AJ no show/now back to work

[kastofsna]

i can't IMAGINE why a guy who's playing in a sport that could end his career before his 30th birthday would want to get as much money out of it as he can.

 

[BullNation4Life]

i can't IMAGINE why a guy who's playing in a sport that could end his career before his 30th birthday would want to get as much money out of it as he can.

I blame the media for this, to be honest. For what the last 3 years now all we have heard from every media outlet paying attention was Andre Johnson is one of if not THE best WR in the NFL. Well it seems this has finally sunk in to AJ and now he wants to get paid like the ELITE WR he is....

Media just created a monster and the Texans are now responsible for taming it....

 

[spurstexanstros]

I would have to say I am disappointed in #80. He was a source of pride....we had an elite receiver who didnt open his mouth or go premadonna on us. He has put up with the loosing and coaching changes and now the Texans are on the verge of rising to the top of the league...he goes WR on us. I think he is the best player in the league and he should be paid like it, however he signed a contract and has to honor it, but the Texans can re work it to make him happy..maybe by taking money from the back end and giving it to him now. I am sure there are things in contract that allow for it most contracts give both parties the power to revisit the terms....I hope this is what is going on.

 

[infantrycak]

we had an elite receiver who didnt open his mouth or go premadonna on us.

Madonna is much older than AJ.

 

[BigBull17]

I'll probably get flamed for my opinion on players making millions, but I can't blame them for asking for more. NFL owners are billionaires and making ridiculous amounts in profits from our season tickets, PSL, beer, souvenirs, etc. The amount that they pay players is very small compared to what they actually make.

If an NFL players wants more money, I'm fine with it. Pay Andre Johnson what he deserves. He's one of the top 10 players in football.

I understand wanting to make more, but damn man, you got a pretty damn big contract. I understood Marshal, since he was making 600k to be the third best in the NFL. I kinda understand OD, who makes very little, but needs to come back strong to earn his cash. But 3 years into a 50 million dollar cotract makes me not to sympathetic.

 

[dalemurphy]

Not hard for me to understand when I see how he pays for children to have a shopping spree at OVER PRICED TOYS R Us with one swipe of his credit card, buys a whole crap load of bikes from Walmart to give to under privledged children.

It's not hard for me to understand when I see that he outplayed his rookie contract to get the extension and now has become one of the top 5 best players in the league which means he's outplayed his extended contract.

If this were a guy that was flapping his jaws all the time, writing Pay Me Rick on his shoes when he's only had one Pro Bowl type season or only caught 3 TD passes in two seasons I would understand. However this is Andre Johnson. The only player on our team that when anyone around the league talks about him they speak as if he's the best player in the league at his position. You can pull out any tape of The Texans since he's been on our team and you would be very hard pressed to find a player that wants to win more than Andre Johnson (Arizona game, the Dolphins game in 2008, Tennessee game in 2009 etc...)

Pay him!

You make some very good points.

Still, though, he shouldn't hold out. He could dialogue with the Texans on a new deal without making that kind of move. What's the hurry? He has 5 years left on a good contract. There is no reason to play hardball right now and show a lack of concern for the team's best interest and for making a championship run this year.

 

[El Tejano]

You make some very good points.

Still, though, he shouldn't hold out. He could dialogue with the Texans on a new deal without making that kind of move. What's the hurry? He has 5 years left on a good contract. There is no reason to play hardball right now and show a lack of concern for the team's best interest and for making a championship run this year.

And your point is what is telling me what a few other posters have stated. AJ, taking one for the team so that we can clear the Brian Cushing air. AJ in turn gets his deal now. This is just uncharacteristic.

 

[b0ng]

Yes, let's make Andre wait until next year. You know, the year that there might not be any football whatsoever. I'm sure Smith would just dive right into some negotiations during a lockout.

 

[Dishman]

Madonna is much older than AJ.

