of a crime.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:17 am
Welcome back Mr. McDonald.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:17 am
Funny stuff about broke athletes:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3469271
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:18 am
i agree. i wonder what it is. they will get hit but i’d like to know what it is. Can’t AD also say he was being robbed? hahahhaha We need to get another receiver asap.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:21 am
dakota: w/o details i’d like to be put on that list… i purchased an expensive wife! hahaha
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:23 am
Dakota you are right and it also would be downright cruel to cut him at this point in time. Gonna have to just wait and see how he comes around and performs down the road. Hey let’s all hope for the best. From the sound of things the guy needs it. But it’s hard to have confidence for him having a strong and complete season, never mind a contract’s worth of them.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:28 am
I base some of my opinions on emotion or little things. I think of someone we cant’ stop and i like him. I’ve never in any game against the raiders or any other game i’ve seen him play think “look out for walker”. He never was a sure thing. Never had anything that you couldn’t stop. I don’t see much difference between him and Gabriel. I don’t see it. Maybe i’m missing something. He never put a fear in me that we or any other team couldn’t shut him down.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:30 am
Dakota was right. He said Lakers in 5. But he meant next year. I said 6 games but meant next year!!! lol
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:32 am
need strength! LAs defense is chocolate and vanilla ice cream. ANd please cut that european who keeps falling down. dark hair, three point shooter.. long name…. I’m not trying to dog the lakers just him. I was embarrassed for him.
ex/Dakota: what’s that guys name?
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:33 am
Did you guys really see Baron Davis winning a Championship for the Warriors? I think we’re better off. Our biggest problem with the team is Don Nelson. He really needs to play the younger guys.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:34 am
Here you go Dakota; i posted on wrong blog: 1. THey caught the wrong man(crazy il/mo) man!!!!!! they usually do. by the way, i posted an incorrect episode i had last night on last blog. i was rushed to er because i an allergic reaction. throat completely closed and my face looked like will smith (hitch). they loaded me benedryl and other fine medicines. i thought it was strawberries because i’m allergic to tree nuts and all fruits but it was SOY MILK! Anyway, i was on the table and i said, “i can’t make dakota this happy!!!” haahaha I also thought, “i need to purchase those final 4 tickets (women’s bb) right away. I don’t want to sound too stupid (too late, i k now) but i honestly believe my dad was there (passed away). i think he fought for me because i haven’t purchased the tickets for my mom yet! haha i’m also asthmatic so they unloaded steriods in me. i think i’m not allowed to play in my softball league now!
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:19 pm
the Raiders needed a number one receiver, if even as a decoy for Drew Carter Zach Miller, and Dmac. Walker became available, they paid number one receiver $$$ for him. That’s the way it went.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:21 pm
If Reilly’s article about broke athletes focused mostly on white athletes, Dakota wouldn’t be mocking it. He’d be sympathetic. He’d describe the story as “sad” instead of “funny”. Anyone who didn’t pick up on that just isn’t paying attention. Good day. Don’t bother responding.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:25 pm
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/nfl/20080702-9999-1s2nflmeet.html
good article about arman shields
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Oakglenn,
Javon Walker is just another page in a long book of Al Davis blunders. Block it out all you want to. You know deep down inside that he’s garbage. You just block it out. Don’t bother responding. I have no time for your crap today, so just let it go. Are we understood?
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Goodbye, everyone. I have neither the time nor inclination for any of this crap today. Leave me alone. Don’t bother responding.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:28 pm
you would think Javon Walker would be more like Arman Shields getting up early in the morning to work out. I like the comment he makes about jerry rice.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Walker is overpaid, so is Tommy Kelly, but there is nothing we can do about it, all we can do is HOPE they live up to, or at least partially live up to the contracts we paid them. Protect JR, let DMC and Fargas run wild, and sign Nnamdi dammit, and I think we will be fine. But yes, there is concern over kelly, harris, walker, henderson.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:31 pm
I hope arman shields makes the team and beats out curry or carter for the 3rd receiver spot. plus the guy has wheels and pretty good hands from what i have read about him.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:33 pm
NOLUV….
how about a nice #4 wr to start with? we need all these guys to perform, if shields can contribute when called upon(same hope for all the players)who cares where they are listed? Curry has been consistent and played with heart, so sentimentally, i’d like to see him on the field as much as possible. JMHO
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:34 pm
make an example of walker by cutting him and give carter curry and shields the starter spots.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:36 pm
we need young hungry players on our team not old injured has beens with no work ethic.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:37 pm
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July 2nd, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Art Shell’s Hat Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:21 pm
If Reilly’s article about broke athletes focused mostly on white athletes, Dakota wouldn’t be mocking it. He’d be sympathetic. He’d describe the story as “sad” instead of “funny”. Anyone who didn’t pick up on that just isn’t paying attention. Good day. Don’t bother responding.
_______________________________________________________
Now I am a racist??? I love this blog…
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Jim,
I am happy to see that you survived…I do not hate the Celtics enough to wish their fans dead…now if you were a Broncos or Chiefs fan…well, that would be another story.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Lakers in 5.
Don’t bother responding.
Just win baby.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:42 pm
post#27&28….. I agree, as soon as I heard about the incident, my initial and same reaction is…CUT BARRET ROBBINS JR NOW, salary cap reasons can’t dictate everything right?[Lamont Jordan] so why waste the teams’ time with someone who’s more dedicated to partying than catching passes?
