The Lass Word: Packers Shouldn't Forgive Fines

Sends the wrong message to teammates.

Mini-camp thoughts: 

 

•  The Packers should not excuse Aaron Rodgers’ absence and forgive the fines.  I understand why they might view it as a goodwill gesture that could help convince him to return.  But I don’t think it will make much difference to him.    

 

For one thing, if Rodgers does come back, it will likely be with a big raise and contract guarantee that would be enough to pay his fines many, many times over.  I’m also concerned about the message this would send to everybody else on the team.   

 

Anybody who has worked for a big company understands that there are certain employees who are more important than others.  They also understand that some of their work peers make more money than they do.  But if those co-workers break the rules of the workplace and are allowed to get away with it, that’s a different issue.  If Oren Burks or Simon Stepaniak decided to skip mandatory camp, would the team forgive their fines?  Of course not.  I don’t care how many players say they support Rodgers and that his standoff with the team is none of their business, you can’t tell me they wouldn’t resent both Rodgers and the front office if those fines aren’t enforced. 

 

In effect, it makes mandatory camp not mandatory if you’re important enough.  So who decides to skip it next year?  Will Za’darius Smith opt not to show up, fully expecting the team to forgive the fine?  Jaire Alexander?   Rules are rules.  You might be more important.  You might be paid more.  But you should never be allowed to break the rules without penalty, no matter who you are.   

 

 

•  I confess that I was getting a little uneasy with the adjectives that teammates and coaches were using to describe the play of Jordan Love.  I kept hearing words like “comfortable” and “confident”.  He’s “locked in”, whatever the heck that means.  He’s in better command of the huddle.  He’s having fun out there.  His passes have more zip on them.  Seems like everyone was being very careful how they chose their words when commenting on his performance.  Nobody would actually come out and say he was playing  well.  There were accounts of a very shaky and inaccurate performance on Tuesday.  

 

All that seemed to change on Wednesday.   Several deep completions, a successful two minute drill ending with a TD pass to Allen Lazard, a practice labeled by media observers as “solid”, “awesome”, and “wow.”  Now those are the adjectives I want to hear.  Wes Hodkiewicz of packers.com tweeted that it was Love's best day as a pro. Of course it’s just mini camp.  It’s not game conditions, not even close.  But it’s nice to know Love is showing he can make some plays.  He threw two more scoring passes Thursday but also tossed an interception and was just 8 of 16 passing, according to tweets from Rob Demovsky. 

 

That’s the way it’s going to go.  Good days and bad days.  But at least there are good days.  Probably doesn’t mean much, but it’s all we fans have to go on thus far so I am encouraged.  

 

Oh, and yes, I remember that even Aaron Rodgers didn’t look very good his first couple of years.  But Rodgers didn’t have to play his first couple years.  Love might have to. 

 

 

•  Tackle David Bakhtiari wasn’t promising anything when the media asked him about being ready to return.  His playful answer was that he was absolutely certain he would be ready for day one of training camp.....in 2022.  As for this year, he said it’s just one day at a time and wait and see.  Doesn’t sound to me like he expects to be in the line up on opening day.  

 

He expressed much gratitude to former Packers Jordy Nelson and Brian Bulaga for their advice and support on how to get through knee injuries of this nature.  It’s great to know that Jordy is still in touch with current players and tries to be helpful to them.  It reinforces my feelings for Nelson as one of my all time favorite Packers. 

 

 

•  It looks like Rashan Gary is going into his own merchandising business on the side.  He showed up for his Thursday media session wearing a visor that read “Bane Gary”.   The third year linebacker has been pushing the nickname in videos and interviews since his rookie season.  He wants his play on the field to resemble the aggression and ruthlessness of the DC Comics supervillain Bane.  "That's my alter ego" Gary said.  "You know, merch.  Anybody who likes to support me, go get it."  Hey Rashan, nothing will do more for the sale of those visors than an All Pro season.  Heck, if you get double digit sacks, I’ll buy one myself. 

 

 

•  Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but Davante Adams may have given the Packers a clue as to how willing he will be to sign a new contract in Green Bay.  Asked if he intends to show up for training camp if he has not yet been extended, Adams responded with a solid yes.  Why?  The All Pro receiver told the media he was not about to forfeit any of the money he would be losing by holding out.  “Money that I earned” as he put it.   