Maybe that's why he said premadonna and not primadonna

 

[Dishman]

i can't IMAGINE why a guy who's playing in a sport that could end his career before his 30th birthday would want to get as much money out of it as he can.

He stands to make more by his 30th birthday than most of us dream of making in a lifetime. He may be charitable, but I doubt it levies such a burden on him to have to re-negotiate yet another contract.

If the Texans give him a new contract does he not try to re-negotiate again in two years? By that time other WR contracts will have been re-negotiated and increased, so AJ's contract might be an issue yet again. Meanwhile, I can't get a better than 3% raise for busting my ass at my career.

 

[Runner]

He stands to make more by his 30th birthday than most of us dream of making in a lifetime.

...

Meanwhile, I can't get a better than 3% raise for busting my ass at my career.

Kudos for the honesty of why you are upset with Andre.

 

[El Tejano]

I'm sure the soda vendor guy and everyone else that works for The Texans who are not on the team or front office think the same about not getting a 3% raise too. Then again people aren't paying The Texans money to see them perform.

 

[GuerillaBlack]

I'm sure the soda vendor guy and everyone else that works for The Texans who are not on the team or front office think the same about not getting a 3% raise too. Then again people aren't paying The Texans money to see them perform.

??

Like ticket sales, jersey sales, etc.?

 

[badboy]

I'll probably get flamed for my opinion on players making millions, but I can't blame them for asking for more. NFL owners are billionaires and making ridiculous amounts in profits from our season tickets, PSL, beer, souvenirs, etc. The amount that they pay players is very small compared to what they actually make.

If an NFL players wants more money, I'm fine with it. Pay Andre Johnson what he deserves. He's one of the top 10 players in football.[/QUOTes] Bill Gates is like the 2nd richest in the world and his employees are not. The farmer owns the golden goose. His worker only gets a wage. if you do not like the wage, go elsewhere. No one blames AJ for getting what he could on two contracts. He was paid ahead of time based on past performances that he might not ever see again and "potential" he will be able to do it again. People keep saying the owners do not honor contracts and we know that is B.S. or they would be in court being sued constantly. Just because player signs a six year deal, the contract rarely says he will be on the team all six to get paid. The player and agent knows that. No one forces a player to sign a contract or a fan to purchase tickets or eat over priced food at the stadium. If you want the "experience" of tail gating and sitting in over priced, uncomfortable chairs that are rented to you, quit grumbling. We as fans have a grossly over exaggerated view of our importance in the whole process. End of rant.

 

[Brisco_County]

Besides, that's not the point. If the Texans released AJ tomorrow, they would not be honoring the contract. Is the problem with AJ not "honoring" his contract (which is doing, BTW)? Or is it something else? Can someone please explain what their beef with Andre Johnson? Why is it OK for the organization to tear up contracts (which I agree with their right to do so), but not OK for players to attempt to renegotiate? Why?

Because, in this case, Andre's already been paid most of the money after only fulfilling 1/3 of the contract. Restructuring it will double-dip, with no guarantee that he'll be healthy.

It would do both sides a huge service for Andre to get a real agent. No matter who wins, at least the conversation will occur through the language of business, and the resentment born through absent communication will be kept to a minimum.

 

[Runner]

It would do both sides a huge service for Andre to get a real agent. No matter who wins, at least the conversation will occur through the language of business, and the resentment born through absent communication will be kept to a minimum.

Hmmmm. Do we know that Andre's uncle doesn't know this "language of business"? Do we know if he's had any training as an agent?

I bet without using the google machine (or any other search, you tricky devils) most people here couldn't even tell me his name,* much less anything substantial about him.


*save posting his name and saying you've always known it. Such statements will be taken with a grain of salt. Having him called "the uncle" for so many posts indicates to me no one has bothered to look it up.

 

[BullNation4Life]

Hmmmm. Do we know that Andre's uncle doesn't know this "language of business"? Do we know if he's had any training as an agent?

I bet without using the google machine (or any other search, you tricky devils) most people here couldn't even tell me his name,* much less anything substantial about him.