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:43 pm
ASH, sure. BTW, how does my ass taste? Also MR in your sad drunken rant last nite I just want to assure you once again, that neither me, nor my relatives swing the way you think they do. But, after you’ve been effed in the a as many times as you clearly have, I am sure it’s hard to keep track of who is who.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:45 pm
art shell: your funny. i doubt we even noticed the color of the athletes named. It’s funny how i keep hearing racist comments against people pointing out facts. if there were a list of strictly 15,000 names of white people, i have faith Dakota would have said the same thing. come on! live.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:46 pm
raiderwill: don’t forget michael bush .. HE’S A BEAST AND CAN CATCH!!!!
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Hey Art Shell’s Jock:
Jack Clark, Roger Clemens, Danny Schayes, Johnny Unitas…
All white athletes profiled in the ESPN article who were white. Nice try making a racial issue outta nothing.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
koren robinson is still out there and we better snatch him up before someone else does. He is decent kick returner which we are looking for and can provide depth at WR. Say Walker isn’t ready for the start of the season and Curry gets hurt early. Ladies and gentleman your 2008 starting WR …… JL Higgins and Drew Carter.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Oakglenn, I apoligized last night. I thought we had a understanding. Don’t bother responding.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
LOL @ “All white athletes profiled in the ESPN article who were white”
I meant to say all were white athletes and in the ESPN article…
How’s my editing taste?
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Walker was never a good idea at that price.
When rumors of the deal first popped up, I said right away that they should sign Walker to a one-year deal and Carter to a long-term deal. Instead, they did the exact opposite.
Carter has got much more upside and it would’ve been nice to lock him up for a few years. Don’t be surprised if Carter is due a nice payday after the season and Walker flames out.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
By the way, your ass tastes terrible. Don’t bother responding.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
raiderwill, i too, agree. he should have been working on losing weight. I think champaigne is not in any diet. Also, sleep helps lose weight. By the way, isn’t he worried about his knee while bouncing up and down pooring out champaign> At work he could only practice once… he’s like one of those workman comp cases. cut him. that was my last comment about walker… i’m thinking positive.. breathe in… exhale.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:52 pm
i doubt we even noticed the color of the athletes named.
see .. i didn’t! hahaha
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Walker is just another Raider misfit. $16 Million really isn’t alot when you think about how much money is given to rookies. If it works out…great. If it doesn’t…whatever. It can’t be any worse than keeping Jerry Porter on the roster.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I think Michael Bush has been placed in Area 51. Hes like a top secret weapon and nobody will know until it hits them.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:59 pm
I think we are stuck with Walker and all of these free agents for at least the next two years (until the cap free year that will allow us to cut them without having to gut the team (if there really will be a cap free year (Al better hope so))).
How about that use of parentheses???
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Going back a few posts about Walker and the money..
Jerry reported Walker got an 11 million signing bonus and a 1 million salary in 08 and that there is a 5 million roster bonus (team option) and a 4 million salary for 09.
So, if those figures are correct he´s gonna count for less than 3 million against this year´s cap.
That´s a very cap-friendly contract in year 1, if he plays up to expectations we would probably pick up year 2 and do some negotiating to lower his cap figure in 09 which would be close to 11 million.
If he sucks this year for whatever reason, we can cut him after the season and take about a 9 million cap hit in 09 for the reminder of his 11 million signing bonus.
But there´s one more thing to consider, we can cut him on March 1st of 09 and designate him as a June 1st cut, in that case the remaining 9.2 million of his sigining bonus would be split between 09 and 2010 providing us with some cap relief. I´m certain that´s how it works but every contract is different so we´d have to wait and see.
Anyway, that´s the way I see it from the numbers we know, maybe I´m wrong.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:01 pm
huff: $$$$$ will haunt us for years. i was so disappointed in Porter. I talked about him from day one. He was a wuss.. he’d never go up and fight for the ball. as big as he is and afraid of contact.. randy moss w/o the speed, hands, and height!
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Dakota you filthy, baloney eating, WELCHING, neck, you owe Jim CT a Celtic game jersey. That was the bet.
ALL BETS ARE FINAL.
PAY UP BIOTCH.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I WON SOMETHING????? IT WAS FOR ME?????? WOOO HOO!
$750 AND A Cs shirt????
BP: what would you have owed?
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Yes SC Raider,
The Raiders should definitely make a move for Robinson. He’s risky with all the substance abuse stuff, but he won’t cost a ton. He’s as talented as any of our top 3 receivers (remember: he’s a former 1st-round pick) and would be the best KR guy the Raiders have had in a long time.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Guys,
Any big 4th of July plans??? My plan is to hang with my son out on the boat all day, fishing for walleye and lake trout, then eat a lot of food, drink a lot of Cpt. Morgan, watch the display and then pass out…all the time thinking about how great it is to be American rather than European.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:07 pm
bob marley: would you do my taxes so i can quit paying so much?
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:11 pm
BP/Dakota; BP should get the jersey. I won enough and to be honest i don’t bet on BB. Heineken, Jameson, and the thoughts of Dakota’s disrespectul comments about the Celtics is what motivated my bets. Therefore, Dakota has already given me enough. ALl i want from Dakota is to see him make a one liner:
CELTICS ARE MUCH BETTER THAN THE LAKERS. AND MEAN IT! I KNOW SARCASM
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:11 pm
AND WELCHING IS EUROPEAN!
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Bill Pickel Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Dakota you filthy, baloney eating, WELCHING, neck, you owe Jim CT a Celtic game jersey. That was the bet.
ALL BETS ARE FINAL.
PAY UP BIOTCH.
Jim (ct raider) Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I WON SOMETHING????? IT WAS FOR ME?????? WOOO HOO!
$750 AND A Cs shirt????
BP: what would you have owed?
_______________________________________________________
Bill P,
I would gladly award your prize to Jim.
Jim, I made up a new e-mail address that I provided to Bill P a couple of weeks ago, he seems hesitant to use it (must not trust me or something).