 

That tells me it’s all about the dollars and cents for him.  Regardless of where Aaron Rodgers is playing quarterback, I am now convinced Davante will re-sign in Green Bay...provided they make him the highest paid in the league at his position.  And I believe they will.  That will mean another major push of cap money into the deep future.  It’s literally the price you pay for having a good team with top notch players. 

 

 

•  Best news of the day Thursday:  The Packers confirmed they will host fans at full capacity for games and events this fall.  That includes the shareholders meeting, Family Night, and training camp practices.  Fans who have been fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks, while those who are not should follow CDC guidelines and wear a mask.  Proof of vaccination will not be required. 

 

I can’t wait to see full houses and full-throated fans at Lambeau again.  I know we don’t have the loudest stadium in the league, but it can get pretty crazy for opponents in there when the faithful are revved up.   

 

 

•  Speaking of Covid vaccinations, I was surprised to hear Matt LaFleur reveal Thursday that many of his players have not yet gotten theirs.  He said the coaching staff was near one hundred percent, but that the team would continue to try to “educate the players” as to the benefits of getting the shots.  I would have thought this was a no-brainer for the players, considering their ability to make a living depends largely on staying healthy and available. 

 

 

 

 

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__________________________

Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.

__________________________

NFL Categories: 
10 points
 

Comments (61)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
StantheFan's picture

June 10, 2021 at 03:12 pm

Jimmy Johnson once cut a guy for falling asleep in a special teams meeting. He was asked what he would have done had Troy Aikman fallen asleep. He said, I would have walked over to him and whispered wake up Troy. The players understand the competency hierarchy and that the most competent will have a different set of rules and that’s ok.

2 points
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nstewart1's picture

June 10, 2021 at 03:17 pm

It's livable, to some extent; those best players are also counted on for setting an example - and ME FIRST is not the one organizations are going for.

6 points
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Lare's picture

June 10, 2021 at 03:41 pm

I disagree, waive the fines. $93,000 is a drop in the bucket to the team and Rodgers is actually doing them a favor by not showing up and allowing Love to get some much-needed reps.

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Fubared's picture

June 10, 2021 at 04:07 pm

Yove missed the 500k bonus he forgave for not showing up so were into almost 600k

0 points
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Stroh's picture

June 10, 2021 at 08:51 pm

The bonus was only earned if he showed up for OTA's. Since he didn't, its not a fine but he just didn't EARN the bonus. The minicamp was mandatory so he was eligble to be fined unless they gave him an excused absence. In which case he wouldn't be fined.

7 points
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mnbadger's picture

June 11, 2021 at 12:09 pm

Tomato, Tomoto - it's $600 large that was there just to show up. I love AR, but he didn't show, no way he should get it. GPG

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Stroh's picture

June 12, 2021 at 05:31 pm

No it's not like that. There is a huge difference between CHOOSING not to attend and therefore not get a bonus, as opposed to actually giving something up that is already yours!

Choice being the operative designation! One is his choice to receive or not, the other is being FORCED to give back something that is already yours!

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Fubared's picture

June 10, 2021 at 04:06 pm

Oh these weak sisters have already leaked 'we discussed giving him a leave of absense' that would allow us to pay him his 500 k. The only thing and you all know this, once training camp starts, they must fine him everyday he misses and they cannot void that or pay it for him.

6 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 10, 2021 at 05:48 pm

It came from Shefter so maybe more of a suggestion to the FO rather than from it?

Either way, no advantage to waiving, hold the reckoning open pending resolution in practice. Don’t give away leverage but don’t rush to apply it in practice, yet.

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dobber's picture

June 10, 2021 at 04:21 pm

...not a good look.

https://www.profootballrumors.com/2021/06/nfl-suspends-packers-te-jace-s...

...helping himself out the door.

9 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 10, 2021 at 05:26 pm

We will see if Nuata is real. Opinion is divided. Daffney could also have been pushing for that roster spot anyway, even though he’s really more F Back, only so many spots and talent speaks.

