Driver wants out of GB, Contract not re-done (1 Viewer)

[sho nuff]

A guy like Driver (and other Green Bay players) who have been stand up guys and play hard every week, probably question how the organization (& media) can cater to “Lord” Favre’s every need and want on one hand and ignore their needs and wants on the other.

You gotta take care of guys like Driver who come through for you when no one else will; simply coddling the golden boy (Favre) makes the organization look foolish. Time for the Packers to put their nizutts on the table and pay for Driver's production.

I will wait and see what was said first.Was he promised something? Supposedly.

Has TT been blowing him off...or putting him off til they get Free Agency and the draft taken care of?

IF TT has been blowing him off...he has a beef.

If its the other....Driver is in the wrong and just another greedy player trying to cash in. He was more than happy to sign that deal a few years ago...crying about how he could retire a packer....

 

[datonn]

They have handled players quite well actually. Driver was rewarded for his play...now is whining. Walker would have been. Bubba was, KGB was, Fergie was, Green was.....Those who wish to redo contracts 2 and 3 years early have not been rewarded for creating a disruption.Im waiting to see a full official story on it...looks like posturing given Driver's words in the past.

If the Packers previously promised they would renegotiate Driver's contract, now they aren't honoring that promise, I wouldn't call that "handling players quite well". In fact, if that promise was made and then the team drops $7MM+/year on Woodson, that would make me if I were Driver.But hey, everything the Packers touch is golden....but as soon as somebody starts to say that things are not perfect in "paradise" then the team and its fans can tell them "don't let the door hit you in the ****", right?! Except for Favre....since we ALL know that he is part of the Holy Square (Lambeau, Lombardi, Starr and Favre).

 

[Tough As Nails]

Anybody have a link to this? I can't find it anywhere. Just mentioned by some guys on ESPN? No story yet?

 

[sho nuff]

They have handled players quite well actually.  Driver was rewarded for his play...now is whining.  Walker would have been.  Bubba was, KGB was, Fergie was, Green was.....

Those who wish to redo contracts 2 and 3 years early have not been rewarded for creating a disruption.

Im waiting to see a full official story on it...looks like posturing given Driver's words in the past.

If the Packers previously promised they would renegotiate Driver's contract, now they aren't honoring that promise, I wouldn't call that "handling players quite well". In fact, if that promise was made and then the team drops $7MM+/year on Woodson, that would make me if I were Driver.But hey, everything the Packers touch is golden....but as soon as somebody starts to say that things are not perfect in "paradise" then the team and its fans can tell them "don't let the door hit you in the ****", right?! Except for Favre....since we ALL know that he is part of the Holy Square (Lambeau, Lombardi, Starr and Favre).

I said they have handled it well in the past. That is the big if...if they have promised and are balking now...I agree with Driver.However, if they made the promise and were waiting to take care of things like free agency and the draft...then his words are quite hollow. Especially given his words last year on not pulling this type of move. Last time I checked...the season has not started yet. Many times players get their deal reworked in camp.

Nobody is saying that things are golden. But when players claim they will not pull this type of move...and then do...yes...do not let the door hit you. This has all be prefaced by saying that if Thompson promised something and is now going back on his word...that Driver is in the right. I stated that before.

 

[sho nuff]

Anybody have a link to this? I can't find it anywhere. Just mentioned by some guys on ESPN? No story yet?

So far no print link anywhere that I can find. Just the ESPN reference and some on sports talk are running with it supposedly.

 

[Big Score]

Anybody have a link to this? I can't find it anywhere. Just mentioned by some guys on ESPN? No story yet?

Here ya go.

Packers | Driver disgruntled over team's failure to redo contract

Thu, 27 Apr 2006 12:47:01 -0700

Michael Smith, of ESPN.com, reports Green Bay Packers WR Donald Driver is mad that the team has not re-done his deal and wants to be traded or released.

 

[BlueOnion]

Awaiting the Brett Favre press release saying he thinks it's wrong for a player to hold the franchise hostage in this way.

 

[datonn]

I said they have handled it well in the past. That is the big if...if they have promised and are balking now...I agree with Driver.However, if they made the promise and were waiting to take care of things like free agency and the draft...then his words are quite hollow. Especially given his words last year on not pulling this type of move. Last time I checked...the season has not started yet. Many times players get their deal reworked in camp.Nobody is saying that things are golden. But when players claim they will not pull this type of move...and then do...yes...do not let the door hit you. This has all be prefaced by saying that if Thompson promised something and is now going back on his word...that Driver is in the right. I stated that before.