Anyhow, here is what you do: create a new e-mail account and then e-mail me at the following address:
fukeurope@yahoo.com
Send me your mailing address, jersey size and if you want a home or away Celtics’ jersey and I will get one to you as payment on my finals bet Bill P.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Thats what you guys get for betting with people online. Nobody lives up to their word because there are no consequences in doing so.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I would have owed that filthy hick a fairy white Bynum, or whatever his name is, Fakers jersey.
But let’s face it, I took advantage of the rube’s ignorance. The Fakers had NO CHANCE in that series.
It is my obligation to take suckers like Dakota.
If I don’t do it, someone else will.
Enjoy your Celtics Game jersey.
Go Raiders.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Jim (ct raider) Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:11 pm
ALl i want from Dakota is to see him make a one liner:
CELTICS ARE MUCH BETTER THAN THE LAKERS. AND MEAN IT! I KNOW SARCASM
_______________________________________________________
Sorry, no can do buddy boy.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Whats with the European hate? You guys realize that this country was heavily put together by people who came from Europe right? Respect your Ancestors people.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Huff24. if i were to bet, but i don’t because it’s illegal (to collect anyway). But if I did, i’d use a local bookie that has been around for 27 years. BUt because i don’t do that i have 750 points of bragging rights only.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Huff24 Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Thats what you guys get for betting with people online. Nobody lives up to their word because there are no consequences in doing so.
______________________________________________________
Huff,
Many people here can attest to the fact that I have made every attempt to provide payment on my bet…but the troll Bill P would rather just keep calling me a welcher…go figure.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Some facts about Robinson:
– 9th overall pick in 2001
– 6-1, 205 with very good speed
– Had a 78 catch, 1,240 yard season in Seattle his 2nd year
– Made the Pro Bowl as a kick returner a couple of years ago
– Not a significant injury history but a history of suspensions for substance abuse issues. However he has never missed an entire season due to suspension. Games played since he entered the league:
2001: 16
2002: 16
2003: 15
2004: 10
2005: 14
2006: 4
2007: 9
*Most of the games missed were either due to suspension or the fact that he hadn’t landed with a team at the time. Not from injury problems.
Not a bad gamble/special teams piece/insurance policy for Walker/4th WR at a bargain price, if you ask me.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Huff.. Dakota was accused of “welching” so i thought only appropriate to let him know that “welching” is a european term. hahahahaha
Besides… europe hasn’t been nice to ireland except the germans. but they only were helpful because they didn’t like the english.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Dakota - My cousin just recently moved from Las Vegas to San Diego so I made a spur of the moment decision to travel to San Diego this weekend. I figured I could get away from the smoke for awhile to enjoy the 4th of July firework smoke instead and I have only been to SD once. I should buy myself a new Raider hat so I can sport it around the city. I’m actually thinking about moving out there within a year or 2. Its cheaper than the Bay Area and the weather is good year round.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:20 pm
chris: as an investor that is not a good trend. he would be considered high risk/high reward.. but what the hell so is walker!
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Huff24, I paid up my bet. ask Thec. The only country full of indian givers are Americans!!!
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Jim - Thats funny considering I’m Irish, German and English (and more). I’m at odds with myself on a regular basis if you know what I mean.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:22 pm
huff: wow.. i was under the impression SD was very expensive. How’s the economy? Can you transfer?
I have a boring weekend over my sisters and neices and nephews. THey’re too young to enjoy for more than 10 minutes! besides… 5 of them! hahahha
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Huff,
Have a great time…I am heading to San Diego in August, so you will have to fill me in on all the great things SD has to offer.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:24 pm
raidertw: that’;s funny “indian givers in america” i thought we were indian takers!hahaha
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:26 pm
PC NOTICE PC NOTICE PC NOTICE:
You can’t say Indian…unless you are talking about people from India!
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
sorry… i was use indian… former mongolians. hahahahhahaa
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Did you guys see how they were talking up Arman Shields on NFL Network yesterday. Saying he will be the surprise of the draft and a steal for where we got him.
Finally some good press coverage for us.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:30 pm
666: i hope so! we need him!
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Jim - SD is probably expensive but when you compare it to San Jose and the Bay Area…its cheaper. The Bay Area is really pissing me off because I think they have this shield that protects against recessions and depressions. Their shields won’t break down and allow this place to become cheaper to live in and with gas prices rising and apartments being expensive the since houses are worth a million over here…I end up being poor in the area when I can live comfortable somewhere else.
2 Bedroom apartments in San Jose are going for $1600 on average while 1 bedroom apartments are going for $1400 on average. I got very lucky and got into a deal where I paid $905 for a decent 1 bedroom 3 1/2 years ago and now I will be paying $1180 starting in August but I’ve been stuck here this whole time because I can’t afford to leave. I found better places online in San Diego for cheaper. You can get a better 2 bedroom for $1100 over there.
Granted, its hard to judge when your 7 hours away but I’ve been doing alot of studying. I will gauge the market more when I visit and decide whats best. I should have the ability to transfer because we have a corporate building by Camp Pendleton (Marine base) and thats only 15-20 minutes from downtown. I just really need a change of scenery. I’m so sick of the San Jose area.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Jerry welcome back.
The next time you take time off I’ll be happy to step in for you since your replacements did little or nothing and I’ll doit for 1/2 the cost.
Now get this blog registered is almost time for training camp.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Brillant posts of the day are..
