MERGED: Bush Jersey ruling (1 Viewer)

[guderian]

Obviously he's putting the goal of getting into camp on time and starting to play football ahead of squeezing the last dime out of NO

No he's not. He's just saying he is; and if anything, saying it might lead to a longer holdout (by inducing the Saints to low-ball him). Players often say they will be in camp on time only to hold out when a deal doesn't get done. It's like a player saying he thinks his team will make the playoffs this year. Everyone says it, but it's wishful thinking rather than an objective analysis of the situation.If I were Bush, I would very much want to be in camp on time. But talking to the media about it has only downside. No upside.

Not true--saying this puts pressure on his agent and the Saints. There isn't a lot of leeway for the Saints to lowball like you suggest because it's well known that the #2 pick usually signs for x% less than the #1 pick. If they lowball him, they'll look bad because people will know it. While players may say they want to be in camp on time, saying that you've directed your agent to get a deal done is rarely mentioned at this stage. In fact, just a week ago people were arguing that he would want a deal that's larger than Williams'--and there was criticism for that. Now he's directing his agent to work out a deal and he's criticized for that. Simply amazing.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

In fact, just a week ago people were arguing that he would want a deal that's larger than Williams'

I do think his opening demand will be for at least as much as Williams got.That's not a criticism of Bush (especially since Bush won't have anything to do with it); it's a prediction.

 

[WittyName]

I don't get it. Why is this a big deal? Why is it important that the number he wears has to be in a certain range?

Hi David,In my opinion, this has nothing to do with numbers. It's about rules in place and having the ability to get those rules changed in your favor.

Bush wanted the rules changed to suit him. That's the issue in my opinion.

It's very similar to the Eli Manning issue in that regard.

J

Hi Joe,It's a number on a jersey.

mountain>molehill

 

[jurb26]

Some rules, like anything else in life, eventually become useless. This # rule is one of those such rules. Who the heck really cares what freaking numbers these guys wear.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I don't get it. Why is this a big deal? Why is it important that the number he wears has to be in a certain range?

Hi David,In my opinion, this has nothing to do with numbers. It's about rules in place and having the ability to get those rules changed in your favor.

Bush wanted the rules changed to suit him. That's the issue in my opinion.

It's very similar to the Eli Manning issue in that regard.

J

Hi Joe,It's a number on a jersey.

mountain>molehill

Hi wityname,I think we beat that one to death in the post you quoted. It's not really about a number. Never has been.

J

 

[Joe Bryant]

Obviously he's putting the goal of getting into camp on time and starting to play football ahead of squeezing the last dime out of NO

No he's not. He's just saying he is; and if anything, saying it might lead to a longer holdout (by inducing the Saints to low-ball him). Players often say they will be in camp on time only to hold out when a deal doesn't get done. It's like a player saying he thinks his team will make the playoffs this year. Everyone says it, but it's wishful thinking rather than an objective analysis of the situation.If I were Bush, I would very much want to be in camp on time. But talking to the media about it has only downside. No upside.

Not true--saying this puts pressure on his agent and the Saints. There isn't a lot of leeway for the Saints to lowball like you suggest because it's well known that the #2 pick usually signs for x% less than the #1 pick. If they lowball him, they'll look bad because people will know it. While players may say they want to be in camp on time, saying that you've directed your agent to get a deal done is rarely mentioned at this stage. In fact, just a week ago people were arguing that he would want a deal that's larger than Williams'--and there was criticism for that. Now he's directing his agent to work out a deal and he's criticized for that. Simply amazing.

Hi guideran,Not criticizing. Just saying it wasn't the best move from his side of the negotiating table. It was an incredibly positive thing to say from a public relations point. He's doing great there. But if you're trying to get the most money possible for your client (as Segal or any agent will), saying "do whatever it takes to get in camp on time" is a huge blow to your negotiating leverage.

You can bet Segal was when he heard it.

Which is fine by me.

J

 

[TheLaw]

Obviously he's putting the goal of getting into camp on time and starting to play football ahead of squeezing the last dime out of NO

No he's not. He's just saying he is; and if anything, saying it might lead to a longer holdout (by inducing the Saints to low-ball him). Players often say they will be in camp on time only to hold out when a deal doesn't get done. It's like a player saying he thinks his team will make the playoffs this year. Everyone says it, but it's wishful thinking rather than an objective analysis of the situation.If I were Bush, I would very much want to be in camp on time. But talking to the media about it has only downside. No upside.