Yes sir. However, when you say "now Driver is whining", you're basically putting the problem on his shoulders and not the teams'! I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'......

 

[sho nuff]

I said they have handled it well in the past.  That is the big if...if they have promised and are balking now...I agree with Driver.

However, if they made the promise and were waiting to take care of things like free agency and the draft...then his words are quite hollow.  Especially given his words last year on not pulling this type of move.  Last time I checked...the season has not started yet.  Many times players get their deal reworked in camp.

Nobody is saying that things are golden.  But when players claim they will not pull this type of move...and then do...yes...do not let the door hit you.  This has all be prefaced by saying that if Thompson promised something and is now going back on his word...that Driver is in the right.  I stated that before.

Yes sir. However, when you say "now Driver is whining", you're basically putting the problem on his shoulders and not the teams'! I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'......

I meant to say he is possibly whining over this...it all depends on so many things left to be confirmed right now.

 

[Big Score]

Of course what ESPN is reporting could be true.

The Pack previously promised they would renegotiate Driver's contract, now they aren't honoring that promise (for whatever reason) and he's calling them on it.

Also from the numbers, it looks like Driver's existing contract was re-done in 2002

Driver, Donald  Year Team     Base Salary   Sign Bonus    Other Bonus   Total Salary2004 Packers  $ 570,000     $ 0           $ 1,100       $ 571,100   2003 Packers  $ 530,000     $ 1,000,000   $ 1,900       $ 1,531,900   2002 Packers  $ 513,000     $ 4,000,000   $ 2,160       $ 4,515,160   2001 Packers  $ 389,000     $ 0           $ 4,400       $ 404,066  

Not honoring...or have yet to get to it because they have been busy...I dont know preparing for a draft....signing woodson....getting Favre back...

Yeah, when my kid doesn't do what he's promised to do, he's got a lot of excuses too.

 

[datonn]

Awaiting the Brett Favre press release saying he thinks it's wrong for a player to hold the franchise hostage in this way.

 

[sho nuff]

Of course what ESPN is reporting could be true.

The Pack previously promised they would renegotiate Driver's contract, now they aren't honoring that promise (for whatever reason) and he's calling them on it.

Also from the numbers, it looks like Driver's existing contract was re-done in 2002

Driver, Donald Year Team     Base Salary   Sign Bonus    Other Bonus   Total Salary2004 Packers  $ 570,000     $ 0           $ 1,100       $ 571,100   2003 Packers  $ 530,000     $ 1,000,000   $ 1,900       $ 1,531,900   2002 Packers  $ 513,000     $ 4,000,000   $ 2,160       $ 4,515,160   2001 Packers  $ 389,000     $ 0           $ 4,400       $ 404,066  

Not honoring...or have yet to get to it because they have been busy...I dont know preparing for a draft....signing woodson....getting Favre back...

Yeah, when my kid doesn't do what he's promised to do, he's got a lot of excuses too.

When was he promised it would get done? That is the point.Right now...so little is known. What was really promised? When was it promised?

Has Thompson said he would not redo it now? Has Thompson asked him to be patient? Has anything actually been said between Driver/Driver's agent and Thompson? Or is he just getting impatient and seeing others get money?

 

[Sweetness_34]

Could not happen to a better team......

But, when will the freaking players realize that when a team promises they will do something 2 years after a contract has been signed, there is no guarantee they will abide by that promise.

For crying out loud, the contract you sign is the ONLY promise you get. That is why you sign the freaking contract, morons.

And this applies not only to Driver, but all the other goofs like Keenan McCardell, TO etc who get pissed because the team does not think it is necessary to follow up on some verbal, touchy-feely promise.

 

[Big Score]

This has all be prefaced by saying that if Thompson promised something and is now going back on his word...that Driver is in the right. I stated that before.

Considering the ESPN commentators said Driver is irked about a promise made TWO YEARS ago to renegotiate his contract, that is NOW not being honored, technically Thompson is not going back on his word.However, as the face of the Pack, he is.

Catch 22.

 

[sho nuff]

Could not happen to a better team......

But, when will the freaking players realize that when a team promises they will do something 2 years after a contract has been signed, there is no guarantee they will abide by that promise.

