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July 25, 2008
Fox: Negotiations with picks look hopeful
Panthers coach John Fox addressed the media for the first time at camp Friday
-- Negotiations with first-round draft picks Jonathan Stewart and Jeff Otah are looking hopeful but are not yet finished. Fox didn’t express assurance that both will be at practice today, but remains optimistic.
-- Offensive lineman Charles Spencer, a former third-round pick claimed off waivers from Houston
In an NFL rarity, no Panthers are on the injured list and all who are signed are expected to participate in practice today.
-- There is no concrete plan regarding how much quarterback Jake Delhomme will practice during training camp, but the team will be cautious with their starter, who had elbow surgery last year.
CHARLES CHANDLER
Posted by Observer Sports on July 25, 2008 at 05:45 PM | Permalink
Comments
Thank you, Charles, Stan, and David, for this blog. I’m so excited about this new Panthers Team that I can’t P straight. C straight. George Strait. George Jones. NFL Jones. Julius Jones. Julius Peppers. How did we get on the subject of Julius Peppers? But since we are, #90 is going to have a FANTASTIC season. And I want one of those hats that Delo was wearing at Woff. Thanks again for the vent. My wife doesn't understand.
Posted by: DeLo Rules | Jul 25, 2008 6:33:12 PM
Sounds good to me. Let's hope Stewart and Otah get in soon. I think Otah is the more important one to get in, b/c of the much needed chemistry up front. To be determined.
Posted by: Will Parker | Jul 25, 2008 6:33:48 PM
Here is my ignorance -- would it hurt to show up for training camp without having a contract signed? It's not like they're going to play for another team. Right?
Posted by: KK | Jul 25, 2008 6:46:35 PM
While it would certainly be nice if the world worked that way, that would be an incredibly HUGE risk on the part of the player that no agent could ever allow them to take. Imagine if the player showed up and was injured in ANY WAY. If he were under contract either his agreement or the CBA would define the rights and responsibilities of the player and the team, but without such an agreement, the team could quite easily walk away and MILLIONS could be at stake for the player in that situation. It's not worth the risk. Additionally, given the situation, where the NFL has not only a (congressionally approved) monopoly on professional football in the United States AND the player does not have the right to sign with any other team for (I believe) two years after being picked due to the draft system, it would be ludicrous for the player to voluntarily give up the only contractual leverage he has in the situation (since he has very, very little to start with.) You can't blame the players for 1) wanting to make sure they are protected in the event of any accident or injury and 2) using what little bit of negotiating power they possess to ensure that they get the best deal that they can.
That's just my cursory take on it. I am sure that there are other reasons as well.
Posted by: BAC | Jul 25, 2008 7:11:38 PM
Cannot wait for the season to start. Thanks Charles for the update with Fox. GO PANTHERS!!!!!!!
Posted by: Ivan | Jul 25, 2008 7:17:24 PM
Rashard Mendenhall signed today for Pittsburgh. That should help set value for Stewart and get him signed quicker. Vernon Gholston also signed for the Jets. The first rounders are starting to get signed. This should start the snowball effect and get the rest signed. The sooner the better.
Posted by: Grim Reaper | Jul 25, 2008 7:25:46 PM
BAC
A player doesn't have to wait two years. If a player doesn't sign a contract with the team that drafted them they get to re-enter the draft the next year.
Posted by: Grim Reaper | Jul 25, 2008 7:28:27 PM
Ok, well that was just my brainstorming as to reasons. In any event, it's a severe impairment on the ability of the athlete to earn money in the interim whether it is one year or two. Thanks for the correction though.
Posted by: BAC | Jul 25, 2008 7:48:05 PM
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