*save posting his name and saying you've always known it. Such statements will be taken with a grain of salt. Having him called "the uncle" for so many posts indicates to me no one has bothered to look it up.

could you? And my understanding is Andre's Uncle is not his "agent", he is his advisor. Andre hired a sport attorney to do his rookie contract to avoid the agent commission....

Oh and it's Andre Melton. Anybody who has been paying attention should know that.

 

[Runner]

could you? And my understanding is Andre's Uncle is not his agent, he is his advisor. Andre hired a sport attorney to do his rookie contract and this last one if memory serves me right....

Actually I could, but few would believe I knew Dre's Uncle Andre's name already. However, that's not really the point. I'm not making sweeping statements about him.

 

[Runner]

could you? And my understanding is Andre's Uncle is not his "agent", he is his advisor. Andre hired a sport attorney to do his rookie contract to avoid the agent commission....

Oh and it's Andre Melton. Anybody who has been paying attention should know that.

This has changed a little bit since I quoted it.

So is it your contention that those commenting about Andre's influence on Dre know enough about him and their relationship to make meaningful statements about him? I didn't think he was that well known.

"Anybody who has been paying attention knew his name"...really? I wish there was a good way to test that. I think a lot of statements are being made based on assumptions, not insight.

 

[Double Barrel]

But thats the way it is with any business. The people who have the most to risk, ie the owners make the most money and the workers make substantially less. And quite frankly, thats the way it should be. He who has the most to risk has the opportunity to make the most.

Risk??? With TAXPAYER FINANCED stadiums??? Make them build their own freakin' facilities and operate outside of anti-trust exemptions, and THEN we can talk about all this so-called risk.

It was a risk when the AFL owners started their league in 1960. Not so much today. It's a sound investment opportunity, as evidenced by our very own Robert McNair.

I'm very supportive of mid or late round picks who reach the 3rd or 4th year of their rookie deals and try to get a new deal. But, it's awfully hard to be sympathetic towards a guy that has over $50 million in his twenties and is unhappy with the fact that he's scheduled to make $6 million this season.

And it's awfully hard to be sympathetic to multi-billion dollar entertainment corporations that use political clout to buy influence with local governments to publicly finance their playgrounds.

The next time an owner takes a blindside hit by Ray Lewis, I'll grant them some sympathy. But, until then, they are just businessmen providing entertainment services. However, they are not the entertainment, and they are not hurting for business or revenue.

Like Lucky said, football contracts are not like real life contracts. This is just business, and all the speculation about AJ's character and other things is laughable. You guys are acting like customers now, not fans of his.

I blame the media for this, to be honest. For what the last 3 years now all we have heard from every media outlet paying attention was Andre Johnson is one of if not THE best WR in the NFL. Well it seems this has finally sunk in to AJ and now he wants to get paid like the ELITE WR he is....

Media just created a monster and the Texans are now responsible for taming it....

Riiiiiiight. "The Media" created the best receiver in football, not his on-field accomplishments. That makes a lot of sense....in Bizarro World.

 

[b0ng]

This has changed a little bit since I quoted it.

So is it your contention that those commenting about Andre's influence on Dre know enough about him and their relationship to make meaningful statements about him? I didn't think he was that well known.

"Anybody who has been paying attention knew his name"...really? I wish there was a good way to test that. I think a lot of stements are being made based on assimptions, not insight.

I saw Melton's name mentioned a few times last night when this subject was really getting into gear. But no, I don't think most people would normally know who AJ's uncle was unless they were very interested in the daring and exciting world of contract negotiations.

 

[Runner]

I saw Melton's name mentioned a few times last night when this subject was really getting into gear. But no, I don't think most people would normally know who AJ's uncle was unless they were very interested in the daring and exciting world of contract negotiations.

True, it has been bandied about the last day. I guess I should have asked if they would have known his name last week.