“Cut him now and move on”
“Sign Koren Robinson”
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I wouldn´t mind Koren Robinson, and the other day someone brought up Eric Parker from SD who´s available for a late draft pick and may even be released, he´d also be a nice insurance policy and I think Oakgleen pointed out that Lofton used to coach him, so he may help recruit him, in case they´re interested.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Dakota - You should start looking online now before you head out there to get an idea of what to do. Theres the zoo, a ton of great beaches, its real close to the Mexico border (Just ask Barrett Robbins) if you want to hit up Tijuana. I hear a passport is around $70 if you decide to go. L.A. is 2 hours north. I think Universal Studios isn’t too far out. I think I’ll end doing more casual partying and sight seeing while I’m there. Its probably going to cost a good $200 in gas to drive there and back so I don’t want to overspend.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Hasn’t Arman Shields been hurt all of this time? He’ll probably get cut.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:35 pm
huff: you want to talk about hitting the jackpot. i moved from Connectict (very expensive) to Illinios in the midwest… DIRT CHEAP!!!!!!! And i live 15 min from a city where i can still get a decent salary!
Go East young man. in a few decades when both coasts are underwater we will have nice beach fronts! hahahah
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Koren Robinson?
Only if he comes with a no drinking clause in his contract.
isn’t he the guy that Holmgren gave 10 chances to and still got burned.
Bad idea.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:36 pm
if he’s hurt he’ll get a raise!! (Kelley, walker, etc)
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Welcome back Marley. I see you escaped from the back of the milk carton. Are you read to admit your a lawyer, I mean Liar. Don’t bother reponding.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Huff good to see you by the way. Arman has had a pulled hammy he is expected to be healthy by training camp and will impress.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:39 pm
mr; how can you ask a question then say “don’t bother responding”?
don’t bother responding.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Jim - Thats funny. I was stationed in Oklahoma. Basically, I’d rather drown from a flood then try and move towards the middle of the country haha. I’d honestly really love to move to Boston or something like that but thats pretty expensive as well and I’m not sure I can deal with that kind of weather. California has alot to offer in terms of weather compared to other states.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Jim I think he says “dont bother responding” to see which idiots actually do…sorry
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:42 pm
SilverNBlack666 - Good to see you too. You’re probably right about Shields but he better catch up quick because Kiffin pulls the plug quickly and the door might be closing faster than ever. If anything, Shields gets extra time because of the Walker debacle.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:42 pm
boston?????? only because of the Cs right? i hate that state. only like Mitt Romney and the Cs.. that’s it!
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:43 pm
hahhahaha so i’m one of the idiots? hahahhaha
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Bob Marley -
Good to see you back my friend, keep the posts coming, I always appreciate your insight.
Dakota -
Did you see Baron being interviewed about signing with the Clips? The Beard looked like a complete fool with those big corny glasses on. He is so LA and I don’t mean that as a compliment. Now that he’s gone I’m going to be like the Laker fans when Shaq left, don’t let the door hit you in the a$$ Baron! Just watch, Baron will miss half of next season with a series of injuries.
The Warriors need a big man, right Mistabrown?
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Jerry,
I think Kiffin says Javon will be fine by training camp cause theres no contact or at least VERY limited so Javon can run 1500 laps a day, treadmill, stretch, and run routes.
Just a guess!
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Bill P and/or Jim
Once again, I am checking my new e-mail address:
fukeurope@yahoo.com
and neither of you have responded.
If I do not receive a response from one of you by the end of this work week I will consider my obligation finished.
This is your last chance!
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:46 pm
raiderdogg.. shaq was pushed out the door..he didn’t leave. Just like jackson (the first). kobe’s team.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Shields has been th efirst one in the weight room 2 mornings in a row 5am. That’s why Shefler is impressed.
Indian giver was the term used when it was coined, most possibly the term was injun giver (from people living in South Dakota anyway).
I’m going to San Diego the 25th for the Comic Con.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:46 pm
that’s not true.. i responded a few days ago!
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Jim (ct raider) Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:46 pm
that’s not true.. i responded a few days ago!
___________________________________________________
you sent an e-mail to that account???
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Jim -
Up to the end of his tenure in LA, Shaq was still one of the best players in the league according to most Laker fans. As soon as he left, Laker fans were very quick to point out how over the hill and fat Shaq was. You get my drift?
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Jim - I’m not a Celtics fan but I’m Irish so I respect them. I am a sad Warriors fan because I’m trying to stay local with the teams but I do venture off as a Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan because of my roots and thats nothin to brag about either at this point. Its a sad day is sports for me. I like the old fashioned sense Boston has, though I have never been there. I’d love to move to Italy for the same reasons. I don’t know, I’d live everywhere if I could, just to see what its like but we don’t live long enough for that do we?
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Jim, do it again…right now and I will check it…
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:49 pm
yes i did.
also, you know what i want! i think i wrote. “dakota what up” or something like that.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:49 pm
just write the words. and mean it!
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:50 pm
RaiderTW thanks for the insight I was very happy to hear that was the story with our QB all off season as well.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:51 pm
i actually liked boston until i went to the *uck rule game. My perspective completely changed after that.
i’m a die hard nd fan. in fact, i’m wearing a nd hat right now. i’m trying to get tickets now that i’m only one state away.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:51 pm
You know your expectations are low when you’re mad that a player like Baron Davis leaves you. Come on people, lets face it. Baron is not a superstar. I said it before and I will say it again. He wasn’t much of a leader, he was inconsistent and he disappeared when we needed him the most. He actually managed to stay healthy for a decent period of time and that was his biggest accomplishment. The reason Baron left was because his butt got benched in the last game of the season when the playoffs were on the line. Gee…I wonder why? Because Baron wasn’t playing well.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Jim,
Shut up…really? There has been nothing but spam about low cost prescriptions…and something about 6.3 million dollars in a bank somewhere in Africa that will be given to me if I just send them a $2000 processing fee.
I think you are messing with me…
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
MR
I´m a liar?.
Tell you what, why don´t you show me the post where I called Sapp a liar?.
