Sauerbrun still trying to wiggle free

[Crowpointer]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sauerbrun's return still possible
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 04/11/2007 12:19:46 AM MDT


The Broncos haven't necessarily lost the chance to bring back veteran punter Todd Sauerbrun.

The NFL Players Association is fighting a technicality in the original contract Sauerbrun signed with the New England Patriots in December. If he wins the grievance, Sauerbrun will become a free agent and can sign with any NFL team. Sauerbrun has made it known his preference is to play for the Broncos.

Sauerbrun agreed to a one-year contract with Denver on April 3. The deal was matched by the Patriots, who had the right of first refusal. The unusual clause was written into the contract Sauerbrun signed with the Patriots. However, the NFLPA will argue how the language was presented in the contract, said a source with direct knowledge of the situation.

The grievance is planned to be heard in Boston next week. A ruling is expected before the April 28-29 draft. The NFL Management Council will represent the Patriots in the case. Sauerbrun punted for the Broncos in 2005. They cut him last October after he served a four-game NFL suspension for using a banned substance.
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_5637962

 

[ironwasp]

If the guy's this desperate not to play for us, we might as well as cut him loose and use one of the other three punters on the roster.

 

[fgssand]

No way....I would not make anything easy for Broncos.

Let Shanny "pony up" a number 7 if he wants him that bad.

Maybe cut his ass on about the last cut down....if he becomes spare parts for us.

The more Denver wants him ,the more I want him fighting for a job here.

 

[homerpatsfan]

may as well get as much as possable for him. i like miller better

 

[JustWinBrady]

The NFL Players Association is fighting a technicality in the original contract Sauerbrun signed with the New England Patriots in December.

Last december? Why wasn't this clause pointed out when he signed the original contract? The contract stood up last decemember and no one had a problem with it. I expect the contract will stand up now and Sauerbun will remain property of the NE Patriots.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Sounds more like the NFLPA (or Upshaw) flexing it's anti-Patriot muscle to see if it has any strength. Recall that part of the new CBA was targeted at the Patriots for forcing Tom Condon's clients to sign six year agreements. Upshaw is still an old used buttwipe Raider at heart. Saurbrun may want to play in Denver, I would in his place too, there isn't as much competition in Training Camp. Here he could find himself adrift in August after Miller proves his placement kicking still tops beyond the coverage kicking.

 

[Jimke]

We were good enough for him when nobody wanted him. In fact,

Denver was the team that released him. Like another poster said

we should try to keep him until the last cut and then release him. Don't let

Denver get him by backing down.

 

[tombonneau]

What a weird turd this guy is.

 

[unoriginal]

Sounds more like the NFLPA (or Upshaw) flexing it's anti-Patriot muscle to see if it has any strength. Recall that part of the new CBA was targeted at the Patriots for forcing Tom Condon's clients to sign six year agreements. Upshaw is still an old used buttwipe Raider at heart. Saurbrun may want to play in Denver, I would in his place too, there isn't as much competition in Training Camp. Here he could find himself adrift in August after Miller proves his placement kicking still tops beyond the coverage kicking.

You might be reading too much into this. No way an old Raider helps the Donkeys just to hurt the Pats.

 

[Dragda]

may as well get as much as possable for him. i like miller better

Sauerbrun has the bigger leg, but from what I've seen Miller is a better situational punter and more versatile (holder).

We are so desperate for any team news this is actually a compelling thread. He's a second string punter!

 

[theONLYJerseypatsfan]

Maybe Sauerbrun is still drunk.......drunk people do stupid things.........

 

[MoLewisrocks]

What a weird turd this guy is.

Hate to say I told you so but... Punters should be seen but not heard. This one comes with some baggage that includes a pain in the ass personality. They were forced to ignore all that last season because there was no time to explore alternatives. With 6 months to figure out some reasonable alternatives they should have just walked away. Unless they are just doing this to bust his balls - although their time could be better spent. I know at this point I wouldn't want this clown within 5 miles of my off season facilities or attending my camps.

I have to assume they are doing this because they believe if Shannahan traded a 7th and a punter for him when Carolina was on the verge of just cutting him on the heels of the first steroid scandal, they can squeeze a little something out of Mike yet again.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

You might be reading too much into this. No way an old Raider helps the Donkeys just to hurt the Pats.

Now now, I'm sure Mr. Upshaw's fond memories of Denver influence him, but his behavior leading up to the CBA and actions since does not show any love for New England.

 

[PatDaPatriot]

I'd be surpised if this grievence is heard. I foresee a "re-negotiated" contract and a trade...

 

[Sean Pa Patriot]

Why such a fuss over him.. I stil cant understand it..

 

[Jimke]

The only thing that is a big deal about the Sauerbrun situation is

that the Pats have another player trying to get out of a duly

executed contract. This is why the Pats probably won't rid themselves

of the nuisance by simply releasing him. The arbitrator is usually

too chicken to make a decision. Maybe the Pats will get a conditional

draft choice in 2008 from Denver to resolve the situation.

 

[Tunescribe]

What a weird turd this guy is.

What's with his fixation on Denver anyway?

 

[jczxohn1]

What's with his fixation on Denver anyway?

If you were a punter, wouldn't you like to kick in Denver? Think Colorado Rockies, Home Run Capital of MLB.

 

[groundgame]

It's gotta be an uphill fight for Sauerbrun to prevail, as both sides mutually agreed to the right of last refusal. The fact that this unusual provision was included in the contract, which highlights the intent of the team and player, you would think it would be difficult to reverse. We have plenty of 6th and 7th round picks.

 

[pats1]

This really has the makings of the Pats matching Sauerbrun just to trade him - possibly to the Broncos.