Not true--saying this puts pressure on his agent and the Saints. There isn't a lot of leeway for the Saints to lowball like you suggest because it's well known that the #2 pick usually signs for x% less than the #1 pick. If they lowball him, they'll look bad because people will know it. While players may say they want to be in camp on time, saying that you've directed your agent to get a deal done is rarely mentioned at this stage. In fact, just a week ago people were arguing that he would want a deal that's larger than Williams'--and there was criticism for that. Now he's directing his agent to work out a deal and he's criticized for that. Simply amazing.

Hi guideran,Not criticizing. Just saying it wasn't the best move from his side of the negotiating table. It was an incredibly positive thing to say from a public relations point. He's doing great there. But if you're trying to get the most money possible for your client (as Segal or any agent will), saying "do whatever it takes to get in camp on time" is a huge blow to your negotiating leverage.

You can bet Segal was when he heard it.

Which is fine by me.

J

On the other hand, if the Saints low ball him and they decide they just HAVE to hold out, the Saints, Benson, and Loomis come across looking cheap again.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Obviously he's putting the goal of getting into camp on time and starting to play football ahead of squeezing the last dime out of NO

No he's not. He's just saying he is; and if anything, saying it might lead to a longer holdout (by inducing the Saints to low-ball him). Players often say they will be in camp on time only to hold out when a deal doesn't get done. It's like a player saying he thinks his team will make the playoffs this year. Everyone says it, but it's wishful thinking rather than an objective analysis of the situation.If I were Bush, I would very much want to be in camp on time. But talking to the media about it has only downside. No upside.

Not true--saying this puts pressure on his agent and the Saints. There isn't a lot of leeway for the Saints to lowball like you suggest because it's well known that the #2 pick usually signs for x% less than the #1 pick. If they lowball him, they'll look bad because people will know it. While players may say they want to be in camp on time, saying that you've directed your agent to get a deal done is rarely mentioned at this stage. In fact, just a week ago people were arguing that he would want a deal that's larger than Williams'--and there was criticism for that. Now he's directing his agent to work out a deal and he's criticized for that. Simply amazing.

Hi guideran,Not criticizing. Just saying it wasn't the best move from his side of the negotiating table. It was an incredibly positive thing to say from a public relations point. He's doing great there. But if you're trying to get the most money possible for your client (as Segal or any agent will), saying "do whatever it takes to get in camp on time" is a huge blow to your negotiating leverage.

You can bet Segal was when he heard it.

Which is fine by me.

J

On the other hand, if the Saints low ball him and they decide they just HAVE to hold out, the Saints, Benson, and Loomis come across looking cheap again.

Could be TL. But I don't really think so. A "low ball" is still going to be zillions of dollars. Especially to Saints fans who have lost a ton. I think they are going to remember Bush saying clearly, "Do whatever it takes" to not hold out. We'll see. I hope we don't see anything and he keeps his word and gets in on time.

J

 

[Dancing Bear]

I don't see how the fans have any leverage here at all ...

Bush can be greedy and hold-out just like any of the other players. Bryant McKinnie comes to mind as one of the most prominent to hold-out in the last couple of years, and how did it help him? He is a mediocre over-hyped O-lineman ...

New Orleans has to deal with the cap ramifications of any contract that they give him, and their best offer may not be what Reggie wants ...

IMHO, Bush is surrounding himself with folks who are not interested in the game, or in Reggie's long-term ability to earn money.

If he is counseled properly, Bush's earnings from the Saint should be only a minor portion of his earnings each year [between 25% - 30%]. I bet that no one in his camp is telling him that and that he needs to sacrifice some income in order to secure 52 other guys to compete and stay healthy.

The funniest thing to me is that all of these guys are spending their own money on futures in Reggie Bush. If he sits out this year then they get no return ...

 

[Joe Bryant]

If he sits out this year then they get no return ...

Hi DB,I'm assuming you're

Have you seen / heard / read anything that would remotely suggest it's a possibility Bush sits out for the year?

