Commanders Post at The Warpath - View Single Post - Report: Fred Davis, Trent Williams suspended four games

GMScud · 12-05-2011, 10:59 AM

Good points from John Keim:

1. Before we get on to the reality check that Sunday provided, have to talk about Trent Williams and Fred Davis. If the reports are true about their suspension – nothing is official yet but the team expects to hear something soon (Monday perhaps, but not definitely) – I’m not sure anyone should be surprised. Before the 2008 draft, I talked to one draft expert/scout and asked him for three guys he would stay away from in the draft. Davis was one of them. He just didn’t trust him or the direction he would go in his career, based on off-field concerns. After some early issues in his career, Davis was mostly clean. He had improved as a player this year and was becoming a playmaking tight end. And now this. In a contract year no less! (Notice the rare use of an exclamation point). How do you make that sort of mistake? How can a team trust a guy who failed a drug test at least three times (again, according to reports)? Good lord.

2. Meanwhile, we all know what Williams’ reputation was at Oklahoma when it came to his work ethic. It was subpar. They wondered if he was willing to put in the effort to be great. In fairness, he reported to camp in terrific shape. Now, I’m quite sure there are players in this league who have smoked marijuana who have been good players. There are players who drink and are stars, too. They just know when to do it and when not to. If it’s habitual, that’s an issue. And I’m sure others are doing it now. But this also speaks about Williams’ maturation and decision-making. You want to be great? Then get serious. And if you’ve already tested positive, wake up. If you’re in the NFL’s substance abuse policy program and still testing positive? There are bigger issues. On Friday, Williams was talking about being a leader and now this. That’s not leadership. Remember, this is the first guy this current regime drafted. Talented as heck, no doubt. He's played well the past three games. But talent alone only takes you so far. If you want to go far, that is. He's a team captain, too. Not sure how that happened.

12-05-2011, 10:59 AM	#77
GMScud Swearinger Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 12,626	Re: Report: Fred Davis, Trent Williams suspended four games Good points from John Keim: 1. Before we get on to the reality check that Sunday provided, have to talk about Trent Williams and Fred Davis. If the reports are true about their suspension – nothing is official yet but the team expects to hear something soon (Monday perhaps, but not definitely) – I’m not sure anyone should be surprised. Before the 2008 draft, I talked to one draft expert/scout and asked him for three guys he would stay away from in the draft. Davis was one of them. He just didn’t trust him or the direction he would go in his career, based on off-field concerns. After some early issues in his career, Davis was mostly clean. He had improved as a player this year and was becoming a playmaking tight end. And now this. In a contract year no less! (Notice the rare use of an exclamation point). How do you make that sort of mistake? How can a team trust a guy who failed a drug test at least three times (again, according to reports)? Good lord. 2. Meanwhile, we all know what Williams’ reputation was at Oklahoma when it came to his work ethic. It was subpar. They wondered if he was willing to put in the effort to be great. In fairness, he reported to camp in terrific shape. Now, I’m quite sure there are players in this league who have smoked marijuana who have been good players. There are players who drink and are stars, too. They just know when to do it and when not to. If it’s habitual, that’s an issue. And I’m sure others are doing it now. But this also speaks about Williams’ maturation and decision-making. You want to be great? Then get serious. And if you’ve already tested positive, wake up. If you’re in the NFL’s substance abuse policy program and still testing positive? There are bigger issues. On Friday, Williams was talking about being a leader and now this. That’s not leadership. Remember, this is the first guy this current regime drafted. Talented as heck, no doubt. He's played well the past three games. But talent alone only takes you so far. If you want to go far, that is. He's a team captain, too. Not sure how that happened. __________________ Tardy