Catching up on ex-Pats Johnson and Claridge
 

From the Globe...."Bethel Johnson sat out practices last week after a bout with heat exhaustion. The former Patriots receiver, traded to New Orleans for defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan (yet to pass the team's conditioning test), was taken to the hospital Thursday after experiencing dizzy spells . . . . . . Former Patriot Ryan Claridge worked out for the Texans last week but didn't sign a contract. The second-year linebacker, who sat out all of his rookie season because of a shoulder injury and was released just before training camp, has healed and is likely to catch on with a team later in camp and start the season on a practice squad."

BJ hasn't changed has he...?? Claridge?? That is interesting as well.

Re: Catching up on ex-Pats Johnson and Claridge
 

Re: Catching up on ex-Pats Johnson and Claridge
 

I wouldn't really criticize a guy for having problems with the heat. David Givens had to leave a Titans practice recently for the same thing. A ton of players around the NFL have gone through this. I certainly don't think this question's his toughness.

Re: Catching up on ex-Pats Johnson and Claridge
 

No, but it is a question of preparing yourself for the rigors of camp. When you are training in June and July, you don't just go lift in an air conditioned gym. You go out and do sprints in the heat of the day, like you will be asked to in August.

Re: Catching up on ex-Pats Johnson and Claridge
 

Bethel played his college ball in Texas. He should know how to prepare for heat. But I'm sure he'll be pointing the finger at someone else, e.g. the coaching staff.

Re: Catching up on ex-Pats Johnson and Claridge
 

Teams have been err'ing on the side of caution since Korey Stringer died in the Vikings TC a few years back...

Re: Catching up on ex-Pats Johnson and Claridge
 

Ok, David Givens lived in Texas before going to Notre Dame. What's his excuse for leaving the Titans practice the other day because of struggling with the heat?

Criticizing Bethel for never living up to potential and being injury prone is fine. Using the heat as some sign of him not being tough or in shape is just plain ridiculous.

Re: Catching up on ex-Pats Johnson and Claridge
 

Okay, this is no big deal, they just didn't have Rodney stalking the sidelines asking if people were hydrated. Not every team can say they have a waterboy playing hitman for them.