I still don't think people have an intimate knowledge of the relationship.

 

[b0ng]

True, it has been bandied about the last day. I guess I should have asked if they would have known his name last week.

I still don't think people have an intimate knowledge of the relationship.

Oh it's true, people definitely don't know who he is. I would say that AJ's current contract is probably laughed about in the circles of sports agents. An 8 year deal? What right minded agent would get his guy locked in for 8 years unless it was worth well over $100m (even in 2007)?

The fact that this guy (Andre Melton) negotiated the last contract, and it's pretty terrible for AJ as is, should make Andre get a tried and true agent to get him what he thinks he's worth.

Basically I don't like Andre Melton.

 

[Brisco_County]

Hmmmm. Do we know that Andre's uncle doesn't know this "language of business"? Do we know if he's had any training as an agent?

I bet without using the google machine (or any other search, you tricky devils) most people here couldn't even tell me his name,* much less anything substantial about him.


*save posting his name and saying you've always known it. Such statements will be taken with a grain of salt. Having him called "the uncle" for so many posts indicates to me no one has bothered to look it up.

Melton was the key source in an ESPN article about AJ earlier this year. In the article, he spoke as a person of influence in the business relationship.

Analysts on ESPN yesterday referred to Johnson's contract as being negotiated with his uncle, not an agent.

This includes Adam Shefter:

Andre Johnson negotiated his last deal by himself, using an uncle as an advisor. Saved himself three percent and cost himself 100 percent.

I think it's safe to assume that Melton is not a professional agent.

 

[Runner]

Oh it's true, people definitely don't know who he is. I would say that AJ's current contract is probably laughed about in the circles of sports agents. An 8 year deal? What right minded agent would get his guy locked in for 8 years unless it was worth well over $100m (even in 2007)?

The fact that this guy (Andre Melton) negotiated the last contract, and it's pretty terrible for AJ as is, should make Andre get a tried and true agent to get him what he thinks he's worth.

Basically I don't like Andre Melton.

That's cool. I see your reasoning, although I don't agree with it.

I don't think Andre ever intended to play out his entire first OR second contract. Further, I think both sides knew that each time they were signed. Now Andre and the Texans are in the process of finishing the scenario.

I think that is just as likely as positing that Andre is surrounded by incompetence.

 

[b0ng]

That's cool. I see your reasoning, although I don't agree with it.

I don't think Andre ever intended to play out his entire first OR second contract. Further, I think both sides knew that each time they were signed. Now Andre and the Texans are in the process of finishing the scenario.

I think that is just as likely as positing that Andre is surrounded by incompetence.

It could be. It could also be Andre being upset that he signed a contract to help the team out (Hey, the FO certainly said it helped when he signed it) and in turn they have rewarded him with 1 season above .500. Then their big FA signing the past few years have been Ahman Green, Antonio Smith and. . . Wade Smith I guess? They let his buddy Dunta walk this offseason. He might just really be thinking that he gave the team a discount and they've basically pissed it away.

Hell it could be his uncle whispering in his ear again and him paying attention to it like a doofus. He might have decided it's time to get greedy. Rick Smith banged his girlfriend and now AJ is out for revenge.

Whatever it is, I'm just hoping that it gets resolved in some way before this season starts because next year I'm guessing there won't be any contract negotiations with anybody if there is no CBA.

 

[dc_txtech]

Oh it's true, people definitely don't know who he is. I would say that AJ's current contract is probably laughed about in the circles of sports agents. An 8 year deal? What right minded agent would get his guy locked in for 8 years unless it was worth well over $100m (even in 2007)?

The fact that this guy (Andre Melton) negotiated the last contract, and it's pretty terrible for AJ as is, should make Andre get a tried and true agent to get him what he thinks he's worth.

Basically I don't like Andre Melton.

He also made a bonehead move last offseason by saying he had an "exit strategy" to get AJ out of Houston if they didn't make the playoffs.

