Stamps/CFL Offseason

[worth]

Is there an echo in here?

[JayP]

Originally Posted by flambers

No idea, guess we will have to wait and see if he all of sudden signs another contract next season.....

As per the below quote from an Calgary Sun Article. Even the GM was puzzled ... that says allot.

"Hufnagel is still puzzled by the sudden retirement Friday of left guard Jesse Newman, who was being counted on as a starter in his third CFL season. "

That's not a quote from Hufnagel - that's a line made up by the writer. That's a huge difference.

[flambers]

Originally Posted by JayP

That's not a quote from Hufnagel - that's a line made up by the writer. That's a huge difference.

Sure its part of the article... Obviously Hufnagel is confused by the retirement....

Hey what ever.. I am done commenting on this.

[Jesse834]

Another Stampeder has retired this time Barrick Nealy.
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Football/C.../14352486.html

Another notable retirement from the other day is Darrell Adams who was expected to start on Hamilton's D. He was fairly young too.

[Ziggy Lidstrom]

MJM and Flambers, I can't comprehend your lack of humanity. You are just super fanatics who have little else to care about. Where is your vitriol for Nealy? You're both JOkes. It's amazing that so much opportunity was given to you to see this issue differently through all the well thought out responses to your judgments and you still can't see it any differently. He wasn't a vet making 80, he was still on his rookie deal paying under 45...wow great living to sacrifice your body for.

Crunch, I don't think he was too worried about the new drug policy since I never heard of him or saw him using PEDs.

[Ziggy Lidstrom]

Originally Posted by SportsJunky

You don't think it is going to cause some personnel issues for Hufnagel? I think Ellis is able to step up but still, wouldn't you agree that Newman's late announcement would cause a few issues for the coaching/management staff?

Sure, but the problem is minor in the grand scheme of things. If he was going to end up on the PUP list anyway, then why repeat the last two training camps that he missed? They have already found replacements and only time to work out the kinks, IMO, is the biggest problem. Once they get more reps and familiarity then I think nobody will be crying.

And if Jesse was Ben Archibald then we would be in trouble. If he was Hank or Joffrey then we would be in trouble. Luckily he's not.

[worth]

Nealy just had a kid didn't he? Maybe something wrong in his family? Hope not.

[Pagal4321]

Originally Posted by Ziggy Lidstrom

MJM and Flambers, I can't comprehend your lack of humanity. You are just super fanatics who have little else to care about. Where is your vitriol for Nealy? You're both JOkes. It's amazing that so much opportunity was given to you to see this issue differently through all the well thought out responses to your judgments and you still can't see it any differently. He wasn't a vet making 80, he was still on his rookie deal paying under 45...wow great living to sacrifice your body for.

Crunch, I don't think he was too worried about the new drug policy since I never heard of him or saw him using PEDs.

Get off your high horse, will you?

There's a difference between Nealy and Newman, and the fact that you can't see that is laughable. One is the 3rd string QB, the other was drafted to be a fixture on the offensive line. I'm pretty sure starting offensive linemen are harder to find then 3rd string QBs.

I get that you seem to have a personal connection to Newman, but as fans, I see no problem with people bashing him for the timing of his retirement, that comes with the territory.
And it was entirely his decision to opt for a professional football career that would pay him a paltry salary during his rookie contract.

What, are you going to call me a joke for criticizing an athlete? God forbid fans are passionate enough to talk about these kinds of things. If you don't like the way your acquaintance Jesse Newman is being spoken about here, either dish the reason he retired (not what I'm looking for as I respect everyone's right to a private life) or YOU grow some thicker skin.

[Ziggy Lidstrom]

Originally Posted by Pagal4321

Get off your high horse, will you?

There's a difference between Nealy and Newman, and the fact that you can't see that is laughable. One is the 3rd string QB, the other was drafted to be a fixture on the offensive line. I'm pretty sure starting offensive linemen are harder to find then 3rd string QBs.

I get that you seem to have a personal connection to Newman, but as fans, I see no problem with people bashing him for the timing of his retirement, that comes with the territory.
And it was entirely his decision to opt for a professional football career that would pay him a paltry salary during his rookie contract.

What, are you going to call me a joke for criticizing an athlete? God forbid fans are passionate enough to talk about these kinds of things. If you don't like the way your acquaintance Jesse Newman is being spoken about here, either dish the reason he retired (not what I'm looking for as I respect everyone's right to a private life) or YOU grow some thicker skin.

You think this really "bends me out of shape"? naw, it's just that I think a couple of hard heads would eventually just 'let it be' instead of claiming this guy tried to deviously stunt the plans of the team.

Sure he was drafted '3rd overall' to be a fixture, but picks are never a guarantee. Robede was a first overall pick who was supposed to be the savior of our Dline. He still is with the team but an underwhelming 1st overall pick. Get your perspective straight is all I'm saying. We as fans pay very little for seasons tickets, such that these athletes are compensated meagerly on average. Why are we entitled to demand the level of accountability that some of the posters here are calling for? I don't buy it. He chose football, because he was talented enough to do so. Retirements, in this league, are commonplace. Other posters have (semi)effectively outlined this but most people seem to have the import lost on them anyway.