For crying out loud, the contract you sign is the ONLY promise you get. That is why you sign the freaking contract, morons.

And this applies not only to Driver, but all the other goofs like Keenan McCardell, TO etc who get pissed because the team does not think it is necessary to follow up on some verbal, touchy-feely promise.

Yup...if a touchy feely promise was really made.The guy has 2 years left on his deal...that he was more than happy to sign then...

 

[Big Score]

Of course what ESPN is reporting could be true.

The Pack previously promised they would renegotiate Driver's contract, now they aren't honoring that promise (for whatever reason) and he's calling them on it.

Also from the numbers, it looks like Driver's existing contract was re-done in 2002

Driver, Donald  Year Team     Base Salary   Sign Bonus    Other Bonus   Total Salary2004 Packers  $ 570,000     $ 0           $ 1,100       $ 571,100   2003 Packers  $ 530,000     $ 1,000,000   $ 1,900       $ 1,531,900   2002 Packers  $ 513,000     $ 4,000,000   $ 2,160       $ 4,515,160   2001 Packers  $ 389,000     $ 0           $ 4,400       $ 404,066  

Not honoring...or have yet to get to it because they have been busy...I dont know preparing for a draft....signing woodson....getting Favre back...

Yeah, when my kid doesn't do what he's promised to do, he's got a lot of excuses too.

When was he promised it would get done? That is the point.

ESPN reported the promise was made two years ago, when it was to take place...

 

[jimmy_cash]

Driver? We can't lose him as well..

 

[sho nuff]

This has all be prefaced by saying that if Thompson promised something and is now going back on his word...that Driver is in the right.  I stated that before.

Considering the ESPN commentators said Driver is irked about a promise made TWO YEARS ago to renegotiate his contract, that is NOW not being honored, technically Thompson is not going back on his word.However, as the face of the Pack, he is.

Catch 22.

Yes...problem is...what the F was Sherman talking about renegotiating a deal after the guy just resigned 2 years before that? He is getting paid like a #2...thing is...that is really what he is...say Walker was healthy and happy...Driver would be the #2. He has played up to a higher level than expected...but was also paid at that level at the time.

 

[Sweetness_34]

Of course what ESPN is reporting could be true.

The Pack previously promised they would renegotiate Driver's contract, now they aren't honoring that promise (for whatever reason) and he's calling them on it.

Also from the numbers, it looks like Driver's existing contract was re-done in 2002

Driver, Donald Year Team     Base Salary   Sign Bonus    Other Bonus   Total Salary2004 Packers  $ 570,000     $ 0           $ 1,100       $ 571,100   2003 Packers  $ 530,000     $ 1,000,000   $ 1,900       $ 1,531,900   2002 Packers  $ 513,000     $ 4,000,000   $ 2,160       $ 4,515,160   2001 Packers  $ 389,000     $ 0           $ 4,400       $ 404,066  

Not honoring...or have yet to get to it because they have been busy...I dont know preparing for a draft....signing woodson....getting Favre back...

Yeah, when my kid doesn't do what he's promised to do, he's got a lot of excuses too.

When was he promised it would get done? That is the point.

ESPN reported the promise was made two years ago, when it was to take place...

Again, so ####### what? Who cares if someone made a promise? There is only ONE contract. And all that matters is the contract.

 

[tommyGunZ]

If Walker and Driver leave dear lord who is going to be the #1, #2 next year??

Viva La REVOLUTION!

 

[cws3030]

doesn't A.Lelie want out of Denver, I wonder if after the draft we'll see those two flip-flopped.

With both asking out Vernon Davis will be the pick.

 

[Big Score]

This has all be prefaced by saying that if Thompson promised something and is now going back on his word...that Driver is in the right.  I stated that before.

Considering the ESPN commentators said Driver is irked about a promise made TWO YEARS ago to renegotiate his contract, that is NOW not being honored, technically Thompson is not going back on his word.However, as the face of the Pack, he is.

Catch 22.

Yes...problem is...what the F was Sherman talking about renegotiating a deal after the guy just resigned 2 years before that? He is getting paid like a #2...thing is...that is really what he is...say Walker was healthy and happy...Driver would be the #2. He has played up to a higher level than expected...but was also paid at that level at the time.