 

[infantrycak]

Andre hired a sport attorney to do his rookie contract to avoid the agent commission....

Andre had a professor from U of M consult on a voluntary basis.

Oh it's true, people definitely don't know who he is. I would say that AJ's current contract is probably laughed about in the circles of sports agents. An 8 year deal? What right minded agent would get his guy locked in for 8 years unless it was worth well over $100m (even in 2007)? .

Try calling up Michael Vick's agent and asking him why he signed a 10 year deal in 2005 or Donovan McNabb's agent to inquire about his 12 year deal in 2002.

 

[b0ng]

Andre had a professor from U of M consult on a voluntary basis.



Try calling up Michael Vick's agent and asking him why he signed a 10 year deal in 2005 or Donovan McNabb's agent to inquire about his 12 year deal in 2002.

Wasn't the Vick contract considered a great deal for Vick because it was worth 130 million dollars? I don't remember what McNabb's contract was worth I will look that up right now.

Vick contract.

EDIT: McNabb's contract was 12 years $115m. Both of those fall in where I said

 

[BullNation4Life]

Risk??? With TAXPAYER FINANCED stadiums??? Make them build their own freakin' facilities and operate outside of anti-trust exemptions, and THEN we can talk about all this so-called risk.

It was a risk when the AFL owners started their league in 1960. Not so much today. It's a sound investment opportunity, as evidenced by our very own Robert McNair.



And it's awfully hard to be sympathetic to multi-billion dollar entertainment corporations that use political clout to buy influence with local governments to publicly finance their playgrounds.

The next time an owner takes a blindside hit by Ray Lewis, I'll grant them some sympathy. But, until then, they are just businessmen providing entertainment services. However, they are not the entertainment, and they are not hurting for business or revenue.

Like Lucky said, football contracts are not like real life contracts. This is just business, and all the speculation about AJ's character and other things is laughable. You guys are acting like customers now, not fans of his.



Riiiiiiight. "The Media" created the best receiver in football, not his on-field accomplishments. That makes a lot of sense....in Bizarro World.

Wow you totally missed all of that didn't you. Never said that AJ's on field accomplishments didn't get him to Elite status but having ESPN, FOX, NFL Network hype you up, and for very good reason, as THE or one of THE elite WR in the game, after hearing that for a while, you start to believe that and want to get paid like that.

We all here in Houston knew how good AJ was, but wasn't until Schaub came in and AJ having 2 spectacular years with someone that could get him the ball that his status soared and the national media started to notice. with Carr, he was just another good WR on a bad team in the media's eyes...

 

[infantrycak]

Wow you totally missed all of that didn't you. Never said that AJ's on field accomplishments didn't get him to Elite status but having ESPN, FOX, NFL Network hype you up, and for very good reason, as THE or one of THE elite WR in the game, after hearing that for a while, you start to believe that and want to get paid like that.

We all here in Houston knew how good AJ was, but wasn't until Schaub came in and AJ having 2 spectacular years with someone that could get him the ball that his status soared and the national media started to notice. with Carr, he was just another good WR on a bad team in the media's eyes...

And you think AJ needed to be told he was great to believe it?

 

[Double Barrel]

Wow you totally missed all of that didn't you. Never said that AJ's on field accomplishments didn't get him to Elite status but having ESPN, FOX, NFL Network hype you up, and for very good reason, as THE or one of THE elite WR in the game, after hearing that for a while, you start to believe that and want to get paid like that.

We all here in Houston knew how good AJ was, but wasn't until Schaub came in and AJ having 2 spectacular years with someone that could get him the ball that his status soared and the national media started to notice. with Carr, he was just another good WR on a bad team in the media's eyes...

well, there was a bit of silly sarcasm in my reply, but I don't think AJ needs the media telling him what he already knows to be true. So no, I didn't miss all of that, but I just disagree that the media has anything to do with it.

