T
TealSox
Guest
FIRST of all...
I have no problem with a player looking out for his better interests. If Vince feels that it is in his better interest to skip mandatory practices, then so be it.
WHAT I do have a problem with...
...is that this will likely be all-for-not. (1) Not too many Patriot players have been able to hold the team hostage for a new and improved contract. To my recollection, Seymour did a could years ago, but then again, Branch was shipped off to Seattle. (2) I can't imagine Vince's participation in OTAs is significant to his regular season performance. As a nose-tackle, he pretty much has one thing to practice and be in shape to do it. In fact, it will be best to get Ron Brace in there and coach him up in Vince's absence. Brace should thank Vince for the opportunity to add some dollars to his signing bonus. (3) Ron Brace is a viable replacement when/if Vince gets serious with his holdout and wants to miss some regular season games. And if that is the case, trade him. Sure Vince is one of the best at his positions, but being the best and being good at the nose tackle position is splitting hairs, IMO.
So...
Pats should sit back and let Vince do all the talking. Coach up Brace and get ready to move into the season without him. Thats all they can do without setting a precedent in the dust of record deal Albert Haynesworth got in WASH.
I have no problem with a player looking out for his better interests. If Vince feels that it is in his better interest to skip mandatory practices, then so be it.
WHAT I do have a problem with...
...is that this will likely be all-for-not. (1) Not too many Patriot players have been able to hold the team hostage for a new and improved contract. To my recollection, Seymour did a could years ago, but then again, Branch was shipped off to Seattle. (2) I can't imagine Vince's participation in OTAs is significant to his regular season performance. As a nose-tackle, he pretty much has one thing to practice and be in shape to do it. In fact, it will be best to get Ron Brace in there and coach him up in Vince's absence. Brace should thank Vince for the opportunity to add some dollars to his signing bonus. (3) Ron Brace is a viable replacement when/if Vince gets serious with his holdout and wants to miss some regular season games. And if that is the case, trade him. Sure Vince is one of the best at his positions, but being the best and being good at the nose tackle position is splitting hairs, IMO.
So...
Pats should sit back and let Vince do all the talking. Coach up Brace and get ready to move into the season without him. Thats all they can do without setting a precedent in the dust of record deal Albert Haynesworth got in WASH.