I tend to agree with you here sho nuff.Thompson really has been put...between a rock and a hard place...and not just with this Driver situation.

He's having to clean up the mess left by the previous regime...and I don't envy him.

At all!

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

They have handled players quite well actually.  Driver was rewarded for his play...now is whining.  Walker would have been.  Bubba was, KGB was, Fergie was, Green was.....

Those who wish to redo contracts 2 and 3 years early have not been rewarded for creating a disruption.

Im waiting to see a full official story on it...looks like posturing given Driver's words in the past.

If the Packers previously promised they would renegotiate Driver's contract, now they aren't honoring that promise, I wouldn't call that "handling players quite well". In fact, if that promise was made and then the team drops $7MM+/year on Woodson, that would make me if I were Driver.

FYI. Ted Thompson has NO obligation to honor anythying that Mike Sherman promised. NONE. Sorry, it doesn't work that way.

 

[Tough As Nails]

doesn't A.Lelie want out of Denver, I wonder if after the draft we'll see those two flip-flopped.

With both asking out Vernon Davis will be the pick.

F it. Just swap Lelie for Driver. Give them both some money upfront so their agents can smile and be in the news...then let them play ball. This time of year is so ridiculous for this kind of crap.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

This has all be prefaced by saying that if Thompson promised something and is now going back on his word...that Driver is in the right.  I stated that before.

Considering the ESPN commentators said Driver is irked about a promise made TWO YEARS ago to renegotiate his contract, that is NOW not being honored, technically Thompson is not going back on his word.However, as the face of the Pack, he is.

Catch 22.

Yes...problem is...what the F was Sherman talking about renegotiating a deal after the guy just resigned 2 years before that? He is getting paid like a #2...thing is...that is really what he is...say Walker was healthy and happy...Driver would be the #2. He has played up to a higher level than expected...but was also paid at that level at the time.

He's having to clean up the mess left by the previous regime...and I don't envy him.At all!

Exactly. Sherman brought the franchise to this level, and now it's running downhill on Thompson. It ain't Thompson's fault. Personally, I'm starting to get the feeling that these Packer players really had Sherman snowed. They ran Sherman, and not the other way around. With a new no BS GM, things aren't quite working the way they're used to. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out, but I have no problem with purging the malcontents if their beef is based on anything Mike Sherman promised.

 

[Big Score]

Of course what ESPN is reporting could be true.

The Pack previously promised they would renegotiate Driver's contract, now they aren't honoring that promise (for whatever reason) and he's calling them on it.

Also from the numbers, it looks like Driver's existing contract was re-done in 2002

Driver, Donald Year Team     Base Salary   Sign Bonus    Other Bonus   Total Salary2004 Packers  $ 570,000     $ 0           $ 1,100       $ 571,100   2003 Packers  $ 530,000     $ 1,000,000   $ 1,900       $ 1,531,900   2002 Packers  $ 513,000     $ 4,000,000   $ 2,160       $ 4,515,160   2001 Packers  $ 389,000     $ 0           $ 4,400       $ 404,066  

Not honoring...or have yet to get to it because they have been busy...I dont know preparing for a draft....signing woodson....getting Favre back...

Yeah, when my kid doesn't do what he's promised to do, he's got a lot of excuses too.

When was he promised it would get done? That is the point.

ESPN reported the promise was made two years ago, when it was to take place...

Again, so ####### what? Who cares if someone made a promise? There is only ONE contract. And all that matters is the contract.

Actually promises matter quite a bit Sweetness_34. Once an organization gets the rep of making promises to players and then welching on them, that greatly impacts their ability to sign players.Then when you throw in the fact that Green Bay is not exactly the most desireable destination among NFL teams.....

 

[datonn]

If the Packers previously promised they would renegotiate Driver's contract, now they aren't honoring that promise, I wouldn't call that "handling players quite well". In fact, if that promise was made and then the team drops $7MM+/year on Woodson, that would make me if I were Driver.

FYI. Ted Thompson has NO obligation to honor anythying that Mike Sherman promised. NONE. Sorry, it doesn't work that way.