His three hundred+ catch seasons out of four and two back-to-back 1500+ yard seasons, not to mention his 3 × NFL Alumni Wide Receiver Of The Year (2006, 2008, 2009), 4× Pro Bowl selection (2004, 2006, 2008, 2009), 2× First-team All-Pro selection (2008, 2009), 1× Second-team All-Pro selection (2006)....yeah, he might have had a clue about his status, especially on a team that has just experienced it's first winning season in franchise history.

I'm sure Matt Schaub has probably given him some love, as well.

 

[DerekLee1]

What bothers me the most is that my respect for AJ as a person has been knocked back a few pegs. He always seemed to be the type that would never let money drive him. That his actions on the field would earn him the pay that he deserved without being a whiner. And yes, holding out is a form of whining.

Love for the game before love of money. I guess it's just a thing of the past now. AJ seemed the old-fashioned type, but a move like this really says a lot. If you think you deserve more money, or are getting screwed because of your existing contract (that you not only signed, BUT NEGOTIATED YOURSELF!!), then do it quietly behind the scenes.

I'll still cheer for him, but my opinion of him personally may be irreversibly altered.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

What bothers me the most is that my respect for AJ as a person has been knocked back a few pegs. He always seemed to be the type that would never let money drive him. That his actions on the field would earn him the pay that he deserved without being a whiner. And yes, holding out is a form of whining.

Love for the game before love of money. I guess it's just a thing of the past now. AJ seemed the old-fashioned type, but a move like this really says a lot. If you think you deserve more money, or are getting screwed because of your existing contract (that you not only signed, BUT NEGOTIATED YOURSELF!!), then do it quietly behind the scenes.

I'll still cheer for him, but my opinion of him personally may be irreversibly altered.

I really wouldn't want people to start losing respect for Andre Johnson for missing OTA's. If he starts holding out of mandatory team functions... then we should be a little worried. This is early, AJ isn't vocal about this, and I think we're all making a bigger deal out of this than what it really is.

 

[gary]

How about coming to work and talking things over with Smith and Bob? That is what I'd like to see him do. Ryans big payday came and went. Ryans was not very outspoken about but he did indeed get it. I just wish he would have asked for all he wanted two years ago. Maybe his agent messed up at the time but that is their own fault. Anyway, there are others who have to be paid besides AJ. At least they should have their day too. I understand there might be a lock out next season and AJ wanting to earn number one type money if shows up and do what he does best then he may have a new deal in place by the middle or end of the seaon. Is that too hard? You tell me. Not everyone makes it into the NFL some should be happy they even had the chance to sign a contract IMO. Nitro, by the way if I had millions of bucks and a big name I'd be out there doing stuff because I care about you. Not all but most sports figures are active for the simple fact it is a nice tax write off and also makes them look good. For their foundations some make more money, awards, write offs, and extras not even the public knows about. Do you all know Jerry Lewis gives just ten percent of the money he raises to MD research and basically keeps all of the rest for his pocket? Mom used to work for him and she was shoced when she found out where most of the funds end up. I am not trying to derail this thread or anything but I just want to show what I ment in my last post. These famous figures do gain quite nicely from their outside projects.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

How about coming to work and talking things over with Smith and Bob? That is what I'd like to see him do. Ryans big payday came and went. Ryans was not very outspoken about but he did indeed get it. I just wish he would have asked for all he wanted two years ago.

Who's to say he hasn't gone to Reliant and talked things over with Smith?

As far as I know, AJ hasn't made a public statement (other than missing voluntary OTAs) about his contract situation. The only reason this is talked about is because the media noticed he wasn't present on Monday. AJ isn't any more outspoken over this than Demeco was last year.

 

[infantrycak]

He always seemed to be the type that would never let money drive him.

As if a ton of those folks exist in the world. Seriously you are talking about one of the highest paid jobs around and you don't think they care about money. Oh and those few that don't care are called beach bums.

 

[BullNation4Life]

well, there was a bit of silly sarcasm in my reply, but I don't think AJ needs the media telling him what he already knows to be true. So no, I didn't miss all of that, but I just disagree that the media has anything to do with it.