Oh wait, I´ll save you the trouble, it doesn´t exist, except in youre troubled little head, get lost freak.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:54 pm
666, praise from Midget scheftler is uncommon but I still hate the little b@stard (I heard him ever week for 10yrs here in Denver). I hope Shields replaces Walker.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Huff you are the ONLY person I ever heard say Baron is not a superstar, he is like it or not and they dont have another point guard on the roster worth a sh!t!
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Jim - What do you think of Charlie Weis?
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Mistabrown…post 90.
Sorry, I guess Í was the idiot who responded today, you´re right.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:56 pm
No Dogg they need a point guard!
Big man? They have Biedrins, O’Bryant & the Euro I forget his name.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Mistabrown - Yeah…Baron is so good. Thats why hes going to the Clippers right? I know, I know. Hes going home. Why not the Lakers instead? Why not a contender? Maybe because he knows this is the best contract he will ever get and hes LAZY. Thats why he’d rather go home anyways. What makes him so great?
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Marley, tell me how my ass tastes. Don’t bother responding.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Huff -
I’m not mad that Baron left, in fact it frees up some needed cash to bring in a big man. I am very happy with Monta Ellis running the point.
As far as benching him in that elimination game goes, even good players have slumps. As one of your “star” players he should have been given the opportunity to play through his slump and try to right the ship so to speak. Nelson benched him for the entire 2nd half!
He was a fan favorite and a “flashy” player. He will be missed, mostly by the younger fans. He was lucky to make it through an entire season injury free and I highly doubt that will happen again, especially now that he is paid and home in LA.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Bob I didnt see your response but you already declared yourself guilty…lol
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:58 pm
The W’s will regret letting Baron leave…never pick a coach over a player.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:58 pm
i thought he was a genius at ne. I really like him. He’s very, very aggessive. College is a different game. I think the players he gets are over rated. They’re not his type. He needs more blue collar big ten type mixed in with sec/pac 10 athletes. He hinted and i think one time was pretty blunt that he couldn’t understand why these “intelligent” players can’t grasp the play book. Maybe he’s too detailed? maybe they’re too young? he did a great job w/quinn. i would take him as an oc but not coach.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:00 pm
dakota.. did you see it?
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Mista -
I think Monta Ellis is poised to become a star and he can run the point pretty well. Biedrins is too soft and the others you mentioned aren’t dominant either. They need a true center that can slow things down in the lane when need be. All of these big guys now think that they are power forwards.
As we saw this year, defense really does win championships in the NBA, that’s why you never see a team playing “small ball” do anything in the playoffs.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Dogg, Monta is not a point guard. Sure he can play it but not very well hes a scorer, hes a 2 guard.
Huff, Baron is right up there with Nash & Parker and id probably take Baron over both those guys he is more physical and distributes well. He is injury prone so the W’s did the right thing or maybe Baron did it for them. They need a new point guard we can both agree on that.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Dakota - Funny that you said that, “Never pick a coach over a player.” Didn’t the Lakers decide to keep Kobe and say goodbye to Phil Jackson only to realize that Kobe and everyone else needs Phil Jackson so they brought him back? Just a thought.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:04 pm
huff hahahahhahahahahahaha
what was their record w/o jackson? they still had kobe.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Dogg, you watched alot of games did you ever notice how stagnant the offense was when Baron was on the bench ? It was atrocious! Monta is NOT a point hes a runner and slicer not a passer.
Baron, unlike Kobe made EVERYBODY around him better! Ask Biedrins how nice those dump offs under the basket were, he didnt shoot around 70% from taking 12 ft jumpers!
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Jim (ct raider) Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:00 pm
dakota.. did you see it?
_____________________________
I still don’t see it…are you sure you are typing it in correctly?
fukeurope@yahoo.com
Put down your drink and use cut and past…
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:05 pm
We may need a big man but Nelson doesn’t play that game so until he does (which he won’t) we’ll be screwed. My expectations are low.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Back to Football.
Jerry register this blog.
Al fire RR & cut Jano.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:07 pm
paste…
I better put down my drink too, lol.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:08 pm
I know that Ellis is a natural 2, but he can run the point very well. Maybe a veteran point would be good to bring in, but I am feeling pretty good about Ellis.
Has Arenas already agreed to new terms with the Wizards yet? I know the W’s had an offer in to him. How would you feel about that Mista?
Baron is going to have a few injury issues next year, just like every year in his career. Last year was an abberation.
I honestly think when all is said and done this will shake out to be a good move.
For whatever it is worth, they are all calling Baron a superstar on Around the Horn. They are also saying that Elton Brand is considering an offer from the Warriors. I bet Brand re-signs with the Clips now that Baron is in the mix.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:08 pm
i re sent. i originally sent it on friday. you know what to do
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:09 pm
ps… i did copy paste originally.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:09 pm
did you check your spam?
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Why fire RR? Isn’t our defense easy enough to play? You, Defensive line, move out of the way when the other team runs the ball and get no pressure during the pass. We want to see what our corners can do. Linebackers, drop back as far as you can and allow the running back to run past you. Whatever you do, DO NOT BLITZ. Corners, stay with your man until your legs give out on you and do it over and over and over again. You must run 10 miles per day on the treadmill to do this. Safety’s, good luck. May the force be with you.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Okay…I got an e-mail from Jim!
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Huff
FYI, Camp Pen is a little further that 15 min from SD..
prices around that area Vista, San Marcos are not bad..
Stay away from DownTown or SD proper,
used to go to all the Raider games in SD, till they started making you buy Multiple game tix to discourage us SoCAl Nation from taking over.
Good Luck!
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:10 pm
“I honestly think when all is said and done this will shake out to be a good move.”