You don't have the right to criticize until you've been in his shoes. Until then it's passive aggressive fanaticism that has it's unrequited need for transparency or pacification.

PS, nealy is the heir apparent to Burris. You would know that if you knew anything about the team. You don't think that screws with the team's plans? He had been groomed for 4 + years in this offensive scheme. It's laughable that you feel some need to defend those posters while trying to better me somehow. Pagal, you're better than that.

[Pagal4321]

So what, us as fans don't have a right to criticize professional athletes? Go tell that to Eagle fans in Philly or Raider fans in Oakland. Laughable. Hell then why do we even have CP, we should just watch these sports and not discuss anything because god forbid we say anything wrong about these athletes.

Do you hear what you sound like right now? It's hilarious.

Nealy is heir apparent to Burris? That's why he's the 3rd string QB now? They've said all along he's got all the talent and none of the work ethic required to be a starter, so perhaps if you were paying attention to what was going on, you'd know that was the case. They signed Drew Tate during the season last year and he quickly overtook Nealy on the depth chart. So he's hardly the heir apparent.

I can't believe I'm being told to not criticize an athlete until I've live in their shoes...especially from someone who is not a professional athlete. I'm sure Newman could care less what's being discussed on internet message boards, you should take that same stance.

[Ziggy Lidstrom]

Originally Posted by Pagal4321

So what, us as fans don't have a right to criticize professional athletes? Go tell that to Eagle fans in Philly or Raider fans in Oakland. Laughable. Hell then why do we even have CP, we should just watch these sports and not discuss anything because god forbid we say anything wrong about these athletes.

Do you hear what you sound like right now? It's hilarious.

Nealy is heir apparent to Burris? That's why he's the 3rd string QB now? They've said all along he's got all the talent and none of the work ethic required to be a starter, so perhaps if you were paying attention to what was going on, you'd know that was the case. They signed Drew Tate during the season last year and he quickly overtook Nealy on the depth chart. So he's hardly the heir apparent.

I can't believe I'm being told to not criticize an athlete until I've live in their shoes...especially from someone who is not a professional athlete. I'm sure Newman could care less what's being discussed on internet message boards, you should take that same stance.

I've met tate. Watched him play, in preseason. I watched Nealy play, in season. Your logic is shaky. Nealy has had way more in game experience and has been used as a weapon scoring several majors.

You're sure of nothing. I will do nothing you prescribe. Eagle fan and Raider fan, pay a lot more to be a fan. The athletes they pay to watch get paid substantial amounts of money to do what they do, so yes a higher level of accountability should come with the territory. However, that's not the case all the time.

The leagues and the fans of said respective leagues are completely different.

Since, I'm not a pro athlete, you won't apply human empathy logic to the situation? well that's your shortcoming. Not mine.

We have a CP not only to criticize but to discuss, share, enlighten, things which you and the other two mentioned seem incapable of doing regarding this matter.

[Pagal4321]

Well thankfully you aren't the coach of the Stamps, since Nealy's 3rd spot was going to be challenged by the recently signed Zac Champion. While they thought Nealy would be the heir apparent to Burris, he played his way right out of that role.

Why does it matter how much we invest in the sport, can we not be critical of these players? Do they not expose themselves to fan critiscm, even in the world of the CIS?

You apply the same logic to your government? You don't criticise them for the things they do? So do people who pay more taxes more justafied if they criticize the government?

We aren't verbally or physically trying to abuse a player, we are merely saying the timing of his retirement hurt the team. I, personally, don't need to know why he retired but the timing of it all had everyone thrown for a loop, the GM included. So forgive us, if as fans of a professional sports team, we try to hold these people to any type of standard.

[Ziggy Lidstrom]

Originally Posted by Pagal4321

Well thankfully you aren't the coach of the Stamps, since Nealy's 3rd spot was going to be challenged by the recently signed Zac Champion. While they thought Nealy would be the heir apparent to Burris, he played his way right out of that role.

Why does it matter how much we invest in the sport, can we not be critical of these players? Do they not expose themselves to fan critiscm, even in the world of the CIS?

You apply the same logic to your government? You don't criticise them for the things they do? So do people who pay more taxes more justafied if they criticize the government?

We aren't verbally or physically trying to abuse a player, we are merely saying the timing of his retirement hurt the team. I, personally, don't need to know why he retired but the timing of it all had everyone thrown for a loop, the GM included. So forgive us, if as fans of a professional sports team, we try to hold these people to any type of standard.

What's the standard? I do criticize my government. I don't fly off the handle regarding issues I know nothing about though. I usually let my vote do my talking.

Fine, the move did throw people for a loop. Just know that it wasn't an easy decision. He holds himself to higher standards and perhaps that's why it transpired as so. But, the other two aren't merely saying " what a strange move", they are cutting him down with no integral information.