1 points
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jont's picture

June 10, 2021 at 09:14 pm

This opens the door for Deguara. A lot of us have hopes for him and though this is not how anyone would want it to happen, he must seize this opportunity.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 11, 2021 at 08:34 am

I don’t think Deguara needed anything to open the door for him. He is a part of the team’s plans as the H Back. Daffney perhaps.

2 points
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Since'61's picture

June 10, 2021 at 04:24 pm

It’s the players like Oren Burks and some of the other choochs who should be fined for showing up. If they actually do something during the season we can pay them back. For some reason the Packers keep these guys around year after year.

Chuck them and give someone else a chance.
Thanks, Since ‘61

9 points
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greengold's picture

June 10, 2021 at 04:36 pm

He said choochs... No kidding Since'61. WOW. I like the new talent they've been bringing in. There is going to be some roster turnover this year for sure.

-1 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 10, 2021 at 05:28 pm

That’s the whole point of camp and this 90 in particular I think. Push to supplant the back end players.

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packer132's picture

June 10, 2021 at 06:56 pm

Gute has done a good job of bringing in players to compete, even during the season. You don't think Campbell is a good addition to the LB group? Look at some of the UDFA the Packers have in camp. I see very few guys other than Burks who should have been cut.

3 points
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greengold's picture

June 10, 2021 at 07:25 pm

Great, great point, packer132.

I can easily see these UDFAs win roster positions this year:
WR Bailey Gaither
S Christian Uphoff
S Innes Gaines
S/ILB Ray Wilborn

A lot of talent there, all of whom contribute in STs where we need improvement. Some players get reps with 1s as a last look to make certain of a decision prior to their release...

Redmond
Summers
Burks
Jackson
Hollman
Sternberger
Ramsey
Lancaster
Ento

9 players from last year’s 53 that are fighting for their roster lives.

4 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 11, 2021 at 09:20 am

On a contrary note, which players on that list of 9 are most likely to jump out in camp in a positive way?

I’m going with Ento and Summers as positive surprises from that list.

-1 points
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greengold's picture

June 11, 2021 at 09:29 am

From the sounds of things as they stand, Ento and Lancaster. I think TGR mentioned a cut of Lancaster would cost the Packers. Might have that confused with Sternberger.

Speaking of Jace, might as well put him on that list too. Substance abuse is an illness the Packers will likely lend their support in to see him recover if possible.

You know I like Ty Summers, and have been beating the drum for him since his drafting, but, I've seen where his deficiencies lie, and I have great doubts about both he and Burks staying on this 2021 roster. He's got the talent, the desire, puts in the work... but, he doesn't have the length as a tackler, and appears to suffer from that in his ability to be effective.

-2 points
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10ve 💚's picture

June 11, 2021 at 01:10 pm

I would not mind if none of those 9 are around come cut-down day. Unless maaaybe Summers and Ramsey for their special teams play... even there some of the rookies may turn out to be better.

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

June 10, 2021 at 11:02 pm

Is a chooch like a mook or a babaloo?

2 points
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HankScorpio's picture

June 11, 2021 at 07:06 am

Everybody like Burks is fresh out of chances to make the roster on reputation and/or potential. There is a younger, cheaper guy with more potential ready to take that spot. Given the cap, the difference between 920k base salary (or higher) and 660K for yr 1 is a more significant factor than in years past.

In addition to Oren Burks, the list of names includes Josh Jackson, Tyler Lancaster, ESB, Hunter Bradley, JK Scott, Will Redmond, Devin Funchess and Chandon Sullivan. I don't expect that all of them will be cap casualties. And it is a bit odd to consider them to be risks for that, given they are making peanuts. I mean seriously who ever heard of a long snapper being a cap casualty? But we are at that point with the cap.

Sullivan is the biggest risk, IMO. He's going to have a hard time cracking the top 6 DBs, IMO. Do you want to pay $2.1 mil for a guy that is no better than 7th in the DB pecking order? With a healthy cap, the answer would be yes. With the Packers current situation, I'm inclined to think that saving $1.5 mil of that to spend elsewhere is an attractive alternative.

6 points
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greengold's picture

June 10, 2021 at 04:51 pm

Wow! Ken!!! All of what you're saying here is so damn good and right on point!

Yeah, there are rules all players need to follow, and no one should be given preferential treatment. Look at Jace Sternberger! He's out for the first two games this season for a drug suspension. Who knows? Maybe he winds up not making the team altogether.