No he's not, you're absolutely correct! However, that is a ****** way of doing business....and I can guarantee you that the tens of thousands of Packer-Backers sitting in the stands would be screaming to high-heaven if their company came under new management, then told everyone that the Christmas bonus check they were promised ain't gonna happen anymore. It's perfectly legal, but is it right?! We'll each have to decide for ourselves on that one....as I THINK folks will answer differently depending upon whether they are the ones being promised the check......What goes around comes around though. If the Packers organization gets the reputation for taking a hard-line on anyone not named "Favre", how many free agents not desperate for meal-money do you think are gonna want to play there after a while?! EDITED TO ADD: The world I live in is gray, but if you can survive living in "black and white", more power to you.

 

[Big Score]

While money is certainly a factor...no doubt about that..... from the ESPN commentators comments, it is my understanding this is more about Driver wanting a promise made to him by the Packers organization, to be honored.

As I said...previous regiem made the promise...new regime has got to handle it.

Both represent the Packer's organization.

Rock...meet hard place.

 

[sho nuff]

While money is certainly a factor...no doubt about that..... from the ESPN commentators comments, it is my understanding this is more about Driver wanting a promise made to him by the Packers organization, to be honored.

As I said...previous regiem made the promise...new regime has got to handle it.

Both represent the Packer's organization.

Rock...meet hard place.

Yeah...Id like to know what exactly was promised...and how much of that was aware of...and how Driver and his agent went about this...did they go to TT say this was promised when can we talk about it? Did TT blow that off?Did they assume TT knew and have not talked to him and just went to the media?

How much has actually been quoted from Driver rather than just media speculation?

Still too many questions.

 

[Big Score]

While money is certainly a factor...no doubt about that..... from the ESPN commentators comments, it is my understanding this is more about Driver wanting a promise made to him by the Packers organization, to be honored.

As I said...previous regiem made the promise...new regime has got to handle it.

Both represent the Packer's organization.

Rock...meet hard place.

Yeah...Id like to know what exactly was promised...and how much of that was aware of...and how Driver and his agent went about this...did they go to TT say this was promised when can we talk about it? Did TT blow that off?Did they assume TT knew and have not talked to him and just went to the media?

How much has actually been quoted from Driver rather than just media speculation?

Still too many questions.

Considering that Driver has been nothing but a class act his entire career, I doubt he bypassed Thompson, going straight to the media instead...but who knows?

 

[GregR_2]

Some were asking about Driver's contract. Here's a blurb I found:

Signed five-year, $11 million contract extension with Packers ($4 million bonus) in November of 2002

 

[sho nuff]

While money is certainly a factor...no doubt about that..... from the ESPN commentators comments, it is my understanding this is more about Driver wanting a promise made to him by the Packers organization, to be honored.

As I said...previous regiem made the promise...new regime has got to handle it.

Both represent the Packer's organization.

Rock...meet hard place.

Yeah...Id like to know what exactly was promised...and how much of that was aware of...and how Driver and his agent went about this...did they go to TT say this was promised when can we talk about it? Did TT blow that off?Did they assume TT knew and have not talked to him and just went to the media?

How much has actually been quoted from Driver rather than just media speculation?

Still too many questions.

Considering that Driver has been nothing but a class act his entire career, I doubt he bypassed Thompson, going straight to the media instead...but who knows?

He also stated last year he would not hold out or pull this type of move....so as you say...who knows.

 

[Pipes]

Here's an interesting article from a few months ago regarding the subject....

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=377873

From the jist of this it doesn't sound like the type who would demand a trade or hold out but he does sound disappointed. Hopefully Thompson and Driver can work something out.

 

[packersfan]

First off, let's deal only with the facts. That means dispensing any foolish belief that Favre's return or the delay in the announcement had anything to do with it. Driver was on local TV yesterday saying he was thrilled that Favre was returning.

It's what happened after that interview that has brought us to this point.

According to sources, last night Driver spoke with Ted Thompson. Driver told Thompson that when Sherman was the GM he promised Driver his contract was going to be re-done. That hasn't happened and when Driver learned of the Woodson signing he was upset to see a new player getting a lucrative contract while he still has yet to see his contract re-done. Driver isn't angry at Woodson but believes he has been a team guy and deserves to be treated right.

Now here's the critical point: IF Driver's contract isn't re-done he wants to be released or traded. There's no word yet on whether Thompson has refused to re-do it. But if Thompson is willing to re-do Driver's contract than Driver will happily stay in Green Bay.