Re: the coach comment. Perhaps you know more than everyone regarding the stamps and their QB situation. So, I'll defer. However, I will ask if Huff views it the same as you do?

[Pagal4321]

I go by what I heard in Hufnagel's interview on the Fan, where he thinks Nealy is talented enough but doesn't work hard enough. And Hufnagel's actions, by signing a veteran backup (Champion) means he doesnt' really like his depth at QB. Apparently, based on reports, Nealy's accuracy has been all over the place during training camp.

Again, you are taking this so personally, so they are cutting down Newman for the move. I can guarantee you they aren't the first or last to do so, does that mean you are going to go on a personal mission to make sure no one speaks ill of him?

I just figured when you signed up to be a professional athlete, you knew that with that commitment came the critisicm in every move you do. Look at this board, how much did Iggy get ripped this offseason? Did people go into the FOI, crying and telling people to stop because it's not fair?

[Ziggy Lidstrom]

I'm sure huff is being transparent on the radio, all management type are accountable to media. And maybe he had esoteric knowledge that Nealy would be leaning towards a retirement?

I defend Iggy ardently, check my history. I'm just not that type of fan to criticize what I know very little about. I am on personal terms with several pro and ex pro athletes. That's probably why I come off like this.

even if I subtly hint at the reason to a move some people wont appreciate it and continue to be internet tough, and stick to cutting down said move. You can lead a horse to water...

[Pagal4321]

So you admit to it, that you act as if you are on some kind of high horse becuase you are on personal terms with pro athletes. That explains pretty much everything from my end.

Continue on calling people bandwagoner fans and internet tough guys. Hope the weather up there is nice!

[Ziggy Lidstrom]

Originally Posted by Pagal4321

So you admit to it, that you act as if you are on some kind of high horse becuase you are on personal terms with pro athletes. That explains pretty much everything from my end.

Continue on calling people bandwagoner fans and internet tough guys. Hope the weather up there is nice!

It's better than the weather here. And, pagal you must be upset over something to feel the need to have this exposed(if you can term it that) about me. You call it being on a high horse, I call it straying from normative fanatic behavior. Don't hate because I have the convictions I do.

You and I are different people and fans. Nothing more to it. And aren't you inadvertently elevating yourself to a higher moral ground by trying to admonish me? Pot meet Kettle.

[Pagal4321]

What did I expose? You stated it yourself two posts up?

I just think flambers, MJM and any fan of any team should be able to speak their mind regarding the actions of the players on said team without people with personal connections to these players getting all upset and taking things personally.

I don't stand on any moral high ground, I just want to be able to have an opinion about the actions of a player and not accused of being a joke. If you don't like it, then don't respond to the post.

In conclusion, Newman retired at a bad time and put the team in a bad spot. Hope he figures out whatever personal problems he's going through and can re-join the team in the future, as they still retain his rights.

[Ziggy Lidstrom]

Originally Posted by Pagal4321

What did I expose? You stated it yourself two posts up?

I just think flambers, MJM and any fan of any team should be able to speak their mind regarding the actions of the players on said team without people with personal connections to these players getting all upset and taking things personally.

I don't stand on any moral high ground, I just want to be able to have an opinion about the actions of a player and not accused of being a joke. If you don't like it, then don't respond to the post.

In conclusion, Newman retired at a bad time and put the team in a bad spot. Hope he figures out whatever personal problems he's going through and can re-join the team in the future, as they still retain his rights.

Agreed. Your intentions as a fan are not being disrespected as a JOke. The other two opinions which I have clearly identified are the agendas of which I disagree. I only say they are jokes since they disregard truth I subtly delivered to them and they remained myopic. Not you.

YOu're right about fans being entitled to have an opinion. Everyone is, it's just that some are more credible than others, and some have more intellectual merit withing, basically the ones of value are treated as such while the others are met with caustic lambasting, like being called jokes.

YOur final opinion, I agree with it. I hope he can resolve his issues as well. I'm a stamps fan too, and want a strong Oline, but not at the cost of someone's well being and quality of life.

[JayP]

Originally Posted by Pagal4321

There's a difference between Nealy and Newman, and the fact that you can't see that is laughable. One is the 3rd string QB, the other was drafted to be a fixture on the offensive line. I'm pretty sure starting offensive linemen are harder to find then 3rd string QBs.

The difference is irrelevant though.

Just because Newman is a better player means that his personal issues are less important and that he should just grind out the next 6 months playing football?

I understand that people will care more than Newman retired, but that doesn't change the fact that both guys have the same right to retire if they want to. And neither should have to just grind through another season just because it's close to the start of the season.

I don't understand why people think that Newman should even try and play out the season, working around his personal issues on the side. If the guy is retiring clearly his heart is elsewhere at the moment. If he even tried to play, it's pretty apparent that he wouldn't be the same player he was the past few years - at this level of sports if your heart isn't entirely in the game you're not going to do what you need to to be successful.