Should we talk about Tony Washington?

[patchick]

OT Tony Washington is a registered sex offender, due to a conviction at age 16 for an act that was apparently consensual but makes people cringe in horror. As a result, there's been little discussion here of him as a draft prospect. Do we just assume that Washington is off the Patriots' board altogether? Or do we take a look at him as a player?

The guy is 6'6.1", 311 lbs. but looks lighter because he wears his weight like a natural athlete. He has long, powerful arms, quick feet, and moves laterally very well. By all accounts he's been a good citizen in college.

But. So?

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

No report of NE at his Pro-Day or showing any interest. His history doesn't seem to be a major obstacle to me, but the Kraft family may view it differently. The biggest knock on him from my perspective is a short shuttle a little slower than the current Tackle corps.

 

[PATSNUTme]

It depends on what he has done since age 16. Has he had other problems? If not, then he should not be held accountable for that now.

Now I don't want to take any OL in the 1st or 2nd round this year. We have bigger needs at several positions and good players available in those rounds. Can he play guard? 6'6 is tall to play guard in the Patriots offense? The only OL I would look at is this year is someone who can play T/G or G/C.

 

[BritPat]

Was the third best looking OT at the Combine.

That consensual sexual act by the way was with his sister. But it was a long time ago.

If the stars were to align right, I'd look at him on Day 3 without question. I get the feeling the Kraft's have probably already put the kibosh on it though.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

Was the third best looking OT at the Combine.

That consensual sexual act by the way was with his sister. But it was a long time ago.

If the stars were to align right, I'd look at him on Day 3 without question. I get the feeling the Kraft's have probably already put the kibosh on it though.

His sister?

Is Washington a Hillbilly or something?

16 or not....thats a sick person,even if he hasn't done it again

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

His sister?

Is Washington a Hillbilly or something?

16 or not....thats a sick person,even if he hasn't done it again

Washington grew up in New Orleans, however I seriously doubt his home was in the same neighborhood as Prince Peyton's. Things happen in dysfunctional families, I have little doubt his home life was a bloody mess from the word go, it's very sad. Yesterday the NY Times carried a NJ story about a 15 year old who attended a party with her 7 year old stepsister - there she prostituted herself, then sold her younger sister into what eventually became a gang rape. The ages reported for the "men" ranged from 20-14. I have to wonder if people critical of Tebow for his faith read such stories and wonder if anything was lacking in these girls and boys home life?

I'd still like to know if the sister was ever registered as a sex offender?

As it stands, Washington attended two private Christian colleges who have worked to correct moral and ethical education he lacked as a child. He's undergone two rigorous background checks and the local law enforcement for those campus locations labeled him a low risk. Crap happens to kids, I've got 10 year old kids from unchurched families attending a Bible school program my church sponsors telling me about the number of times they've been in foster care.

From a fan's perspective, the only thing we need worry about with Washington is whether he's a good value for NE at OT. The team will have a headache arranging travel permits and carrying extra security to ensure the comfort of local authorities for away games, but for fans, can the kid keep Tommy's jersey clean and open lanes for Maroney & Co.? I think he could be a good RT, and may be a good LT too.

 

[VJCPatriot]

OT Tony Washington is a registered sex offender, due to a conviction at age 16 for an act that was apparently consensual but makes people cringe in horror. As a result, there's been little discussion here of him as a draft prospect. Do we just assume that Washington is off the Patriots' board altogether? Or do we take a look at him as a player?

The guy is 6'6.1", 311 lbs. but looks lighter because he wears his weight like a natural athlete. He has long, powerful arms, quick feet, and moves laterally very well. By all accounts he's been a good citizen in college.

But. So?

Let's not mince words here --- INCEST. NO, definitely no to TW. *shudders*

 

[Seneschal2]

I have no issues with TW when you consider BOR's complete post. What would concern me the most is -- the Boston/NE media.

As a lifelong Boston sports fan, it's pained me to experience the controversy created by various local scribes and talk shows for reasons of agenda. Any NE athlete with an undesirable past can be subjected to numerous judgmental stories during their careers. And all you need is a negative reputation based on heresay, for the media to run with a story. Can you imagine if you actually broke the law?

