http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/15192/tom-bradys-contract-looms-over-patriots http://www.patsfans.com/ian/blog/2010/07/19/is-a-holdout-by-brady-coming/ Is A Holdout By Brady Coming? Posted on July 19, 2010 Filed Under Football ESPNBoston.com’s Tim Graham reported on Monday that there may be trouble on the horizon with just a little over a week to go until training camp begins, and he feels it could involve quarterback Tom Brady holding out when the team comes together at Gillette Stadium next week. In Graham’s report, according to ESPN’s John Clayton, the preliminary talks haven’t gone well. “They’re nowhere close,” Clayton said, “and Tom has made it clear to management that he doesn’t want to give any sacrifices. He wants top dollar, and he’s earned top dollar.” Will New England QB Brady be in Foxboro next week? (PHOTO: Icon/SMI) An interesting note started last week when Vince Wilfork spoke with “Toucher & Rich” show on 98.5 regarding his “Help Vince” scavenger hunt event that he’s put together. A couple of his comments during that interview raised an eyebrow among Patriots fans who initially may have thought nothing of it, but now after Graham’s report may have a reason to be concerned. When asked about whether he’d be surprised if Brady didn’t show up, Wilfork didn’t just come right out and say he expected him to be there. “I try not to pay (attention) to anyone else’s business because everyone handles their business in different ways,” said Wilfork. ”Me personally, I know Tom personally, and he’s a great guy. He’s all about football. He loves his teammates . . . at the same time it’s a business. When business plays a part in it, of course you’re going to have some areas where people are going to do different things. Only Tom knows what he’s going to do. I really can’t comment on if he’s coming or not coming.” When asked if he’d be surprised if Brady didn’t show up, Wilfork replied, “Like I said, business is businesss. Knowing Tom, he’s going to do what’s best for himself, and he’s going to keep the team in mind. I’m going to leave it at that. I can’t say what he’s going to do, or what he’s not going to do. I’m going to be there.” The other part of the equation is the fact that St. Louis Rams QB and No. 1 draft choice Sam Bradford, has yet to reach a deal, although Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that negotiations are underway. According to Schefter Bradford is reportedly looking for guaranteed money in the range of $45 to $50 million. CSN New England’s Tom Curran pointed out last week that Bradford will likely be looking for a deal larger than the six-year one signed last summer by Matthew Stafford, who got $41.7 million guaranteed. How that will factor into the negotiations remains to be seen, but it’s expected to play a part in not only Brady’s negotiations, but also in Colts QB Peyton Manning’s as well. Needless to say things aren’t looking good so far. Considering practice more or less revolves around the quarterback, a holdout by Brady would certainly be a setback for everyone on the offensive side of the football. It would also create a lot of uncertainty on a team where Brady is well respected by everyone in that locker room. After all, there are probably some guys who are already upset about what’s going on with disgruntled guard Logan Mankins, seeing their offensive and locker room leader holdout definitely wouldn’t help. As Wilfork said, he expects Brady to “keep the team in mind”, although he still also has to do what’s “best for himself”. Hopefully that means we’ll see him in practice next week. This is going to be entertaining. *I just researched a little bit more, and the Patriots might have a real problem on their hands.
Who gives a shit what Vince Wilfork has to say, really? Not that he said anything: So they've got shitty beat writers in Boston, too? That's reassuring.
Tim Graham just spun a vague, non-committal quote from the team's defensive tackle into a rumor that Tom Brady might hold out. That's not journalism, that's gossip.
Since there's nothing else going on in this thread, I'd just like to take the opportunity to say that: No kid fresh out of college should ever be guaranteed $45 million, with $12-$13 million/season...EVER. ...at least not until veteran minimum is $5 million.
This. Wasn't Brady's last contract something in the ballpark of 6 years-$60 million? I know that was a few years ago, but a kid that's never played a down in the NFL is going to make more than Brady's last contract? There has to be some sort of rookie contract limits worked out, especially with guys like Jamarcus Russell getting picked first.
was about to post the exact same thing. that's what raised an eyebrow most about this article. it's ridiculous...there's no guarantee they'll be great either. in the NBA, the rookie scale is pretty reasonable. In football, it's atrocious. i don't know who on earth would come up with this shit. Guys who have never set a foot on a professional field are getting more guaranteed money than perrenial pro bowlers
They'll get something done. Kraft is too good a businessman to let Brady hold out or walk. Pats fans have watched them let other guys go via free agency and trades, but losing Brady would mean losing the legions of ticket-buying, pro shop visiting fans who have really only watched football since around 2001. They just built a freaking mall around Gillette and they need to stay competitive and current.
The fact that contracts for the two best QB's of the last 20 years are contingent upon what to pay a guy coming off a bum shoulder who's never thrown an NFL pass shows you how jacked up the current CBA situation really is. That's not a knock on Bradford, but this whole rookie situation has spun out of control. It'll be interesting just how fast the dominos start to fall in the next week or so.
"I do think at a certain point, you've made enough money." - Barack Obama Haha, I just had to throw that in for the liberals. :breakdance:
Brady won't hold out, they'll pay him whatever the fuck he wants (as they should). The Logan Mankins situation has gone largely unnoticed since he demanded a trade about 2 months ago... guess he's not getting his wish.
Of all sports, players in the NFL have the least leverage in these situations. If Mankins holds out, he still isn't a free agent because it doesn't count as a year of service. The funny thing about Mankins' situation is that he was quoted recently as saying, "They said they'd give me a new contract after the uncapped year, but they lied." Huh? Um, isn't 2010 the uncapped year? So... yeah. Confused.
I think Brady should just call it a day as a football player. He married GISELE BUNDCHEN!!! I mean for christ sake why would you want to continue playing after you've married GISELE BUNDCHEN?!!?!?
Re. holding out and losing a year of service...doesn't that have to do with whether you become a restricted FA or an unrestricted FA? I may be wrong but I thought that's how it works if u lose a year of service cus u still wouldn't be under contract
the problem with these contracts is that there is always some jackass out there willing to pay these kids. that happens because there is some jackass out there willing to pay 10k for the right to buy 450 dollar a game ticket. that happens because there is some jackass out there willing to pay 200 bucks for an authentic jersey, or 5 of them. that happens because there is some jackass out there willing to pay $314.93 a year for sunday ticket. in addition to the amount they are already paying for their directv. most of us feed the monster on a weekly basis during the season.
