Holdouts, Stupidity, and other Nonsense that Might Afect Your Fantasy Draft

Written by Dr Furious on August 05, 2005

So much hate … so little time. Furious is in a hateful mood this morning, making it very similar to every other morning. I hate players that hold out … really I do. I hate the agents even more for advising them to do so. If Furious could get rid of one profession in the world it would be that one. It is Friday though, so there will be no hate. Instead I will expound on some holdout situations and the Philadelphia Eagles, who have earned the distinction of being the unluckiest roster in the NFL. So get your coffee brewing, get comfortable, and enjoy the rants of the Doctor.

Holdouts

Braylon Edwards
When will rookies learn that training camp is way, way too important to miss? Any NFL player cannot afford to miss time in camp, especially rookies. They are missing valuable time to learn the offense, adapt to NFL conditioning, and get comfortable with the speed and level of the pro game. Yet rookies continue to holdout … and for what? An extra $750 K. Well you can add Braylon Edwards to that list. He has yet to report to camp, which probably has Crennel and his staffing wondering why they drafted him this high in the first place. I just do not understand.

Fury’s Take: Edwards sleeper value (if he had any in the first place) diminishes every day he is not in camp. Even if he does report soon, he should be no more than a third WR option in any league. Remember Trent Dilfer is the starting QB for the Browns right now. Has he ever been good? I do not think so.

Hines Ward
Ward is another receiver holding out for more money. Who knows how much influence Eugene Parker, Ward’s agent, holds in this situation. According to Parker, he and his client are “planning their next move.” The Steelers organization is already on record stating that there will be no negotiations until Ward shows up at camp. In addition, Ward could be facing a daily fine of six grand for each day he does not report.

Fury’s Take: Planning their next move? What is there to plan? Tell Ward to get his ass in camp so negotiating can resume. Am I wrong for thinking it is that simple folks? You tell me. Anyway, Ward is also missing valuable time in training camp. With Burress gone to N.Y. football Giants, Ward becomes Ben Worthlessburger’s main target. The longer Ward holds out, the less likely he will be ready for the start of the season. If this situation continues for a while, you might want to drop Ward down a couple of notches on your draft card.

The Philly Section

Brian Westbrook
What happened Brian? You said earlier in the summer that you were not going to hold out, so why are you not in camp? Another question is why is Westbrook not being lambasted by all the talking head out there? If T.O. had done this, there would be a bazillion articles destroying Owens’ character. I know Brian is a nice, quiet guy, but dude just completely went back on his word. That is unacceptable, even if you are the starting running back for the defending NFC champions.

Fury’s Take: If Westbrook continues to hold out, he could find himself on the bench at the start of the season. This certainly raises Correll Buckhalter’s stock, and might warrant a late round pick for those of you who have not drafted football teams yet.

T.O.
Well Owens showed up at camp despite threatening not to, so that is the good news. The bad news: he proceeded to injure his groin. Despite rumors to the contrary, this is not another ploy from the guy who is unhappy about his contract. Andy Reid believes that T.O. is really hurt … AND SO DO I!

Fury’s Take: Despite needing some serious people skills and a whole lot of Prozac, Owens remains a great fantasy option. He will be ready to go at the beginning of the season, since the injury is being described as not serious.

Jerome McDougle
This guy just cannot catch a break. He has been hampered by injuries the last two seasons, events that finally led up to the kicker: getting carjacked and shot in the stomach. As unlucky as that may have been, McDougle can still play football. That has to be good news for anyone that just got shot in the stomach.

Fury’s Take: Jerome, my advice to you is to seek out some help from someone who is familiar with the paranormal. You need to find out why you have such bad luck and if there is any possible way to correct it. Having bad luck is one thing, but getting shot in the gut is on a whole different level. At the very least “Survivor” should become your anthem. For those in leagues that draft players on defense, if it does not go without saying … stay away from McDougle.

I think that’s a wrap on this morning. I hope you got something out of this offering. I am off to the gym, where my gym buddy will be actively trying to end my life. Have a great weekend and remember … you can always hate on Monday.

-- Written by Dr Furious on August 05, 2005