This quote very well could be me just being overly optimistic. I’ll miss The Beard. I just think this might work out.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Dogg,
Is Ellis as good a #2 without Baron running the point ? We will see. I say no he isnt. When you put the ball in his hand you limit his game he needs to run hands free.
Arenas & Ellis in the back court would be sweet but GB has already agreed to a contract with the WW’s last I heard.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Jim CT Raider, Dakota is a filthy welcher.
Don’t waste your time.
Go Raiders.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Raiders83 - Thank you for the information.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:13 pm
dakota;;; say the words!
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:13 pm
OK sorry for all of the NBA talk.
I think that Javon Walker has some serious demons that he needs to exorcise before he can get his mind right, let alone focus on football.
Maybe Black Hole Priest can perform an exorcism?
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:14 pm
SAY THE WORDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:14 pm
SAY IT, SAY IT, HHHHHUUGUGUUG, SAY IT, SAY IT.
(USING BEAVIS’ VOICE)
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:14 pm
San Diego is an armpit.
If you are thinking of responding, reconsider.
Just win baby.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
My cousin lives in SD and calls it “Bakersfield with a Beach”. The weather is nice though.
Northern California is where all of the beauty is.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I think Walker needs a little mess in his life to get him back on track. Its like a cleansing. He needs to get it out of his system before the season starts. Broken bones heal. He should have 90 Receptions for 1300 yards and 10 TD’s. I’m just going to have crazy optimistic expectations and roll with that. Hes a bad boy, a Raider, hes just pillaging and plundering for fun.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
thought Fresno was the armpit..
SD was the azz
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Bay Area beauty? Oh yeah…I’m just drenched in beauty…oh my gosh, someone help me from this magnificent amount of wonderful. I claim bull on that one. I’ve lived here my whole life and I’m still waiting for the beautiful part. I guess you get to enjoy it while sitting in 2 hours of traffic.
And I’m sorry but I’ve been to Bakersfield. You might as well move to Oklahoma if you planned on living there.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I hope you are right Huff. I have always liked Javon Walker as a player, mostly with Green Bay. Did you read that story by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson a few days back? Pretty revealing.
Just imagine having your best friend die in your arms and you don’t face the grief. That stuff eats you up inside until you deal with it, and I don’t think Javon has faced any of it. I could be wrong, I’m just speculating based on what I have read.
If you haven’t read the Williamson article, I highly recommend it.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:21 pm
If you look at the state of California, it really is the shape of an arm and the armpit would actually be the Northern area, right below Oregon. Lets say, Weed, CA.
San Diego would be the finger tips.
The elbow would be San Francisco.
(If you want to get technical.)
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Jim, as a lifelong Laker fan I’ll say the words fro Dakota:
“From June 5 through June 16, 2008, and despite numerous officiating debacles that unfairly targeted one team, the Boston Celtics were superior to the Los Angeles Lakers”
However, Paul Pierce is the NBA’s biggest poosie for getting carried off the court in game 1 then coming back 10 minutes later with no limp and a BJ smile on his face. No respect for that drama queen.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Huff -
the caveat being that I live in Sonoma County, a 10 minute drive to rivers and redwoods. The beach is only 30 minutes away. You must live in Walnut Creek or something…
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:23 pm
DAKOTA: you have all my info (actually someone’s elses info)
Bill Pickel: are you sure don’t want it? Let me know before i contact this person to let him know a shirt is coming.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:25 pm
“However, Paul Pierce is the NBA’s biggest poosie for getting carried off the court in game 1 then coming back 10 minutes later with no limp and a BJ smile on his face. No respect for that drama queen.”
Thanks for the laugh BSJ. I have much respect for a dude that fakes an injury just to get a BJ in the locker room. Everybody unwinds in different ways, Pierce just needed to clear his mind so he could focus!
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:25 pm
but you like your little drama girl.. the three point queen.. black, greasy hair, falling all over and crying. went flying and didn’t get up for 5 min after a loose ball he lost w/i forgot the old man pg name.
please.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:25 pm
he immediately came back and bombed 3 3-pointers ahhahahahhahaha
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Jim ct, I’m positive dude. I just want this neck to pay up.
Thanks.
Go Raiders.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:27 pm
i’m not a pierce fan either… well he’s a Cs but i always thought he choked or got tight when the game got tight but he showed a lot in this series. You don’t think so? no one could cover him and he shut down your boy….
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I agree with your outlook Dogg, but Paulie Pierce’s trainer is a man. Ish.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Not much of a Pierce fan until the BJ thing. Now he’s one of my heroes!
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:28 pm
i owe you a few drinks! I gave dakota three chances to just plublicy write the celtics are better than the lakers and each time… he said no. actually no f’n way. hahahhahahahhahahahhahaha
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:28 pm
165 was to bill pickel
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:29 pm
His trainer was a man, but his “masseuse” is some Brazilian chick.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:29 pm
neck???
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:30 pm
I can’t believe this site won’t let me post or repost or break up and try to repost. This site is retarded when it comes to the technicalities of it.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:30 pm
I’m out for a while, catch you guys later. I’m off to get “focused”.
Have an excellent afternoon.
One Nation
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Sure Pierce played well, but stats/title don’t make up for getting carried off the court like he was wounded on Hamburger Hill, only to return and prove what a faker he is.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Pierce could have ran off and gotten beat up and robbed instead but some of you would have liked that too much wouldn’t you?
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
BSJ -
I have seen Derek Fisher fake injuries, including when he was on the W’s. He was never carried off the court though. He would just wait for the foul to be called and then magically “shake it off” and continue to play.
Ok now I’m out.
One Nation
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Thanks Jim Ct.
Good luck collecting from that filthy neck.
Daaahhhkota is the SCUM OF THE EARTH.
