When do you expect Branch to end his holdout - Page 4 - New England Patriots Forums

***PATSNUTme*** · 08-11-2006, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fgssand

Bold prediction and I hope you are right....do you have any reason to say this or just a guess?

Not a prediction - just a feeling.

The reason I have that feeling is that it is stupid for Deion to hold out any longer. He will be able to accomplish more by reporting than holding out.

Example: He can say to the Patriots, I'll come in if you waive the fines. Or, I'll come in if you waive the fines and give me a bonus.

The continued holdout does not make any sense for him anymore.

***QuiGon*** · 08-11-2006, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PATSNUTme

That is why I posted, when I started the thread, that it makes no sense for him holding out much longer.

If they are at a total impass, then he should report and see if they can get something going during the season. He is only hurting himself and won't change the situation with a further hold out.

There is nothing to gain for him and everything to lose.

Who knows, if he shows up and works hard with the right attitude, maybe the Patriots won't tag him. Maybe they will just let him go and use the money to sign a FA #1 WR.

But if he holds out to the last minute, he makes nothing and the Patriots may tag him just for spite.

I agree with most of your post except for one small thing: The Patriots act in a very business-like, unemotional manner. They are not going to tag someone "just for spite". They may very well tag him if they thing he is worth whatever it would cost them. Or they may let him go if they don't think he is worth whatever he will cost them. But I don't think for one second hard feelings or spiteful action enter the front office's minds.

***PATSNUTme*** · 08-11-2006, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuiGon

I agree with most of your post except for one small thing: The Patriots act in a very business-like, unemotional manner. They are not going to tag someone "just for spite". They may very well tag him if they thing he is worth whatever it would cost them. Or they may let him go if they don't think he is worth whatever he will cost them. But I don't think for one second hard feelings or spiteful action enter the front office's minds.

You are right in most cases. But, everyone has pride and a line that can't be crossed.

Business is business. But I have been in business many years and I've seen it get very personal once a situation has gone beyonda certan point.

That is why I think it is in Branch's interest to report this week. He is really not holding any trump cards in this situation. The best thing for his long term future is to report. He's made his point now.

PromisedLand · 08-11-2006, 12:45 PM

In my opinion the best chance for this situation to get resolved is this:

Branch agrees to come in without a new contract and the Patriots agree to waive the fines.

Why?

1. The Patriots CANNOT give in to his demands. Branch is under contract and to reward a guy for failing to honor his contract is like giving in to terrorists. If you let him get away with it, everyone will start doing it. (If you think Branch would be holding out had the Pats not rewarded Seymour for doing the same thing last year, raise your hand.... I don't see any hands raised - therefore I'm right!

)

2. Branch has nothing further to gain by continuing his holdout, unless he plans to sit out until week 11, in which case he will have to play 6 games (and risk getting hurt) for no pay(assuming the Pats exercise their right to fine him $14K/day). He also hurts his market value (TO notwithstanding - Deion is a good receiver but he is not in TO's talent class) and the Pats can still franchise him.

3. Deion can save face by firing his agent, a la Watson in 2004, and hire a less confrontational one.

***PATSNUTme*** · 08-11-2006, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PromisedLand

In my opinion the best chance for this situation to get resolved is this:

Branch agrees to come in without a new contract and the Patriots agree to waive the fines.

Why?

1. The Patriots CANNOT give in to his demands. Branch is under contract and to reward a guy for failing to honor his contract is like giving in to terrorists. If you let him get away with it, everyone will start doing it. (If you think Branch would be holding out had the Pats not rewarded Seymour for doing the same thing last year, raise your hand.... I don't see any hands raised - therefore I'm right!

)

2. Branch has nothing further to gain by continuing his holdout, unless he plans to sit out until week 11, in which case he will have to play 6 games (and risk getting hurt) for no pay(assuming the Pats exercise their right to fine him $14K/day). He also hurts his market value (TO notwithstanding - Deion is a good receiver but he is not in TO's talent class) and the Pats can still franchise him.

3. Deion can save face by firing his agent, a la Watson in 2004, and hire a less confrontational one.

You nailed it. I just hope that the kid doesn't push this too far.

***PATSNUTme*** · 08-12-2006, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PATSNUTme

I almost expect that they will announce tonight, before the game ,that he will be coming in to practice starting the first of next week.

Ok- I was wrong about that one.

Let's see if it's sometime this week.

The report that he is going to hold out until game 10 is just plain stupid on Deions part.

***PatsWickedPissah*** · 08-12-2006, 10:03 AM

Sadly there's no NFL or other rule against stupidity.

Jimke · 08-12-2006, 10:25 AM

If Deon holds out until the 10th games of the season, I expect the

Pats to fine him the maximum amount and not play him in any of the

remaining games and the playoffs.

If he does not sign in the next few days, I hope the Pats make a trade

and try to come up with a wide receiver with a hell of a lot more promise

than their recent acquisitions.

***BelichickFan*** · 08-12-2006, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimke

If Deon holds out until the 10th games of the season, I expect the

Pats to fine him the maximum amount and not play him in any of the

remaining games and the playoffs.

If he does not sign in the next few days, I hope the Pats make a trade

and try to come up with a wide receiver with a hell of a lot more promise

than their recent acquisitions.

I expect they'd Keyshawn him and tell him he's inactive the rest of the year and not to show up.

There's WR available, Lelie obviously, but I think Stallworth and Rogers (who showed up in excellent shape for Detroit but is still 3rd string) could be had.