Sorry TW, but past will not be past...and as a loyal Pats fan, I just want to keep things simple, enjoy the team, and guard you from being easy pickings.

 

[the wrothbroughterer]

The biggest challenge for him isn't going to be staying out of trouble. He's made it abundantly clear that he isn't a trouble maker, he just has that 1 disgusting episode hanging over his head. His biggest challenge is going to be gaining acceptance from whatever locker room he walks into. Would you wanna share a locker room with the dude that banged his sister?

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

The biggest challenge for him isn't going to be staying out of trouble. He's made it abundantly clear that he isn't a trouble maker, he just has that 1 disgusting episode hanging over his head. His biggest challenge is going to be gaining acceptance from whatever locker room he walks into. Would you wanna share a locker room with the dude that banged his sister?

I wouldn't expect that to carry too much weight in NE's locker room, some of those kids have come from neighborhoods just as rough. Seneschal actually has the more potent argument with ESPN just down the coast and Borges crowd just looking for an opening in the Belichick/Kraft armor.

 

[patchick]

I have no issues with TW when you consider BOR's complete post. What would concern me the most is -- the Boston/NE media.

As a lifelong Boston sports fan, it's pained me to experience the controversy created by various local scribes and talk shows for reasons of agenda. Any NE athlete with an undesirable past can be subjected to numerous judgmental stories during their careers. And all you need is a negative reputation based on heresay, for the media to run with a story. Can you imagine if you actually broke the law?

Sorry TW, but past will not be past...and as a loyal Pats fan, I just want to keep things simple, enjoy the team, and guard you from being easy pickings.

This is extremely insightful, alas. It's probably best for Washington's sake that he goes to a team that's under less of a spotlight.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

This is extremely insightful, alas. It's probably best for Washington's sake that he goes to a team that's under less of a spotlight.

Cincinnati Bengals would fit just fine

 

[BritPat]

Washington grew up in New Orleans, however I seriously doubt his home was in the same neighborhood as Prince Peyton's. Things happen in dysfunctional families, I have little doubt his home life was a bloody mess from the word go, it's very sad. Yesterday the NY Times carried a NJ story about a 15 year old who attended a party with her 7 year old stepsister - there she prostituted herself, then sold her younger sister into what eventually became a gang rape. The ages reported for the "men" ranged from 20-14. I have to wonder if people critical of Tebow for his faith read such stories and wonder if anything was lacking in these girls and boys home life?

I'd still like to know if the sister was ever registered as a sex offender?

As it stands, Washington attended two private Christian colleges who have worked to correct moral and ethical education he lacked as a child. He's undergone two rigorous background checks and the local law enforcement for those campus locations labeled him a low risk. Crap happens to kids, I've got 10 year old kids from unchurched families attending a Bible school program my church sponsors telling me about the number of times they've been in foster care.

From a fan's perspective, the only thing we need worry about with Washington is whether he's a good value for NE at OT. The team will have a headache arranging travel permits and carrying extra security to ensure the comfort of local authorities for away games, but for fans, can the kid keep Tommy's jersey clean and open lanes for Maroney & Co.? I think he could be a good RT, and may be a good LT too.

Terrific post Box.

You can't judge him for something that happened when he was a kid with no moral guideline for his upbringing. From what I've heard he's really sorted himself out, although he's supposedly a bit of an arrogant SOB. He's supposedly a very hard worker, a team leader, film rat - and there's absolutely no doubting he can protect the blindside.

I can see him going much higher than people think - I'd take him from the start of the fourth round without question, but I can see someone taking him as high as the second round, a la Michael Roos.

 

[TheComeback]

I'd still like to know if the sister was ever registered as a sex offender?

No. Only men commit sex crimes.

In my opinion, take a chance on the guy if he can play. I think it sends a bad message to our society if he doesn't end up drafted or signing with a team because of this stigma. He was 16, and as nasty as the act was, it was consensual. No one should have their future ruined over a relatively harmless act committed when they were a teenager. I think it's ridiculous he was charged at all, to be frank, but then again I don't know all the details either.

Not sure what his problems have to do with attending Christian church, but there surely was a lack of parenting in his family. He seems to have turned out well despite all the public humiliation. The guy has a realistic chance to play in the NFL, the highest level of his career path. That's not something most of us can say.