Go Raiders.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:36 pm
The sad part is…The Lakers lost fair and square because the Celtics had the big 3 and the Lakers only had Kobe. Yet…You guys are more concerned about Pierce getting hurt in game 1. You guys are just making up anything to B1tch about at this point. Just be honest. Kobe didn’t have any help and Pierce did. Thats all.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:37 pm
i’m also going to get “focused”. i was in the hospital all night and i slept 12 hours.. that’s 8 more than normal. i need an adult beverage.
thanks BP
thanks dakota.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Besides…its obvious that Kobe shared the same experience as Pierce when Kobe had Shaq but without Shaq, hes as good as Pierce without Garnett and Allen. Jordan couldn’t have done it without Pippen and Grant. Malone and Stockton never did it because they didn’t have that 3rd wheel to help them out. Shaq equaled 2 by himself.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Jim, before you sign off, I sent you a link to the jersey I plan on getting…give me the okay and it will be on its way.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Thats why Lebron James continues to struggle. Thats why Allen Iverson had trouble. 1 guy can only get you so far. Look at the Spurs…Duncan, Parker and Ginobli with guys like Horry as the 4th or 5th.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Anyways…gotta go for awhile. Peace.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:46 pm
dakota; perfect. thanks, again.
bp: i have to repay you some way.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Jim,
I am going to have it delivered to my place first and then I will send it on from here…I don’t know how long it will take, but you will have it asap.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:55 pm
bulls won 3 or 4 w/o grant. he was just piece of the puzzle.
kobe is too immature. even in this series he “lost” it. he had great 1st quarters. how many great first quarters did jordan have? how many great quarters or even decent ones when pierce covered him? and there are possy comments about pierce. he shut down the best player in the west.
enough of all that. Cs whip the lakers silly and they still dont get any respect. 8 espn writers voted on the series only one took the Cs and in 7. the others had la in 5 or 6.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Celtics still suck!
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Huff 24, post 136:
Truer words would be hard to find. Well said.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Jim if the shirt is going to Dakota’s shack first, you’re going to have to wash it twice before you send it off to your pal.
Go Raiders.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Riverside
you guys got firework stands up there?
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I really don’t want to drive all the way up the San Ber.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:06 pm
*to not the.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Dakota,
The series would have been different if Gasol would have played KG like he did in the international competition.
But insted he did his best impersonation of David Copperfield and poof…………..lakers chances disappeared.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:10 pm
If Dakota drinks a bunch of Captain than he is all right in my book
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:12 pm
951,
I don’t even want to think about that series any more…I have moved on…now I am worried about Bynum wanting a max extension despite the knee injury and whether or not we can keep Sasha and Turiaf and still sign a FA with the exemption.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Whats with the European hate? You guys realize that this country was heavily put together by people who came from Europe right? Respect your Ancestors people.
………………………………………………
You realize that this country was heavily put together and built on african/african-american slave labor? Just thought I’d remind all of those that had forgotten.
The Celtics were supposed to win that series, i give them all the respect in the world and im a Lakers fan. I beleive, and have beleived for sometime that KG was the best player in the league, up until this year when Kobe surpassed him IMO. He is my favorite player and one of my favorite players in the league for a while has been Ray Allen and He Got Game is in my top 20 fave movies. I despise Paul Pierce though, I am a graduate of Crenshaw HS in LA and funny story that i was told by a few friends of Paul was that he was gonna come to Crenshaw and went to tryouts and saw all of the comp. and got scared that he wouldnt make the team so he wussed out and went to Inglewood. Turned out to be a wise move though.
The Lakers over achieved and most didn’t think that they would be .500 let alone win the toughest western Conference in recent history. With a HEALTHY Andrew Bynum i beleive that it would have a been a much closer series…..he is the only legit shot blocker that we have. Vladamir Radmonovich is the player that a poster earlier commented on I believe, either him or Sasha Vujacic.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:22 pm
It is extremely difficult to please most people and just out right impossible to please others. Training camp hasn’t even started yet and people are bashing J.Walker already? Of course the Raider-hating local and National media is going to bash anything that has anything to do with the Raiders.
When we picked up the quitter Randy Moss the media blasted AL and the Raiders saying Moss was too old and washed up and that football had passed AL bye because he picked up a cancer like R.Moss. Then Moss is traded and all of a sudden Randy Moss is the best receiver in the league and Billecheat, Kraft and the Patriots are the smartest coach, owner and team in the league for getting him. What a load of crap. Did the media blast Mike Shanarat and the Bronco’s organization for picking up J. Walker?
Why is it when Walker comes to the Raiders it’s the worst move in football history? What a joke. Can people at least allow training camp to start before placing doubt on the players. Walker wasn’t in shape for OTA’s. So what. Walker has plenty of time to get in game shape. Jerry Porter was in great shape, how well did that help him perform? OTA’s mean little to nothing to a vet. It’s incredible how Raider fans want players to tote Bibles and act like little boy scouts. There’s nothing wrong with going out drinking and having a great time. Walker was just having a good time, maybe too good of a time but so what it was on his own time. Walker wasn’t out hurting anyone, driving drunk or any other illegal activity. People need to get off their high horses and stop passing judgment as if they were perfect.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Big al’s goon,
First of all, Javon probably wasn’t just drinking and partying he was probably mixed up with drugs or prostitutes or just the wrong people and he knows that. Of course people are going to bash on him because he’s an immature idiot who doesn’t realize that his career is on the line…I hope for his sake and the raiders he comes to realize that.
Second of all, raiders are the most hated team primarily because they are the most hated fans; do mostly in part because of gangs and the fact that more than %80 of inmates (including murderers, rapists, robbers, etc.) are raider fans so the idiotic media takes that as thinking that the raiders themselves represent the ugliness of normal society.