His three hundred+ catch seasons out of four and two back-to-back 1500+ yard seasons, not to mention his 3 × NFL Alumni Wide Receiver Of The Year (2006, 2008, 2009), 4× Pro Bowl selection (2004, 2006, 2008, 2009), 2× First-team All-Pro selection (2008, 2009), 1× Second-team All-Pro selection (2006)....yeah, he might have had a clue about his status, especially on a team that has just experienced it's first winning season in franchise history.

I'm sure Matt Schaub has probably given him some love, as well.

you just proved my point, all of this was done in the last few years. When did the media really start to pay attention to AJ and start to compare him and Fitzgerald and hyping him up to be THE elite WR? Possibly around the same time as all these awards and accolades?

I'll backtrack and say the media wasn't a direct result, but they did have their hand in it.

 

[BullNation4Life]

Who's to say he hasn't gone to Reliant and talked things over with Smith?

As far as I know, AJ hasn't made a public statement (other than missing voluntary OTAs) about his contract situation. The only reason this is talked about is because the media noticed he wasn't present on Monday. AJ isn't any more outspoken over this than Demeco was last year.

Wouldn't it be hilarious if he comes back to say he took an extra day to visit a relative or had some sort of function and this whole flipping thing was blown way out of proportion?

 

[gary]

Who's to say he hasn't gone to Reliant and talked things over with Smith?

As far as I know, AJ hasn't made a public statement (other than missing voluntary OTAs) about his contract situation. The only reason this is talked about is because the media noticed he wasn't present on Monday. AJ isn't any more outspoken over this than Demeco was last year.

I don't know what AJ has or has not done. I am just saying it is what he should do. From what I remember Demeco handled things pretty well and I hope AJ does the same.

 

[DerekLee1]

As if a ton of those folks exist in the world. Seriously you are talking about one of the highest paid jobs around and you don't think they care about money. Oh and those few that don't care are called beach bums.

Good players are going to get paid. And Andre Johnson IS one of the highest paid at his position. It's not like he's getting paid the league minimum. It's one thing to be a free agent and leave for more money, or make a big money demand to stay. But to get JUST PAST the balloon front-loaded portion of an 8-year deal, then hold out for more is just greed, plain and simple.

I won't pass judgment until it's confirmed exactly what it is that he wants. But not showing up for OTA's - mandatory or not - just leaves a bad stench.

 

[JB]

As if a ton of those folks exist in the world. Seriously you are talking about one of the highest paid jobs around and you don't think they care about money. Oh and those few that don't care are called beach bums.

Hey! It's hard work being a beach bum these days...





Ain't that right Bill?

 

[infantrycak]

Good players are going to get paid. And Andre Johnson IS one of the highest paid at his position. It's not like he's getting paid the league minimum. It's one thing to be a free agent and leave for more money, or make a big money demand to stay. But to get JUST PAST the balloon front-loaded portion of an 8-year deal, then hold out for more is just greed, plain and simple.

I won't pass judgment until it's confirmed exactly what it is that he wants. But not showing up for OTA's - mandatory or not - just leaves a bad stench.

Step outside of being a football fan for a moment and think about this. Sure you are doing well, worth $50 mil, fantastically well. But you have an opportunity to make another $20 mil. How many more relatives does that benefit, how many more generations of your family does that assist, etc.? AJ clearly has all the money he needs and then some but given the chance to pass on an extra $20 mil to my family, yeah I'm playing the angles. And I wish people would notice he is doing this in as classy a way as this system permits. Nobody heard a whisper of this until day 1 and he still isn't talking. No chest thumping (off the field), no driveway antics, no Jim Rome interviews. He is just trying to discuss the issue with the team - a team that says they will discuss the issue with him.

