Lynch arrives in Buffalo- Per PFT

[K Gun Special]

You missed the point, as usual. I don't care whether he is a good or mediocre player. You can be an exceptional player and still not be an asset to the team. The front office had an opportunity to move him for (supposedly) a third round pick. They didn't seize that opportunity. So Marshawn Lynch is behaving like the Marshawn Lynch we know by not coming in for the OTAs. What a surprise?

 

Let's compare a winning franchise with a losing franchise. The Steelers got rid of a former first round receiver who like Lynch has had a face to face meeting with the Commissioner. The Steelers trade him to the Jets for a fifth round pick. The Bills had a trade offer (supposedly) for Lynch for a third round pick. The Bills declined.

 

Now Lynch's conduct has come to the forefront again. Are you surprised? You shouldn't be. When you have a Lynch on your roster you get the nonsense that goes with it. The Bills simply miscalculated when they drafted him and when they kept him.

 

By not coming to voluntary workouts?

[snamsnoops]

What a sniveling brown noser. LOL....SUCKER!!!! Don't forget to fill out your TPS reports!

 

 

BUT BUT BUT thats my Stapler!

[UticaBill]

Just out of curiosity, what if Marshawn is attending classes to finish his degree? There has been no word why Lynch isn't in town, perhaps the reason is justified, perhaps not. I don't think we should cast aspersions upon the guy based entirely on speculation.

[Doc]

While it would have been nice if he'd shown-up to OTA's, missing them won't be what makes or breaks his season. And word is he reported in great shape. If he stays out of trouble and has a good season, this will all be a big "who give a frig?"

[Deep2Moulds46]

im in the same boat as the other posters who dont understand the need to bash Lynch in order to talk up Jackson. I like both of them and am glad to have them all on the team. why does it have to be one or the other?

 

It's not about one or the other.

 

For example, I don't feel the need to bash James Hardy to pump up Steve Johnson. I like them both. I don't feel the need to knock Drayton Florence to pump up Leodis McKelvin, or even Whitner vs George Wilson.

 

I'm all for may the best man win.

 

I just don't like Lynch. I think he is a knucklehead off the field, and a complete prick to the media. If he comes out this season and runs for 1600 yards, 12+ TD's and carries the Bills on his back to the playoffs, I'll be happy for his production, but he still won't be one of my favorite players.

[DrDawkinstein]

It's not about one or the other.

 

For example, I don't feel the need to bash James Hardy to pump up Steve Johnson. I like them both. I don't feel the need to knock Drayton Florence to pump up Leodis McKelvin, or even Whitner vs George Wilson.

 

I'm all for may the best man win.

 

I just don't like Lynch. I think he is a knucklehead off the field, and a complete prick to the media. If he comes out this season and runs for 1600 yards, 12+ TD's and carries the Bills on his back to the playoffs, I'll be happy for his production, but he still won't be one of my favorite players.

 

ok, so youre bashing lynch just to bash him because you dont like him personally. because you know him so well.

 

time to find a hobby, bro.

 

and that post wasnt specifically at you. you cant deny that there are a lot of people here that try to talk up Jackson by bashing Lynch.

 

to address the post by San Jose, i dont agree with bashing Jackson as an argument for Lynch, but that is rarely done here. Some people will point out that he is 30, but that isnt bashing, that is stating a fact as a valid reason for their point of view.

[Deep2Moulds46]

ok, so youre bashing lynch just to bash him because you dont like him personally. because you know him so well.

 

time to find a hobby, bro.

 

The guy with almost 7,000 posts on a message board is telling me to find a hobby? Interesting

[DrDawkinstein]

The guy with almost 7,000 posts on a message board is telling me to find a hobby? Interesting

 

very original comeback. all im saying is there are better ways of spending your time than publicly announcing your hatred for someone you dont even know. but carry on if you must.

[San Jose Bills Fan]

1) This perennial debate over who shows up and not is tiresome. This nettlesome issue comes up for most teams. There is a simple solution to this so called "coerced" optional system. The next CBA should make it mandatory with additional remuneration or simply put an OTA requirement in the players' contracts. In order for this approach to work all teams have to have the same OTA structures, meaning the same amount of work out dates.

 

2) If the present system isn't mandatory when it really is that in itself will cause unnecessary player/coach conflict. Who is being penalized by Lynch not showing up or missing some of the OTA dates? He is. Not showing up when there is a new coaching staff and system being installed is setting him back.