The problem here is obvious: Driver wants to hold Thompson accountable for something another GM promised him. Driver should be aware that any promises made to him by one GM should carry no weight with the present GM. However, given how productive Driver has been and given how he has never made a stink (until now) about his contract situation I think it's in Thompson's best interests to see if the deal can be re-done assuming Driver's demands aren't outrageous.

We'll see what happens.

 

[Big Score]

From the link provided by Pipes;

By TOM SILVERSTEIN

tsilverstein@journalsentinel.com

Posted: Dec. 14, 2005

Behind the scenes, Driver's agent, Jordon Woy, has been engaged in talks with the Packers about the possibility of upgrading Driver's contract. Woy wouldn't divulge much about the discussions he's had with the Packers, but he did acknowledge that the door wasn't slammed in his face.

"There have been good conversations about Donald's future," Woy said.

As is his policy, general manager Ted Thompson would not comment on whether Driver's contract would be addressed in the off-season.

Hmmmm..........

 

[GregR_2]

The problem here is obvious: Driver wants to hold Thompson accountable for something another GM promised him. Driver should be aware that any promises made to him by one GM should carry no weight with the present GM. However, given how productive Driver has been and given how he has never made a stink (until now) about his contract situation I think it's in Thompson's best interests to see if the deal can be re-done assuming Driver's demands aren't outrageous.

We'll see what happens.

I disagree. It's still the same organization that made the promise to him. If the owner changes, I think you might have an argument. But just changing the GM doesn't relieve an organization of its committments in my mind.Should the story be true, if the Packers organization promised him to redo the contract, the new GM should live up to his organization's promises, or he should do the best by the player he can and release him.

 

[packersfan]

The problem here is obvious: Driver wants to hold Thompson accountable for something another GM promised him. Driver should be aware that any promises made to him by one GM should carry no weight with the present GM. However, given how productive Driver has been and given how he has never made a stink (until now) about his contract situation I think it's in Thompson's best interests to see if the deal can be re-done assuming Driver's demands aren't outrageous.

We'll see what happens.

I disagree. It's still the same organization that made the promise to him. If the owner changes, I think you might have an argument. But just changing the GM doesn't relieve an organization of its committments in my mind.Should the story be true, if the Packers organization promised him to redo the contract, the new GM should live up to his organization's promises, or he should do the best by the player he can and release him.

I disagree. If Mike Sherman as the head coach told Driver that in 2006 Driver was going to not only start at WR but also return kicks, play QB for 2/3 of the game and get 15 carries a game Mike McCarthy is under no obligation to honor that statement. General managers and head coaches change quite often and the new regime is under no obligation to honor promises made by the old one.Again, assuming Driver's demands aren't outrageous I hope Thompson will work with him to appease him. Driver has been a good player and has been a team guy. He's the type of player who deserves to be treated right.

 

[lod2005]

If Walker and Driver leave dear lord who is going to be the #1, #2 next year??

They have Ferguson and Gardner.Both guy's value are rising... first Favre comes back... then Walker looks like he's gone... now Driver?

I got Fergsuon in a dynasty, what do you guys think?

Ferguson will be hurt when he trips over his own feet and be out for 4 weeks. When he comes back he will suck as always.

 

[packersfan]

If Walker and Driver leave dear lord who is going to be the #1, #2 next year??

They have Ferguson and Gardner.Both guy's value are rising... first Favre comes back... then Walker looks like he's gone... now Driver?

I got Fergsuon in a dynasty, what do you guys think?

Ferguson will be hurt when he trips over his own feet and be out for 4 weeks. When he comes back he will suck as always.

Agreed. He's worthless. Good special teamer but that's it.

 

[Sea Bass]

Awaiting the Brett Favre press release saying he thinks it's wrong for a player to hold the franchise hostage in this way.

 

[Big Score]

General managers and head coaches change quite often and the new regime is under no obligation to honor promises made by the old one.

Unforunately it is irrelevant which specific individual made the promise. The fact of the matter is, a promise was made by the Packer's Organization. Regime change or no, it would be in the best interests for the Packers Organization, to honor a promise made by the Packer's Organization. That is the definition of stability & credibility. Without that stability & credibility, it woill be difficult for Green Bay to attract future quality players.

Unless of course, Green Bay is prepared to throw tons of guaranteed around.

Then they can afford to present themselves however they want to.

