(Deep sigh.) Really? A form of hazing?
It appears that Cleveland rookies aren’t too pleased with Eric Mangini today. The new head coach is busing his rookie class (those that volunteered: nudge, nudge, wink, wink) to his football camp in Connecticut. The ride is expected to take 10 hours. I’d agree that the 10 hour trip is a little longer than most NFL players are used to. But what is the issue here really? Is it the bus ride? Is it working a football camp? Is it being expected to attend a ‘voluntary’ function? This just wreaks of spoiled athletes crying again when they have to do something that most of us have to do on a regular basis.
I give Josh Cribbs credit. We gave Cribbs a hard time after his demands for a new contract were made, but Josh eventually softened his stance and came out sounding like the fan favorite he is (thanks OBR)-
“This team is not going to lose any sleep over one guy,” Cribbs said.” I’ll say that. The team is bigger than just one player. It’s bigger than me. This town is bigger than me. I just want to be a part of it.
“I have to put it in my head that many people – thousands of people out there – are without jobs and would love to be in my position just to have the opportunity to earn a paycheck. Just hearing fans, people close to me say, ‘Just go back. We want you to stay in this uniform.’ It touched me. Ultimately we play for the fans, and that’s why I’m back.”
I don’t expect NFL players to leave millions of money on the table. I really don’t. I do expect people to honor their contracts though. And I suppose it is my simple upbringing, but asking guys to spend some time on a bus isn’t the worst thing in the world. I certainly wouldn’t call it “sophisticated hazing.”
(Photo courtesy the OBR)