 

3) San Jose, as a union employee, you more than anyone else should be less critical of someone who abides by the labor contract and not want the employee to be penalized for something he doesn't have to do. What you want ML to do and what he is obligated to do are not the issue. ML is hurting his prospects with the Bills and he is hurting his prospects to be desired by other teams. He is making his own choice and he will have to live with the consequences.

 

4) What happens if after training camp ML shines and out plays the other backs? Then this OTA distraction becomes meaningless. Again, I repeat my main point: If OTAs are so important then they should be made mandatory in the next CBA. Let's face it OTAs are not an issue for a player such as Fauvre. Heck, training camp and a good chunk of the preseason are not a concern to the grizzly veteran.

John, here's what I think.

 

1) OTAs will not be made mandatory any time soon, IMO. Some players do have workout bonuses based upon their level of participation in OTAs but in order for it to become a bargaining chip in the CBA talks, one side or the other will have to bring it up in negotiations.

 

The moment that happens, the other side will want to raise a separate issue as a bargaining chip. It's the same ridiculous dynamic which has helped keep a rookie pay scale on the back burner. Both the owners and players as well as the Commissioner (not so much the agents) seem to want a rookie pay scale but neither side (labor or management) wants to raise the issue in negotiations for fear that they will have to give up or concede something on another issue. It's a silly situation but I think unless players start getting injured in droves, OTAs will be an accepted part of the landscape.

 

2) Lynch is being penalized. But so is everyone associated with Buffalo Bills football. If he can't perform his duties to the utmost as a result of bad participation/attendance, that hurts the team and the fans as well.

 

3) Firstly, unions have had an eroding market share in this country since the end of WW II. On top of that unions in this country have a PR/image problem. Many unions (my own included) are trying to dispel many of the old biases against unions because we know that the negative stereotypes and hostilities towards unions are hurting the cause of labor and workers rights in this country. So I stand by my criticism of Lynch. His attitude, bad work ethic, and lack of professionalism are a bad reflection on him. I would never choose to protect him under the union shield.

 

Secondly on this point, he is not required to participate but the CBA also doesn't forbid him from participating. It goes both ways. The fact that the vast majority of players participate in OTAs (especially when there is a new coach and system being installed) means that Lynch is being unprofessional in the context of his peers.

 

4) Criticism of those not participating in these OTAs can be argued to be a case-by-case exercise. Favre is a future HOF player, a Super Bowl Champion and multi-time MVP. He has a demonstrated level of excellence. On top of all that he also turn 41 years old this season. It's very arguable that he would be better served resting his body than subjecting it to summer workouts. He gets a special dispensation much like the older, more experienced, and more knowledgeable guys in my trade do. Favre gets the benefit of the doubt.

 

Lynch on the other hand is young, came into last season overweight and out of shape, has to rehabilitate his image after several off the field problems, and is working for an employer which has hired a whole new football department. The installation of the offense (and defense) is said to be taking place at breakneck speed. Lynch is also (like all players) a "brand." His brand is losing value right now. Not only does that hurt the team, it also hurts his personal prospects and his career. If he wanted out of Buffalo or if he wants to stay, the best course was the same course. Report for OTAs.

 

Maybe none of the following points carries weight with some of you. But to me, all of the following points carry some weight and in aggregate, show how misguided Marshawn really is. Sometimes it's not just one or two big things. Sometimes it's LOTS of things.

 

Marshawn's image is taking a beating. That hurts his career. As a result of this his trade value (and he wanted to be traded) is currently down. So he's hurt the team by being a less valuable trade commodity. He's also hurt his team by missing out on important team building and by missing the critical installation of the new offense. He's been a bad teammate, a bad example to younger players. He's not putting in the time when his teammates are. Marshawn has also hurt Bills fans, who indirectly help pay his salary. He has also betrayed the many fans who have supported him until now. He has impugned the players union with his lazy work habits. He's even bringing negativity upon his family and friends. If I was his friend, I'd tell him to straighten his shyt out.

 

Marshawn's poor decision making is a negative on so many levels it's nearly incomprehensible.

 

Contrast that to the positives which came from him not attending OTAs: There weren't any.

[K Gun Special]

John, here's what I think.

 

1) OTAs will not be made mandatory any time soon, IMO. Some players do have workout bonuses based upon their level of participation in OTAs but in order for it to become a bargaining chip in the CBA talks, one side or the other will have to bring it up in negotiations.