 

[Sweetness_34]

So now if Thompson does give Driver a new contract, that pretty much means he has to trade Walker, since they refused to give him his contract re-do last year

Bottom line, they are screwed......talk about rock and hard place

 

[GregR_2]

The problem here is obvious: Driver wants to hold Thompson accountable for something another GM promised him. Driver should be aware that any promises made to him by one GM should carry no weight with the present GM. However, given how productive Driver has been and given how he has never made a stink (until now) about his contract situation I think it's in Thompson's best interests to see if the deal can be re-done assuming Driver's demands aren't outrageous.

We'll see what happens.

I disagree. It's still the same organization that made the promise to him. If the owner changes, I think you might have an argument. But just changing the GM doesn't relieve an organization of its committments in my mind.Should the story be true, if the Packers organization promised him to redo the contract, the new GM should live up to his organization's promises, or he should do the best by the player he can and release him.

I disagree. If Mike Sherman as the head coach told Driver that in 2006 Driver was going to not only start at WR but also return kicks, play QB for 2/3 of the game and get 15 carries a game Mike McCarthy is under no obligation to honor that statement. General managers and head coaches change quite often and the new regime is under no obligation to honor promises made by the old one.Again, assuming Driver's demands aren't outrageous I hope Thompson will work with him to appease him. Driver has been a good player and has been a team guy. He's the type of player who deserves to be treated right.

Well, I'd agree no coach would be expected to uphold THAT ridiculous of a promise.But let's talk something realistic. Let's say a coach is talking with a free agent who is thinking about signing with the team, and he tells the player, "Sign with us and I can't promise you'll start, but I will promise that the starting job will be up for grabs and you'll be able to compete for it." If the coach suddenly gets the axe and a new guy brought in, if he is going to name a starter without giving the players a chance to compete for it, do you not think the right thing for the organization to do is to offer to release the player?

I'm not talking about what they have to do contractually. I'm asking what is the RIGHT thing for them to do?

 

[Sea Bass]

The problem here is obvious: Driver wants to hold Thompson accountable for something another GM promised him. Driver should be aware that any promises made to him by one GM should carry no weight with the present GM. However, given how productive Driver has been and given how he has never made a stink (until now) about his contract situation I think it's in Thompson's best interests to see if the deal can be re-done assuming Driver's demands aren't outrageous.

We'll see what happens.

I disagree. It's still the same organization that made the promise to him. If the owner changes, I think you might have an argument. But just changing the GM doesn't relieve an organization of its committments in my mind.Should the story be true, if the Packers organization promised him to redo the contract, the new GM should live up to his organization's promises, or he should do the best by the player he can and release him.

I disagree. If Mike Sherman as the head coach told Driver that in 2006 Driver was going to not only start at WR but also return kicks, play QB for 2/3 of the game and get 15 carries a game Mike McCarthy is under no obligation to honor that statement. General managers and head coaches change quite often and the new regime is under no obligation to honor promises made by the old one.Again, assuming Driver's demands aren't outrageous I hope Thompson will work with him to appease him. Driver has been a good player and has been a team guy. He's the type of player who deserves to be treated right.

Well, I'd agree no coach would be expected to uphold THAT ridiculous of a promise.But let's talk something realistic. Let's say a coach is talking with a free agent who is thinking about signing with the team, and he tells the player, "Sign with us and I can't promise you'll start, but I will promise that the starting job will be up for grabs and you'll be able to compete for it." If the coach suddenly gets the axe and a new guy brought in, if he is going to name a starter without giving the players a chance to compete for it, do you not think the right thing for the organization to do is to offer to release the player?

I'm not talking about what they have to do contractually. I'm asking what is the RIGHT thing for them to do?

I may be wrong, but I would be suprised if a coach "promised" a free agent a starting job. I would understand if he was told that it was his job to lose or they are signing the player with the expectation that he starts.

 

[GregR_2]

The problem here is obvious: Driver wants to hold Thompson accountable for something another GM promised him. Driver should be aware that any promises made to him by one GM should carry no weight with the present GM. However, given how productive Driver has been and given how he has never made a stink (until now) about his contract situation I think it's in Thompson's best interests to see if the deal can be re-done assuming Driver's demands aren't outrageous.

We'll see what happens.

I disagree. It's still the same organization that made the promise to him. If the owner changes, I think you might have an argument. But just changing the GM doesn't relieve an organization of its committments in my mind.Should the story be true, if the Packers organization promised him to redo the contract, the new GM should live up to his organization's promises, or he should do the best by the player he can and release him.

