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Sheriff Gonna Getcha · 02-23-2005, 05:16 PM

Crazy Canuck,

First, I didn't mean to sound off on a legal debate. What I've been talking about is one's word. Has Coles broken his word? No. Coles has supposedly said he'd play ball for the 'Skins if he wasn't released or traded; he's willing to play out his deal (at least for now). There has been NO talk (yet) of any holdout.

Does that mean he has to be 100% happy with his current situation? No. Gibbs supposedly told the players that anyone who would prefer to be elsewhere should tell him. Gardner and Coles approached Gibbs and said they'd prefer to be elsewhere. So, I don't see how Coles is being a punk for being honest.

Second, as you correctly point out, Coles was given a large signing bonus as security. But now, the team apparently wants back the signing bonus (or a portion thereof). I don't think on the one hand you can honestly say that he accepted the CBA and should be held to it, but he should ALSO give back the signing bonus (if you in fact believe that).

Third, you said he whined and demanded to be released. Thus far, I haven't heard a peep out of Coles (for better or worse). He might have whined to the coaching staff, but I don't have a problem with that. As for demanding a release, I haven't heard any such demand. He was asked if he wanted to leave and he said yes.

Third, I don't think your comparison of NFL players and the rest of us working folks is appropriate. I'm not an actor, singer, or ball player and I never will be (that is until Snyder and Gibbs come to their senses). But, if you choose to bring up that analogy, I think the following is a good illustration of Coles' situation.

I get hired by a law firm and am given a signing bonus to work for a firm for 6 years. The first year is pretty good - while we lost a lot of cases, I am well compensated, highly appreciated, make lots of great friends, get a lot of substantive and interesting work, and I love my boss.

The following year, the boss I loved quits, a new boss comes into the office who doesn't seem to appreciate me as much, is having me get his coffee instead of writing briefs for the US Supreme Court, I get demolished in a trial because my law firm is run so horribly, the employee roster resembles a revolving door, some of my best friends are leaving the firm, and although I have a contract to work for the firm for five more years, the managing partner tells me anyone who wants to leave can do so. So I raise my hand and say I want to leave. Am I a bastard for doing that? I don't think so.

02-23-2005, 05:16 PM	#32
Sheriff Gonna Getcha Franchise Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Age: 46 Posts: 8,317	Re: Full Blown Mutiny Crazy Canuck, First, I didn't mean to sound off on a legal debate. What I've been talking about is one's word. Has Coles broken his word? No. Coles has supposedly said he'd play ball for the 'Skins if he wasn't released or traded; he's willing to play out his deal (at least for now). There has been NO talk (yet) of any holdout. Does that mean he has to be 100% happy with his current situation? No. Gibbs supposedly told the players that anyone who would prefer to be elsewhere should tell him. Gardner and Coles approached Gibbs and said they'd prefer to be elsewhere. So, I don't see how Coles is being a punk for being honest. Second, as you correctly point out, Coles was given a large signing bonus as security. But now, the team apparently wants back the signing bonus (or a portion thereof). I don't think on the one hand you can honestly say that he accepted the CBA and should be held to it, but he should ALSO give back the signing bonus (if you in fact believe that). Third, you said he whined and demanded to be released. Thus far, I haven't heard a peep out of Coles (for better or worse). He might have whined to the coaching staff, but I don't have a problem with that. As for demanding a release, I haven't heard any such demand. He was asked if he wanted to leave and he said yes. Third, I don't think your comparison of NFL players and the rest of us working folks is appropriate. I'm not an actor, singer, or ball player and I never will be (that is until Snyder and Gibbs come to their senses). But, if you choose to bring up that analogy, I think the following is a good illustration of Coles' situation. I get hired by a law firm and am given a signing bonus to work for a firm for 6 years. The first year is pretty good - while we lost a lot of cases, I am well compensated, highly appreciated, make lots of great friends, get a lot of substantive and interesting work, and I love my boss. The following year, the boss I loved quits, a new boss comes into the office who doesn't seem to appreciate me as much, is having me get his coffee instead of writing briefs for the US Supreme Court, I get demolished in a trial because my law firm is run so horribly, the employee roster resembles a revolving door, some of my best friends are leaving the firm, and although I have a contract to work for the firm for five more years, the managing partner tells me anyone who wants to leave can do so. So I raise my hand and say I want to leave. Am I a bastard for doing that? I don't think so.