J

 

[Dancing Bear]

Joe,

I have not read or heard anything directly that would say he is definitively going to hold out.

He has had nearly 3 weeks to work things out with the Saints. His peer and the #1 pick Williams had a contract signed before the draft. It's not that hard to get it done. If Reggie Bush is interested in investing in the mutual future of the NFL, the Saints and himself then IMHO he should already be signed.

There are just too many PR moves from someone who has not earned a single cent or touched the ball live ...

Stinky PR moves

a) The add in the New Orleans paper

b) The statement to his agent to get it done

c) His parent's home in San Diego

d) The #5 garbage

e) The charitable donations

All these things reek of PR and "slick" and not of sincerity.

On top of the fact that many of these moves clearly demonstrate that he feels he is above others of the country, the Saints and the NFL just because he played a few good football games at USC.

To me he is Eli Manning re-incarnated with just a slightly different slithery skin.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Joe,

I have not read or heard anything directly that would say he is definitively going to hold out.

He has had nearly 3 weeks to work things out with the Saints. His peer and the #1 pick Williams had a contract signed before the draft. It's not that hard to get it done. If Reggie Bush is interested in investing in the mutual future of the NFL, the Saints and himself then IMHO he should already be signed.

There are just too many PR moves from someone who has not earned a single cent or touched the ball live ...

Stinky PR moves

a) The add in the New Orleans paper

b) The statement to his agent to get it done

c) His parent's home in San Diego

d) The #5 garbage

e) The charitable donations

All these things reek of PR and "slick" and not of sincerity.

On top of the fact that many of these moves clearly demonstrate that he feels he is above others of the country, the Saints and the NFL just because he played a few good football games at USC.

To me he is Eli Manning re-incarnated with just a slightly different slithery skin.

Hi db,I'll agree I don't see much difference between between Reggie Bush and Eil Manning. But that's a compliment to Bush in my book. I like them both.

I have no reason to believe any of the things you list are insincere and I'll be absolutely shocked if he sits out for the year. He might have a camp holdout as many rookies do. He'll take his lumps with the media if he does that after the "do whatever it takes to get in on time" stuff but that'll blow over.

Bottom line is he'll be fine.

J

 

[Dancing Bear]

Joe,

To me there are too many signs pointing in the other direction. In fact I find it disheartening that the PR and hype are so strong. His actions on the field should be enough without these shenanigans.

He even has his own Web site Reggie Bush Jr. starting last year to promote himself.

His father even has his own Web site Reggie Bush Sr. to promote his himself and his son.

In fact his father is going to come out with a book soon about how hard it was to be "away" from his dear first born son all these years.

Wonder why his mom doesn't have her own Web site?

I hope that I am just overly cynical, and I really do hope that you are right!

 

[Sidewinder]

...

On the other hand, if the Saints low ball him and they decide they just HAVE to hold out, the Saints, Benson, and Loomis come across looking cheap again.

Cheap ?? Again ?? Pretty common misconception from people who don't pay enough attention to what the Saints have actually done in regards to contracts. To the contrary, the Saints have always been aggressive in FA, and Benson has never had trouble spending $$, it just hasn't always been on the "right" players...A very short list of the most recent high dollar signings (either FA's or contract extensions):

Horn

Teb. Jones

McAllister

Dw. Smith

McKenzie

Brees

 

[jafo]

I'm seriously at all the Bush hate here. Who cares if he has a website? Who cares if is dad wants to write a book? If someone wants to be successful and has a story to sell, go for it! Don't buy the book and don't visit the website if you don't like it.

And no, I didn't get Reggie Bush in my dynasty draft either so stop crying.

 

[thayman]

Joe,

I have not read or heard anything directly that would say he is definitively going to hold out.

He has had nearly 3 weeks to work things out with the Saints. His peer and the #1 pick Williams had a contract signed before the draft. It's not that hard to get it done. If Reggie Bush is interested in investing in the mutual future of the NFL, the Saints and himself then IMHO he should already be signed.

There are just too many PR moves from someone who has not earned a single cent or touched the ball live ...

Stinky PR moves

a) The add in the New Orleans paper

b) The statement to his agent to get it done

c) His parent's home in San Diego

d) The #5 garbage

e) The charitable donations

All these things reek of PR and "slick" and not of sincerity.