I disagree. If Mike Sherman as the head coach told Driver that in 2006 Driver was going to not only start at WR but also return kicks, play QB for 2/3 of the game and get 15 carries a game Mike McCarthy is under no obligation to honor that statement. General managers and head coaches change quite often and the new regime is under no obligation to honor promises made by the old one.Again, assuming Driver's demands aren't outrageous I hope Thompson will work with him to appease him. Driver has been a good player and has been a team guy. He's the type of player who deserves to be treated right.

Well, I'd agree no coach would be expected to uphold THAT ridiculous of a promise.But let's talk something realistic. Let's say a coach is talking with a free agent who is thinking about signing with the team, and he tells the player, "Sign with us and I can't promise you'll start, but I will promise that the starting job will be up for grabs and you'll be able to compete for it." If the coach suddenly gets the axe and a new guy brought in, if he is going to name a starter without giving the players a chance to compete for it, do you not think the right thing for the organization to do is to offer to release the player?

I'm not talking about what they have to do contractually. I'm asking what is the RIGHT thing for them to do?

I may be wrong, but I would be suprised if a coach "promised" a free agent a starting job. I would understand if he was told that it was his job to lose or they are signing the player with the expectation that he starts.

I think you misread the hypothetical.

 

[Sea Bass]

The problem here is obvious: Driver wants to hold Thompson accountable for something another GM promised him. Driver should be aware that any promises made to him by one GM should carry no weight with the present GM. However, given how productive Driver has been and given how he has never made a stink (until now) about his contract situation I think it's in Thompson's best interests to see if the deal can be re-done assuming Driver's demands aren't outrageous.

We'll see what happens.

I disagree. It's still the same organization that made the promise to him. If the owner changes, I think you might have an argument. But just changing the GM doesn't relieve an organization of its committments in my mind.Should the story be true, if the Packers organization promised him to redo the contract, the new GM should live up to his organization's promises, or he should do the best by the player he can and release him.

I disagree. If Mike Sherman as the head coach told Driver that in 2006 Driver was going to not only start at WR but also return kicks, play QB for 2/3 of the game and get 15 carries a game Mike McCarthy is under no obligation to honor that statement. General managers and head coaches change quite often and the new regime is under no obligation to honor promises made by the old one.Again, assuming Driver's demands aren't outrageous I hope Thompson will work with him to appease him. Driver has been a good player and has been a team guy. He's the type of player who deserves to be treated right.

Well, I'd agree no coach would be expected to uphold THAT ridiculous of a promise.But let's talk something realistic. Let's say a coach is talking with a free agent who is thinking about signing with the team, and he tells the player, "Sign with us and I can't promise you'll start, but I will promise that the starting job will be up for grabs and you'll be able to compete for it." If the coach suddenly gets the axe and a new guy brought in, if he is going to name a starter without giving the players a chance to compete for it, do you not think the right thing for the organization to do is to offer to release the player?

I'm not talking about what they have to do contractually. I'm asking what is the RIGHT thing for them to do?

I may be wrong, but I would be suprised if a coach "promised" a free agent a starting job. I would understand if he was told that it was his job to lose or they are signing the player with the expectation that he starts.

I think you misread the hypothetical.

You are probably correct.

 

[Milwaukees_best]

OK - THIS IS NOT TRUE.

JAVON WALKER STARTED THIS RUMOR when he was talking to Steven Smith of ESPN.

Yes Driver wants his contract redone but NO driver does NOT want out of GB and NO Driver will NOT hold out.

 

[Big Score]

OK - THIS IS NOT TRUE.

JAVON WALKER STARTED THIS RUMOR when he was talking to Steven Smith of ESPN.

Yes Driver wants his contract redone but NO driver does NOT want out of GB and NO Driver will NOT hold out.

Walker started it all? Is that true?

Or are you just kidding around?

 

[Big Score]

Please answer a_rackowski, I can see you're still in this thread.

 

[Milwaukees_best]

Please answer a_rackowski, I can see you're still in this thread.

Serious - Walker started it all. Driver is unhappy with his contract. NEVER has he spoken of holding out or demanding a trade, etc. He will go about it the right way. This is pure rumor - Javon walker is trying to cause damage in GB in order to force his trade because TT said this AM that a trade (of Walker) is very unlikely.