I truly don't understand why folks get worked up about this. Under normal conditions the NFL has a cap. A new contract wouldn't mean increased tickets, etc. - the cap is the same no matter how it is distributed among the players. And yeah, yeah we pay the players. Game day money doesn't cover the players much less all the other expenses. This system is supported by the networks.

 

[JB]

Step outside of being a football fan for a moment and think about this. Sure you are doing well, worth $50 mil, fantastically well. But you have an opportunity to make another $20 mil. How many more relatives does that benefit, how many more generations of your family does that assist, etc.? AJ clearly has all the money he needs and then some but given the chance to pass on an extra $20 mil to my family, yeah I'm playing the angles. And I wish people would notice he is doing this in as classy a way as this system permits. Nobody heard a whisper of this until day 1 and he still isn't talking. No chest thumping (off the field), no driveway antics, no Jim Rome interviews. He is just trying to discuss the issue with the team - a team that says they will discuss the issue with him.

I truly don't understand why folks get worked up about this. Under normal conditions the NFL has a cap. A new contract wouldn't mean increased tickets, etc. - the cap is the same no matter how it is distributed among the players. And yeah, yeah we pay the players. Game day money doesn't cover the players much less all the other expenses. This system is supported by the networks.

Very well said! And no one mentions that he was at all the previous workouts, unless he was in school. And I read a somewhere from Jacoby Jones yesterday where he replied to the question about AJ with something like since JJ already had his degree, AJ had to follow suit. And I know the Texans are big on their players getting their degrees. Perhaps AJ was told if he gets his degree they will talk news deal. Just speculation, but then so is everything else here.

 

[Wolf]

Tom Brady didn't go either , I heard

 

[gary]

I respect him for not going public about his feelings but also hope he plays his cards right. Make this a personal matter between him and the F.O. without going to the press and possibly hurt his teammates in the process. Keep this all behind closed doors where it belongs.

 

[thunderkyss]

What bothers me the most is that my respect for AJ as a person has been knocked back a few pegs. He always seemed to be the type that would never let money drive him.

Yet some media hack says Andre is holding out because of a contract dispute, and he is a p.o.s.

Smith did not confirm this was over his contract. he said,

“I’m not real worried because we re-did him with two years left on his original deal, and that was three years ago,” general manager Rick Smith said Monday. “Over the first three years of that deal, I think if you even ask him, he’s been well-compensated.”

Johnson, who has 216 catches for 3,144 yards and 17 touchdowns the past two seasons, has earned almost $26 million on the new deal.

“He’s got five years left on his deal now (and) we’re willing to sit down and talk with him, and he knows that,” Smith said.

So why would he be holding out, if he knows they are open to negotiations?

 

[JB]

Yet some media hack says Andre is holding out because of a contract dispute, and he is a p.o.s.

Smith did not confirm this was over his contract. he said,


So why would he be holding out, if he knows they are open to negotiations?

He is not holding out

 

[thunderkyss]

He is not holding out

Is that a question, or a statement?

For all I know, The Texans haven't said that Andre is missing because of a contract dispute, and Andre hasn't said Andre is missing because of a contract dispute.

The Question, "Why isn't Andre here?" hasn't been asked of anyone who would know.

Reporters believe that may be the reason, they started asking questions about his contract... and started the debate, "Should Andre be asking for more money?"

 

[infantrycak]

Is that a question, or a statement?

For all I know, The Texans haven't said that Andre is missing because of a contract dispute, and Andre hasn't said Andre is missing because of a contract dispute.

The Question, "Why isn't Andre here?" hasn't been asked of anyone who would know.

Yes it has. The video from yesterday of Smith has a question asking if it is contract related and he says yeah, we're not real worried about that.

This quote is at the beginning of the day 2 reporting:

Wide receiver Andre Johnson was once again not with the team after missing Monday's practice because of contract issues.

The Texans have acknowledged it's contract related.

What JB means about it not being a hold out is you by definition can't hold out from a voluntary activity. We'll find out if he intends to hold out once a mandatory activity comes about.