 

The moment that happens, the other side will want to raise a separate issue as a bargaining chip. It's the same ridiculous dynamic which has helped keep a rookie pay scale on the back burner. Both the owners and players as well as the Commissioner (not so much the agents) seem to want a rookie pay scale but neither side (labor or management) wants to raise the issue in negotiations for fear that they will have to give up or concede something on another issue. It's a silly situation but I think unless players start getting injured in droves, OTAs will be an accepted part of the landscape.

 

2) Lynch is being penalized. But so is everyone associated with Buffalo Bills football. If he can't perform his duties to the utmost as a result of bad participation/attendance, that hurts the team and the fans as well.

 

3) Firstly, unions have had an eroding market share in this country since the end of WW II. On top of that unions in this country have a PR/image problem. Many unions (my own included) are trying to dispel many of the old biases against unions because we know that the negative stereotypes and hostilities towards unions are hurting the cause of labor and workers rights in this country. So I stand by my criticism of Lynch. His attitude, bad work ethic, and lack of professionalism are a bad reflection on him. I would never choose to protect him under the union shield.

 

Secondly on this point, he is not required to participate but the CBA also doesn't forbid him from participating. It goes both ways. The fact that the vast majority of players participate in OTAs (especially when there is a new coach and system being installed) means that Lynch is being unprofessional in the context of his peers.

 

4) Criticism of those not participating in these OTAs can be argued to be a case-by-case exercise. Favre is a future HOF player, a Super Bowl Champion and multi-time MVP. He has a demonstrated level of excellence. On top of all that he also turn 41 years old this season. It's very arguable that he would be better served resting his body than subjecting it to summer workouts. He gets a special dispensation much like the older, more experienced, and more knowledgeable guys in my trade do. Favre gets the benefit of the doubt.

 

Lynch on the other hand is young, came into last season overweight and out of shape, has to rehabilitate his image after several off the field problems, and is working for an employer which has hired a whole new football department. The installation of the offense (and defense) is said to be taking place at breakneck speed. Lynch is also (like all players) a "brand." His brand is losing value right now. Not only does that hurt the team, it also hurts his personal prospects and his career. If he wanted out of Buffalo or if he wants to stay, the best course was the same course. Report for OTAs.

 

Maybe none of the following points carries weight with some of you. But to me, all of the following points carry some weight and in aggregate, show how misguided Marshawn really is. Sometimes it's not just one or two big things. Sometimes it's LOTS of things.

 

Marshawn's image is taking a beating. That hurts his career. As a result of this his trade value (and he wanted to be traded) is currently down. So he's hurt the team by being a less valuable trade commodity. He's also hurt his team by missing out on important team building and by missing the critical installation of the new offense. He's been a bad teammate, a bad example to younger players. He's not putting in the time when his teammates are. Marshawn has also hurt Bills fans, who indirectly help pay his salary. He has also betrayed the many fans who have supported him until now. He has impugned the players union with his lazy work habits. He's even bringing negativity upon his family and friends. If I was his friend, I'd tell him to straighten his shyt out.

 

Marshawn's poor decision making is a negative on so many levels it's nearly incomprehensible.

 

Contrast that to the positives which came from him not attending OTAs: There weren't any.

 

His career isnt going down the tubes bc hes not showing up to OTAs, its because he played like _____ last year in addition to off the field problems. If he played to his full potential or even his form of 2 years ago he will be just fine. Its the offseason and people are blowing things out of proportion. Running Back is not as hard of a position to learn he can catch up quicker.

if he continues to suck on the field and still has issues then his career will be impacted.

 

Farve never shows up to anything- he plays well so no one cares.

Bruce smith routinely held out - HOF

 

Bottom line is on the field production is what counts, not optional team activities.

[FitzShowUsYourTitz]

Damn, none of this F-ing matters if you are winning! A LOT of players miss VOLUNTARY workouts. The problem is We suck and have SUCKED for 10 years. Do you think if a player from Indy, the Pats, New Orleans etc etc misses off season voluntary workouts anyone cares??? If we were winning Super Bowls and had a team of thugs and drugs anyone here would care??? In fact we would LOVE it! Nothing like a team of BAD-ASSES that actually win.

 

Examples: Broad Street Bullies of the 70's. Ravens when they won it all. If we didn't suck, we wouldn't care. (Bruce Smith never came to off season voluntary workouts. Nobody gave 2 *****! And no, I am not comparing the 2, alright?)