On top of the fact that many of these moves clearly demonstrate that he feels he is above others of the country, the Saints and the NFL just because he played a few good football games at USC.

To me he is Eli Manning re-incarnated with just a slightly different slithery skin.

You now who else are incredibly horrible human beings?? Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan. They sure like to promote themselves too. What's wrong with the add in the paper?? Seemed to me he was just reassuring, and quashing any rumors that may/maynot come up about him not wanting to be in NO.

Stating that he wanted to be in camp on time. Again he is just saying he wants to be in camp on time, like most rookies. Probably put him in a little bit of a negotiating bind, but at least he wants to be there.

ALLEGATIONS that his parents home was not on the up and up, are just that ALLEGATIONS.

Requesting that he be allowed to wear #5....you have to be kidding me, it's just a jersey number, many other players have asked to have this rule changed as well.

Charitable Donations....what a awful person. How dare a professional athlete have the audacity to give something back into the devestated communtity he is about to be a part of. Wether it is a PR move or not, bottom line is that he is giving some sizeable bank to some people that really need it.

 

[psychobillies]

Joe,

I have not read or heard anything directly that would say he is definitively going to hold out.

He has had nearly 3 weeks to work things out with the Saints. His peer and the #1 pick Williams had a contract signed before the draft. It's not that hard to get it done. If Reggie Bush is interested in investing in the mutual future of the NFL, the Saints and himself then IMHO he should already be signed.

There are just too many PR moves from someone who has not earned a single cent or touched the ball live ...

Stinky PR moves

a) The add in the New Orleans paper

b) The statement to his agent to get it done

c) His parent's home in San Diego

d) The #5 garbage

e) The charitable donations

All these things reek of PR and "slick" and not of sincerity.

On top of the fact that many of these moves clearly demonstrate that he feels he is above others of the country, the Saints and the NFL just because he played a few good football games at USC.

To me he is Eli Manning re-incarnated with just a slightly different slithery skin.

If you want to hate Bush that's fine. You don't have to have a reason, just hate him and be happy with it. Many people will share your sentiments. But...

Please explain why you would say giving money to charity, telling his agent not to hold out, and thanking a city for a warm welcome are bad things?

 

[Dancing Bear]

First of all, Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan did not promote themselves as they now do prior to proving that they were the absolute best of their sports! Reggie Bush has not even played a single second in the NFL; you have no justification to compare him to them.

Second of all, charitable donations are his business and it should stay that way. No reason to try and finesse or leverage that or make it public. You never heard the Manning brothers state what they spent on their mission to New Orleans to provide supplies. They just did it! It also reeks that Hummer is only now coming on board to help New Orleans through Bush; where have they been the last year?

Conversations with ones agent are private and certainly should not be announced to the media. Is he a rube? Did it just slip out? Or is this a PR move in case his demands are not met by New Orleans and he ends up sitting out? I think that it is 99% calculated. If he really has given that directive to his agent, then why after 3 weeks is a deal not done? Mario Williams had a deal before the draft was even started. This is not rocket science ...

Thanking a city via an Ad is one way of looking at it. To me it is contrived ...

 

[thayman]

First of all, Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan did not promote themselves as they now do prior to proving that they were the absolute best of their sports! Reggie Bush has not even played a single second in the NFL; you have no justification to compare him to them.

Second of all, charitable donations are his business and it should stay that way. No reason to try and finesse or leverage that or make it public. You never heard the Manning brothers state what they spent on their mission to New Orleans to provide supplies. They just did it! It also reeks that Hummer is only now coming on board to help New Orleans through Bush; where have they been the last year?

Conversations with ones agent are private and certainly should not be announced to the media. Is he a rube? Did it just slip out? Or is this a PR move in case his demands are not met by New Orleans and he ends up sitting out? I think that it is 99% calculated. If he really has given that directive to his agent, then why after 3 weeks is a deal not done? Mario Williams had a deal before the draft was even started. This is not rocket science ...

Thanking a city via an Ad is one way of looking at it. To me it is contrived ...

