Deion Sanders'

[Nick Douglas]

Nolan's personal feelings towards Deion aside, there are some gross misrepresentations in what he wrote.

Deion's contract with the 'Skins specifically allowed him to play baseball should he make a team. That is a simple fact. I don't know how in God's name anything Deion has done could ever be construed as a breach of contract.

Bringing up the fact that the contract was for seven years is totally irrelevant. The 'Skins salary cap situation made the contract reasonable if he would play three years. His base salary was extremely low and, when healthy, he gave the Skins the kind of size at corner that Green and Bailey couldn't deliver. Obviously it did not work out that way but the Skins and Deion both had no intention of him staying there more than a few years, so bringing up the fact that it was a seven year deal means nothing.

Look, if people don't like Deion for his self-promotional style, that is fine. He is well aware of his style and I am sure he has no problem with that. But at least recognize that he is the best cover corner of a generation, a hell of a draw at the box office, and was a passable major league baseball player for a time. The man also came from abject poverty to make it to where he is and then was able to reform his life a few years ago as well.

 

[kneifl]

Deion should have been burned at the stake when he left the cowboys, my favorite team, who I loved betting against last year. All jokes aside he is the best corner of a generation.

kneifl

 

[Nolan Dalla]

Nick:

You and I should host "Crossfire."

My comments have nothing whatsoever to do with Sanders as a football player nor does it hide the fact Sanders is/was an outstanding cornerback. That is irrelevent to the discussion, when talking about what constitutes a "team" player.

I agree Sanders in some ways is admirable as a person and can certainly be charming when he's in front of a camera. Nevertheless, there's no way the Redskins can be pleased by the prospect that he may be out all of training camp, miss all of pre-season, and may miss 4-5 games of the regular season. If he played baseball until July 20th (whenever training camp starts), that's fine -- although I still argue he is not doing what is best for the team by risking injury, not doing off-season workouts, etc.

I'm still very skeptical that Sander's back and toe problems were ever that serious, where he had to miss a dozen games over the last couple of seasons. That fact, combined with him possibly missing 1/3rd of the football season makes his act very disturbing.

Of course, I do respect your right to feel otherwise.

-- Nolan Dalla

 

[Subagoto]

He is a good player and was a great player, and I don't fault him for the contract the Skins offered him. It is basically the same contract he had with the 49ers and the Cowpokes. I do find it a bit ridiculous that Dan Snyder did not put a no-baseball clause in it. That being said, the Skins now have him right where they want him, and I could not be happier to see Deion squirm and backpeddle. Also, I find Deion's "changed man" and "praise god" shtick a bit disingenuous. It is clear from his statements earlier that he anticipates getting the remainder of his salary for doing nothing if/when the Skins cut him. If he were truly the man of god that he purports to be he would not want or keep that money, for greed is a sin. Deion is all about the promotion and the money. That, unfortunately, has not changed. He is also all about being on a winner, something the Skins will not be next year. Don't think for a minute that that does not play into this and him wanting to play in Denver.

 

[Gatorbait]

Caught In The Crossfire

 

[barfly]

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[This message has been edited by barfly (edited 06-13-2001).]

 

[Neemer]

I'll take the old Deion anyday of the week vs. the reborn Christian who seems to throw religion down everyone's throats every chance he can get. I'm happy the guy has found a new and better way to live his life, but enough is enough, WE all know he thinks the man upstairs is groovy......

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

Best corner would be very questionable IMHO. Great corner coverage yes,but very timid on hitting.I would rate him fleet of feet,VERY savvy feel for pass but weak of heart.
Can still see freeze frame of him with his eyes closed 2 yards from prior to getting run over by fullback on sweep.

 

[NOVAKHT]

"Deion's contract with the 'Skins specifically allowed him to play baseball should he make a team. That is a simple fact."

How is it a fact?? Is the contract document public information?? Have you seen the contract??

 

[Subagoto]

I doubt it and neither have I, but it has been widely reported by reputable media sources that I have no reason to disbelieve that Deion's contract allows him to not play football if he is on a major league roster and contains no no-baseball clause.

 

[djv]

Hey he's just a player getting old. Had his best years back a few already. Will he go down as one of the top 10. I would think yes. He always could have practiced more on tackling. But his covering ability was top 5.