[wonderbread]

Let's play.."The Buffalo Running Back Match Game!"

You see....much like Ronnie Reagan had a red phone with a direct line to Gorbechev...Scott Bertchold has a direct line to 74 Franklin St. Over the years, there have been dozens of transgressions that have gone unreported as for whatever reason, Buffalo athletes get preferential treatment from law enforcement. I will give you a list of some such transgressions, involving ONLY Bills running backs. Marshawn Lynch is by far the lowest of the low and his time in Buffalo is most likely over. Thanks to the Boys in Blue having saintly patience, Marshawn has yet to be hauled in for any of the nearly double digit incidents over the past few years.

Here we go.....I'll give you a list of RB's....then a list of fun filled hijinks...and it is up to you to match them up. The person with the most correct answers before this post is shuffled off to the graveyard gets a pair of Bills/Redskins preseason tickets with a direct escort to the stadium in Sully's Purple Saturn.

A) Marshawn Lynch

B) Thurman Thomas

C) Kenneth Davis

D) OJ Simpson

E) Rob Riddick

 

1) This RB was indulging in some of the finest white stuff Buffalo had to offer in a downtown establishment. Just after he had finished inhaling the 10-40 yard lines off of a waitress' cleavage, the DA raided the joint, only to see our star already slipped by the defenders minutes earlier

2) This fine athlete was caught in a downtown hotel room in the company of a 14 year old female after someone blew him in. If you notice...Travis Henry is not a choice

3) While on the IR for almost an entire season, this RB was living it up with a few unfamiliar ladies all night long. In itself not major news, but his recent injury was put under 12 hours of extreme stress even though that same injury would keep him out another 3 months.

4) This RB found a certain lady at a downtown establishment irresistable. Problem is...this fine lady was the "First Lady" of a major local "President". When made aware of her standing in the community, our fine RB was not deterred and pressed her even harder. Within minutes, the "Administration" of the "President" was in a full diplomatic meeting with our RB and his representatives outside the establishment. After nearly 10 minutes of negotiations that took 4 squad cars to resolve, our RB hero was allowed to retreat to his homestead after being scraped off the pavement.

5) This crackerjack was caught urinating on public property and was taken in for public indecency. After it was established that a misunderstanding had taken place and the RB was released to his handlers, he proceeded to exit the building then continue where he left off, only this time urinating on the window of a squad car.

As you can see....Buffalo RB's have always led the way in moral and legal apptitude. Let it be known that it is no mistake a Buffalo PO is making the most recent allegation against Lynch, and that he waited until just after the season to let it be known. If I owned a #23 jersey....I would try to get whatever I could for it right now...much like our heroes at 1 Bills Drive will be doing the same as they attempt to pry a 5th rd pick from Oakland or San Francisco.

Posted by: The Match Game | January 11, 2010 at 11:54 PM

[Numark]

I recall a game against KC where Lynch ran all over them yet we refused to give him the ball inside the 10, while we would only hand the ball off to freddy (who would gain 0-1 yards). It was that game where we had like 5 redzone appearances and got like 2 fieldgoals. Also the game where JP threw the ball out of the endzone on 4th down. I love freddy and he is the better back, but he is pretty bad inside the 10.

[Mr. WEO]

You missed the point, as usual. I don't care whether he is a good or mediocre player. You can be an exceptional player and still not be an asset to the team. The front office had an opportunity to move him for (supposedly) a third round pick. They didn't seize that opportunity. So Marshawn Lynch is behaving like the Marshawn Lynch we know by not coming in for the OTAs. What a surprise?

 

Let's compare a winning franchise with a losing franchise. The Steelers got rid of a former first round receiver who like Lynch has had a face to face meeting with the Commissioner. The Steelers trade him to the Jets for a fifth round pick. The Bills had a trade offer (supposedly) for Lynch for a third round pick. The Bills declined.

 

Now Lynch's conduct has come to the forefront again. Are you surprised? You shouldn't be. When you have a Lynch on your roster you get the nonsense that goes with it. The Bills simply miscalculated when they drafted him and when they kept him.

 

 

I don't disagree with you about Lynch. I was agreeing with San Jose and complimenting him his well thought post. I am not surprised that Lynch's behavior is an issue---why are you inferring that I am? Others have made the comparison to Favre--but not in the way you are. I got it. I was pointing out the absurdity of those who have claimed ML, like Favre, can "just show up" and play because of innate talent.