I on the other hand am a loyal raider fan and I say f$%^ them!!!! I don’t even watch the NFL network anymore because they are always wrong about their predictions time and time again. Turn it off, stop giving these stupid analysts who think they know football their ratings and just stick with raider-oriented articles and newscasts.
GO RAIDERS!!!! F*%& the REST!!!!
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I’m surprised we have not yet had our first poster to suggest we trade for Farve.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:41 pm
I got an idea, lets trade for Favre.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Oh yeah…so Jamarcus Russell can sit behind Favre for 3 years like Aaron Rodgers? If we’re lucky, Russell will be better than Favre ever was.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Probably, probably, probably Ryder. That’s the bigger issue no-one knows for absolute sure except those directly involved. Calling the guy immature and an idiot is so overboard and unnecessary. There’s nothing wrong with a legal aged person drinking and partying and having a good ole’ time. If this is how he chooses to spend some of his down time, so be it. Because the guy got wasted at a club partying doesn’t make him immature.
And just because some low-life scum bags decided to beat and robb a drunk NFL player doesn’t make Walker an idiot.
And as far as Walkers’ career being on the line, we weren’t the only team interested in Javon Walker. If we didn’t sign him some other team would have.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
The perfect Clipper:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDlaVqVz17g
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Seriously i would like for us to bring in Simms from Tampa when he is released, it would add some real competition to our QB’s and he knows a similar system so the transition would be easy.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Jim,
I wouldn’t call Robinson high risk since he’d probably get around the minimum salary and would be a 4th WR who returns kicks. It’s not like the Raiders would be losing a lot of money or an indispensible piece if he flakes out.
If Robinson has finally straightened himself out, you’re getting a Pro-Bowl caliber KR and a WR who’s arguably as talented as any we have on the roster. So I agree with the “high reward” label.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:06 pm
The only thing that Javon is guilty of is not having sufficient enough security with him. He was more naive than he was ignorant.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Dakota
That was GAY. Yup, the perfect Warrior/Clipper.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Do you guys really think Chris Simms is that good? I just don’t think he has “it”. Maybe Gruden has destroyed his psyche.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Keep Simms off the team and let Walter stay.
We don’t need to bring in another special teamer. Let the young guys return kicks so they have a spot on the roster. I would hate to see one of the drafted guys go just to put a known drug abuser on the roster. Lets develop our own.
Yes you can take that any way you want.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Dakota - That was funny. Where the heck do you come up with all this stuff? hah.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Sign Thurman, he could be had for the minimum and would be a nice addition to next years LB corp. Yes, we would get bashed in the media, but that will happen no matter what we do. I have not heard of him being a cancer outside of his own personal demons, he is a pro-bowl caliber player that has a problem, sounds like a perfect Raider reclaimation project.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I just think its funny that some people want Walker to go but they don’t mind Koren Robinson. That makes no sense at all.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Thurman will never play in the NFL again.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Do you guys really think Chris Simms is that good? I just don’t think he has “it”. Maybe Gruden has destroyed his psyche.
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I actually don’t think Simms is “that” good or have “it”, but he IS better than Walter in this particular system. In a dropback style offense Walter is superior and has a better arm, but Walter has shown that he can’t avoid even the tiniest pass rush and is unable to make a throw on the run. He openly complained about the offense and was benched the next game in favor of Aaron Brooks (i can’t beleive he actually played for us).
Do you guys really think that Walter is that good? I just dont think he has “it”. Maybe Shell, Walsh, and breakfast nooks destroyed his psyche.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Severeraider - Nice way to change it around. You could be right.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:27 pm
No single QB in the NFL could be expected to stand behind the line that Shell/Walsh put on the field. Walter is going to need a little time to come to grasp with the footsteps he is more then likely still hearing that led to his body being driven into the ground over and over.
Andrew has a better arm then Simms, He is a better QB then Simms, hell Simms was all but run out of Tampa BEFORE he lost his spleen or what ever it was. Keep him out of Oakland. Unless he is a ticket holder like the rest of us.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Mike Shanahan is still laughing his arse off, Al. 3 knee surgeries? and you give the guy 16 million guaranteed? 3 teams in 6 years??
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Huff,
People who want Robinson know he can be had for cheap while Walker is slated to make about $10 million per year. I don’t think Robinson is a better player, but I don’t think Walker is worth 10x as much.
Those people aren’t looking at it like Robinson is less of a risk to fizzle in Oakland. Just that he’s a talented veteran who can help out at a low salary.
Walker is clearly overpaid and all signs thus far — from him being out of shape at mini-camps to the Vegas incident to reports that his head isn’t on right — are not good.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Jerry,
How can a 80yr old man be the primary personnel guy for an NFL Team?
Can you ask Mike Taylor please?
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Simms Career stats. He has played in 19 games since entering the league in 2003. Can you say health risk?
G Att Comp Pct Att/G Yds Avg Yds/G TD Int
19 492 291 59.1 25.9 3,087 6.3 162.5 12 17
Walters Career stats.
G Att Comp Pct Att/G Yds Avg Yds/G TD Int
13 284 152 53.5 21.8 1,715 6.0 131.9 3 13
The stats are pretty close, unless you look at how much time Andrew has seen the field with the 1st team compaired to Simms, plus, Simms had over 2,000 yards with the team that won the SB in the SD.
Thanks but I’ll stick with Walter.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:47 pm
KK, with the other weapons the Raiders have, you can just line Javon up and let him consume a couple of defenders. That leaves Miller, Huggy Jr, Drew Carter, Dmac and Mike Bush room to wreck havoc. And don’t forget my darkhorse guy Todd Watkins.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:49 pm
I don’t know 951 the TD to Int ratio looks pretty sour for