The Jordan Love stuff we are witnessing in minicamp is all process. They guy has been with the 1s for just 3 days. There are a lot of different things they are working on. The negatives, while learning, can be really important/essential to experience in anyone's growth. I'm just glad to see positives, which lend confidence in that growth process. It's early.

Bakhtiari's progress is encouraging.

Gary's fire is for real. Hoping he lights it up this year.

And, it would be great if we could get Davante Adams extended here soon. What a stellar talent.

1 points
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jurp's picture

June 11, 2021 at 04:42 pm

I agree with you about Love. Someone much wiser than me once said something like "Experiencing failure is the only way to succeed - as long as you learn from it." AR's career kind of validates that thought - he didn't become an HOFer overnight, did he?

0 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

June 10, 2021 at 04:59 pm

The conundrum of whether to fine Rodgers or not is a microcosm of a larger societal issue - "elitism" - which has formed a top-down hierarchy that has always favored the rich, famous and powerful - whether it be a politician, royal or athlete. It is the bane of a fair and equitable society. Being that the Packers are a 100% (small) community owned team - I thought that management would have been more sensitive to core community values - than pandering to the ego of one individual.

As for players and the covid vaccination - it confirms the narrow world view and limited education of many athletes. Their "brilliance" as athletes does not necessarily apply to other aspects of their lives.

13 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 10, 2021 at 05:52 pm

On vaccination, I blame the league. Protect your product and require absent medical advice from teams. Stop pandering to pressure groups and politicians, just do what is best for protecting your product. It has to be league wide and all personnel to make sense, not on a team by team basis.

10 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

June 10, 2021 at 06:50 pm

Unfortunately Cw, I think that vaccinations have become a political football even to hot for the NFL to handle. I think they fear that if they attempted to mandate vaccinations - it would open a pandora's box of political self-interest(s) and legal challenges. Instead they have chosen the path of lesser resistance - the education of players - which is a distant runner-up to mandatory vaccinations.

2 points
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Slim11's picture

June 10, 2021 at 06:47 pm

Just for comparison, United Airlines just announced they will require the COVID vaccination for new employees. Lots of cruise lines are requiring vaccinations for their crews and passengers.

3 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

June 11, 2021 at 12:09 am

It is easier to mandate vaccinations for employees. Also airlines are aided by federal government regulations on vaccinations.

With the NFL, the problem is that players are not legally employees but independent contractors - an entirely different labor relationship.

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

June 10, 2021 at 11:12 pm

I was pleasantly surprised from the response by my employees and subcontractors who have overwhelmingly been vaccinated without the need of my manifesto. One outlier from the group being the plumber. Ironically, their motto "protect the health of the nation". Good people, educated crews and it is reflected in the quality of their work and dedication as craftspeople and true Americans. Very proud of this group.

6 points
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Guam's picture

June 11, 2021 at 07:38 am

A_P: I am not sure you are correct about NFL players being subcontractors. The IRS uses three criteria to determine employee versus subcontractor: (1) Behavior control; (2) Financial control ; and (3) Type of relationship. The NFL clearly defines where and how the players work (behavior control) and how they are paid (financial control), so the players meet the first two criteria for employees. Given the presence of a union representing the players to the NFL teams, that pretty well cements the type of relationship as employer-employee. I am fairly sure that the IRS considers the players as employees of each team.

Very much agree with many of your other points in this thread, but I believe the players are employees.

1 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

June 11, 2021 at 11:12 am

I could have explained it better - but you're right - players are generally regarded as employees - but seasonal contracted employees. They are under a contract with their team to provide their services as a football player but they can also be cut/ (fired) at almost any time. And if their contract is not guaranteed, they will lose their base salary, which is the bulk of their money. So like an independent contractor, a player works from contract to contract - while competing for those contracts with other players/contractors. In both cases, job security is limited strictly to the length of the contract and, sometimes shorter.

1 points
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Guam's picture

June 11, 2021 at 05:19 pm

Agreed, they are not full time employees at will, but contracted employees. However as contracted employees the Packers could make vaccination a condition of their employment. Kinda of glad the Packers didn't as I would view that as an infringement on the player's civil liberties. While education is slower, I also believe it is the better long term approach. And yes, I am fully vaccinated by choice.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 11, 2021 at 08:37 am

Actually, not so much legally. It’s easy to make it a condition of any third party contract. In practice, unusually, these contractors are unionized, and it’s fair to say that the Union could be an obstacle, though I’m not aware of if it was consulted or took a stance.