 

Relax. I'm with you.

[Pete]

Just out of curiosity, what if Marshawn is attending classes to finish his degree? There has been no word why Lynch isn't in town, perhaps the reason is justified, perhaps not. I don't think we should cast aspersions upon the guy based entirely on speculation.

I would sooner believe Marshawn is missing training camp to work with the peace corps in Mongolia then to believe he is missing camp to finish his degree

[EastRochBillsfan]

Well, you're just a saint aren't you. Unfortunately you're int he minority. I would not go in if it wasn't manditory, because my job is my source of income, and my life outside of work is my enjoyment. I earn my money by working hard while I am at work, and don't feel the need to show up on random Saturdays unpaid just to prove my loyality.

 

And, if you would have read any of this thread, you would realize I am not a Lynch fan. I actually really dislike the guy. But his absense from VOLUNTARY mini-camp isn't on the list of reasons why I dislike him.

 

Maybe it gives you some satisfaction to believe in the whole "52 bigger than 1" and "every guy on this team would play for free, because they love the game", but the reality is, this is their job.

 

Reggie Wayne never goes to voluntary workouts in Indy, do you think he'll be out of the league in a few years because of it?

 

If Lynch is gone in 2 years and broke, it won't be because he didn't show up to voluntary workouts.

I don't think the poster is in the minority at all. I know I'd show up if the nfl was my job. Lynch was one of only 2 players not showing up, and the other one has probably decided to retire but just hasn't announced it yet. So 2 players out of how many on the team right now, i don't even know, but yea, Marshawn is definitely in the minority. can't dispute the facts there.

 

Ok, you've made this simple minded "all that matters is TDs to judge a RB" argument ad nauseum. Move on.

 

HEY, I actually agree with you!

[Deep2Moulds46]

very original comeback. all im saying is there are better ways of spending your time than publicly announcing your hatred for someone you dont even know. but carry on if you must.

That's fine, but you make it sound like I sit around all day thinking about Marshawn Lynch. It takes no time at all to read a news story about him, and when you read several about the same person, then hear from people close to the situation that these are not exactly isolated incidents, it doesn't take "making it a hobby" to have a negative opinion of the guy.

 

So, while my comeback may not have been original, the point remains, it doesn't take long to form an opinion. It does, however, take a lot of time to post 7000 responses on a message board. So, "get a hobby bro" maybe should be removed from your list of favorite sayings.

[Deep2Moulds46]

I don't think the poster is in the minority at all. I know I'd show up if the nfl was my job. Lynch was one of only 2 players not showing up, and the other one has probably decided to retire but just hasn't announced it yet. So 2 players out of how many on the team right now, i don't even know, but yea, Marshawn is definitely in the minority. can't dispute the facts there.

 

Yeah, but the NFL isn't your job, so your opinion on this means as much as you saying "If I were President of the U.S., I would......."

 

Whatever your job in real life, however, is your job. So, if you can honestly tell me you would show up on a Saturday when you're not getting paid and your boss says it's voluntary, then you are a better person than I.

 

Personally, yeah, I'd love to see the Bills get perfect attendance every year at these things. But when guys don't show up, it doesn't take me too long to figure out why, and I don't worry about what this says about their character or their dedication to the team.

[Mr. T]

Yeah, but the NFL isn't your job, so your opinion on this means as much as you saying "If I were President of the U.S., I would......."

 

Whatever your job in real life, however, is your job. So, if you can honestly tell me you would show up on a Saturday when you're not getting paid and your boss says it's voluntary, then you are a better person than I.

 

Personally, yeah, I'd love to see the Bills get perfect attendance every year at these things. But when guys don't show up, it doesn't take me too long to figure out why, and I don't worry about what this says about their character or their dedication to the team.

OK, let's clarify something. If I'm an hourly employee, and I'm asked to come to work, without pay, I don't come to work. In my case, and Marshawn's, we are salaried. I'm paid the same amount each year, whether I work 14 hours a day, or 8 hours. If I choose to come in on a Saturday every now and than, my pay stays the same.

 

Marshawn gets paid the same whether he shows up or not. Don't make this a pay issue, it's not. It's about being commited, or not being commited to his profession.

[C.Biscuit97]

Once we start training camp, will anyone even care about missing a week of voluntary practice? I think not but at least Lynch gives us something to talk about in the offseason.