0 points
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PatrickGB's picture

June 11, 2021 at 01:28 pm

As it is many players don’t even get the annual flu vaccine. As a former member of the military I have got just about any and every vaccine there is. I only had one bad (but temporary) reaction. So part of me cannot understand not getting a vaccine. Yet on the other hand I know people have have and others who make claims of deleterious effects. As an American citizen I believe that people have a right to say no to it even when I disagree with their thinking. And if someone is a member of an organization that requires it as condition of employment then they have the freedom to not be employed.

0 points
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greengold's picture

June 10, 2021 at 06:26 pm

In fairness, medical experimentation targeted to disadvantaged communities built a great deal of mistrust. Rightly so. Not easy to take back in a critical moment like a pandemic.

5 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

June 10, 2021 at 06:47 pm

I think you are entirely correct - there is a lingering mistrust from disadvantaged communities who were secretly targeted for experimental purposes. The challenge then is for those communities and individuals to differentiate between the "then" and "now" - which requires a level of critical thinking - that is only possible through higher levels of education - which often those same communities were denied. So the cycle continues - unbroken.

However, virtually every Packer player has been to college or university. Did most of them miss the class on critical thinking?

1 points
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jont's picture

June 10, 2021 at 09:28 pm

Re "virtually every Packer player has been to college or university. Did most of them miss the class on critical thinking?"

Perhaps 'they are not very bright' is not the only reason a person would choose not to be vaccinated. No offense, but you might consider the possibility that not everyone who disagrees with you does so because he is less intelligent.

2 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

June 10, 2021 at 10:33 pm

There are at least 8 different types of intelligence. For instance, Aaron Rodgers probably has a high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence but a lower inter-personal. So if a person was to engage their "logical-mathematical intelligence" - to consider the scientific data regarding the covid vaccine - there would be little reason for not getting vaccinated.

Of course many people are opting not to get the vaccine. If their choice is not due to an existing health condition - what other logical (intelligence) explanation is there?

You use the term "not very bright" - which I think is somewhat simplistic. In the case of an non-vaxer, I would describe them more as someone with a lower logical-mathematical intelligence and critical thinking ability - relatively speaking.

-1 points
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Crankbait's picture

June 10, 2021 at 06:08 pm

Fire Gute.
Problem solved.

-10 points
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packer132's picture

June 10, 2021 at 07:01 pm

Why would you fire the GM that has brought in players to produce a 13-3 season two years in a row with a rookie coach? Rodgers signed a contract and then said he doesn't want to play for your team again. What would you do? Never mind, it would not make sense.

5 points
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stockholder's picture

June 10, 2021 at 06:30 pm

You got no Bitch. Rodgers is a HOF QB. The packers get more TV revenue, Recognition, etc. Because of him. And I remember when they couldn't even get a prime time game years ago. This organization has made more money on him, then any other player in their history. You bet you waive the fines.

-10 points
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Stroh's picture

June 10, 2021 at 09:01 pm

Talk about uninformed! The TV revenue is an NFL contract w/ the TV stations. There is a thing called REVENUE SHARING which the Packers get an equal share of. Those tv contracts are so beyond Rodgers that he doesn't affect it at all. Local revenue is kept only by the teams and there yes Rodgers helps... HELPS! But the Packers will be very successful with or without Rodgers financially, so his impact on that is relatively minimal to quite minimal.

As Usual, you just dont' have a damn clue!!!

8 points
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porupack's picture

June 11, 2021 at 05:22 am

Why have contracts at all? Just let players play if they feel like it. And pay them after the game what they feel like they deserve.

-1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

June 10, 2021 at 06:45 pm

From my perspective, it’s about resolving the problem.

Turn the page, as the song goes. The fines are insignificant in comparison to the money we save down the road, and if excusing the fines moves this towards the conclusion, good.

Still hoping for Surtain and Chubb for Rodgers, and Adams for Jeudy

2 points
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Stroh's picture

June 10, 2021 at 09:14 pm

The only fines they can excuse are from the minicamp this week. Once training camp starts those fines are mandatory per the CBA that the players signed. The 93K this week is a drop in the bucket to Rodgers and the Packers. But once training camp starts things change dramatically. The Packers cannot forgive or pay the fines for Rodgers. It comes from his game checks and if he doesn't play and is under contract he is required to pay out of his own pocket. The 500K he lost had to be earned by showing up, and he chose to not show, so he just didn't earn those bonuses. Training camp is when it starts to matter.

3 points
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Leatherhead's picture

June 10, 2021 at 09:28 pm

Thanks for that very clear explanation. So in other words, it will start costing money when training camp starts.

1 points
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Stroh's picture

June 11, 2021 at 12:00 am

You got it. To the tune of 50K per day during training camp. What is somewhat unclear is if Rodgers holds out and therefore doesn't play in preseason game he could lose a full game check in the regular season for each preseason game missed. That was what I initially read, but then heard of a loophole that might prevent Rodgers from being charged for the preseason games. But the 50K per day missed comes directly out of Rodgers pockets, either game checks or he has to pay it personally.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 11, 2021 at 08:43 am

After day 5 of camp ( 5 days of unauthorized absence) it is now automatic. The new CBA changed camp fines from being a team matter to being league mandated and also increased them (not that the difference is particularly material for a player paid at Rodgers level).

0 points
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greengold's picture

June 10, 2021 at 07:03 pm

You know what you do?

You ship him off to military school with the GOD DAMNED FINKLESTEIN SHIT KID!

Son of a BITCH!!!

- Strother Martin, RIP

-2 points
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porupack's picture

June 11, 2021 at 05:27 am

The only ones flinching from the drama are the fans. Gute is playing is poker hand appropriately, right there on top of that contract....just as a reminder to the guys across the table. Chill fans. toughen up your gut with some sit-ups. A contract is a contract, and it is time for GMs to stop catering to over reaction-itis, shipping off their stars for chunk change. Let Rodgers retire, because at this point, there isn't much the packers are going to get in a trade.

3 points
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Stroh's picture

June 11, 2021 at 05:53 am

Right now there might be 2 teams involved in trade discussion for Rodgers, Denver and the Raiders presumably. If the Packers hold onto Rodgers thru this season and put him on the trade market next offseason in march, there are as many as 10 teams that would be involved in the chance to acquire an MVP level QB. Trading him at this point makes virtually no difference and would cause them to have to take a discounted package in return for Rodgers. Trading him next offseason,even if he does't play, get the Packer at least one and quite possibly 2 picks in the top 10 from the team that acquires him. And that isn't including the top10 pick the Packers would be awared based on having about a 5-11 record.

Sratch that 5-12 record, forgot there are 17 games this season.

1 points
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HankScorpio's picture

June 11, 2021 at 06:57 am

Twice a day I check in with Profootball rumors to see if Rodgers has been traded. I don't buy the protestations that there is no chance it happens. I don't buy that it is a foregone conclusion he will be traded. How this plays out for 2021 is a beautiful mystery now, IMO.

If they are listening to offers, I hope they are talking to more than just Las Vegas and Denver. Banishing him to WTF under Danny Snyder would be a wonderful outcome, IMO, especially if it meant Terry McLaurin would be involved in the deal. Or maybe NYG, I could live with them being in the same conference.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 11, 2021 at 08:54 am

Maybe GG is right and Denver will offer the type of package mooted. I’m skeptical. I have always though next year more commercially viable, though that will mean dealing with distractions in the interim potentially. The exception might be if a QB on a team with the chips to trade and a belief it can contend goes down in camp. Then it’s a question of will Rodgers agree to turn out for the new team.

1 points
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greengold's picture

June 11, 2021 at 02:03 pm

Hey Coldworld, you bring up some really key points here.

1. Distractions. Yeah, the Packers have had enough. If I'm Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur, I've had my fill of distractions from the main goal we are doing our best to focus on. Getting the deal done now, removes those distractions, while gaining top value now, while AR is fresh off his MVP season. He's quite possibly at his most marketable point right now, not a year from now when he's 38 going on 39...

2. I don't think there is one viable, QB needy team out there with the cap dollars available to make something like this happen in an AR trade other than DEN. They have everything the Packers need to make a deal successful.

3. Waiting for another QB to go down to open another trade possibility seems far reaching. DEN would likely have moved on if you don't get something done by TC. Then you're competing with one team? With fewer resources to pull a trade off?

4. DEN is literally the perfect place for AR right now, and for the Packers, in a kind of "Get him the hell outta here," mode. AFC West.

You mentioned the Rubicon the other day. Funny thing about that notion is Rich Eisen did a segment on this dilemma, ordeal, what have you. He brought up the Favre transition. How he went back and forth retiring, then not retiring.

He shared a new piece of info on that whole dealing. The Packers took Aaron Rodgers. Favre, after retiring a few years later, wanted to come back, but Mike McCarthy finally told him, "Nah, we're good."

Apparently, and Eisen wouldn't reveal his source, but said it came from within, Someone high up flew down to Louisiana to see him. Favre was likely thinking the Packers wanted him back. Instead, whoever it was flew down to ask him if Favre wanted the Packers to ship him his old locker.

That's a rubicon for you.

I thought the deal for AR was done prior to the draft, in principle, and I still hold to that. They had to wait till ANYTIME AFTER June 1st to close a deal anyway, and they likely discussed all kinds of different WR combinations in trade with a final deal for AR - explaining WRs who needed to be here not being here.

Seems highly probable Davante Adams is the choice DEN wanted for inclusion in the final deal, especially with the Packers treating him differently this last week of Mandatory Minicamp.

Oddly enough, TE Noah Fant and Ronald Darby didn't practice with the rest of the Broncos this last week, along with all those other defenders that have been held out of all 3 of their camps.

Let me get this straight: Sternberger goes out. Enter, Fant???

That is a lot of stuff adding up. It is not coincidence. I think this is on.

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blondy45's picture

June 11, 2021 at 07:20 am

First, I do not know who you are quoting on the with or without Rodgers record for 2021. I do not agree with either. Second I do agree that the longer Rodgers stays away from camp, the less likely he will be traded come September. Third, we must quit putting so much stock on "might be" theories. The media for the most part fuels the flames that Rodgers is the poor disrespected saint, which he is not.

We the Packer's fans do not need maybe, need to be, or must have theories. We the fans, management, coaches, and most of all players, deserve a full commitment to the team by all to continue to win in the NFL. Like in a row boat race, if all are not fully pulling together to win, it will not happen. It takes 22 oars in the water, working together. That one guy with with the mega phone (Rodgers) is important. He may direct the team, but he needs everyone FULLY committed with all oars in the water to win, most importantly himself.

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HankScorpio's picture

June 11, 2021 at 06:50 am

So yesterday, the Packers signed a 5th QB, which might lead one to speculate they are softening on their stance to trade Rodgers. 5 QBs is a pretty packed QB room, even just for TC.

They also inked a 1 yr deal with a LB that brings with it 4 void yrs on the cap. That is yet another indicator of going "all in" for 2021.

The Packers have about $16.5 mil committed to the 2022-2025 caps in void years. I never really knew anything about void years before this year. Basically, it extends the 2021 cap by that amount while reducing those future caps by the same amount. I'm not a fan of that approach. Fire Russ Ball.

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BrettGB's picture

June 11, 2021 at 08:49 am

I think the signing of the 5th Quarterback (Jake Dolegala) could mean: 1. They expect Rodgers to hold out through at least the start of camp/they're trading him (less likely IMO), and they want 4 quarterbacks in camp. 2. They want a developmental Practice Squad candidate, and this is it. So if Rodgers returns for training camp, perhaps it's Bortles who is released, as a veteran back-up would not be needed as much anymore. Kurt Benkurt as well, though he could be a Practice Squad candidate also. Most of this offseason's moves have pointed to Rodgers' return, and while this one may have some red flags, I don't think it has to mean he's gone at all.

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Hematite's picture

June 11, 2021 at 10:46 am

If the Green Bay Packers give Rodgers an excused absence and don't fine him, I'm going to be a very pissed of Packers fan.

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Ryan3468's picture

June 11, 2021 at 11:51 am

So I was under the impression that the NFL no longer allows forgiveness of fines of this sort.

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