Of course it is contrived. But after he was traded, I heard some rumblings and rumors that he wasn't happy to play in NO. It seems his PR camp did the right thing and nipped it in the bud, probably a little excesive but hey he got his point across.How many rookies say, "I want to be on camp on time, and don't want to sitout" almost all of them. How many do? Not many, again just a move to reassure everyone very clearly that he wants to get in and get to work. The guy is the one of, if not the most hyped player to come out of college, he has a fine line to walk. Mario Williams is Mario Williams. Dealing with a different team, and different situation. He knows what #1 $$ is and a much more set ballpark to work in. I'm sure NO and Bush camp are working on something, figuring what is going to benefit both parties.

Bush has never said I'll give $X amount to Katrina relief (at least nowhere I have heard). He said he would give 25% of his jersey sales, that's it. I'm not positive on the specifics of Hummer being involved, but Bush either facilitated Hummer to donate, or bought them himself and donated them. What is wrong with him doing either of these things??

It is perfectly fair to bring Jordan and Woods, for a marketability comparison. Both Tiger, and Jordan are the biggest names in their sports, for what they have done yes, but Bush has a similar allure to all the sponsors. Addidas has already signed him to a deal. Reebok has received a record 15,000 orders for Bush Saints jerseys. That's double what Alex Smith's jersey sales was last year.

 

[NoFBinLA]

First of all, Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan did not promote themselves as they now do prior to proving that they were the absolute best of their sports! Reggie Bush has not even played a single second in the NFL; you have no justification to compare him to them.

Second of all, charitable donations are his business and it should stay that way. No reason to try and finesse or leverage that or make it public. You never heard the Manning brothers state what they spent on their mission to New Orleans to provide supplies. They just did it! It also reeks that Hummer is only now coming on board to help New Orleans through Bush; where have they been the last year?

Conversations with ones agent are private and certainly should not be announced to the media. Is he a rube? Did it just slip out? Or is this a PR move in case his demands are not met by New Orleans and he ends up sitting out? I think that it is 99% calculated. If he really has given that directive to his agent, then why after 3 weeks is a deal not done? Mario Williams had a deal before the draft was even started. This is not rocket science ...

Thanking a city via an Ad is one way of looking at it. To me it is contrived ...

Dude. Are you new? I don't mean to the board. I mean to the WORLD.

Have you not heard athletes talk about their contracts (in good and bad terms) ever before? Have you not heard about the Mannings donating (see, I heard that ALL OVER ESPN for DAYS -- along Brett Favre and many others who did stuff post Katrina - it was ALL over the news)? Are you screaming about Drew Brees' ad to the city, because he had one too? Are you only know learning what PR is? Good and bad? All this is horrifying to you?

Where have you been?

And are you really pissing about Bush enticing one of his sponsers to put money into Katrina, even though they (for some reason) didn't before? If Bush could bring every sponsor and company he was affiliated with to NO and have them donate cash, that's a bad thing -- how?

Like somone said - hate Bush -- that's fine, thats your deal. But hate him for the above? Come on now....

 

[fatness]

Please explain why you would say giving money to charity, telling his agent not to hold out, and thanking a city for a warm welcome are bad things?

I'm waiting for those answers, too. Those 3 things are often cited as examples of "good things" done by "good players".

Give to charity.

Want to play.

Appreciate the fans.

 

[GroveDiesel]

I was reading PFT and they commented on the fact that Bush wants to wear #5 or #25 if he isn't allowed to wear #5. As they pointed out though, BOTH of those numbers are already taken!! So Bush is arguing about being allowed to wear a jersey number that he is not even entitled to wear anyway. Adrian McPherson (#5) and Fred McAfee (#25) could tell Bush to go pound sand and he wouldn't be wearing either one of those numbers.

 

[mad sweeney]

First of all, Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan did not promote themselves as they now do prior to proving that they were the absolute best of their sports! Reggie Bush has not even played a single second in the NFL; you have no justification to compare him to them.

Second of all, charitable donations are his business and it should stay that way. No reason to try and finesse or leverage that or make it public. You never heard the Manning brothers state what they spent on their mission to New Orleans to provide supplies. They just did it! It also reeks that Hummer is only now coming on board to help New Orleans through Bush; where have they been the last year?

Conversations with ones agent are private and certainly should not be announced to the media. Is he a rube? Did it just slip out? Or is this a PR move in case his demands are not met by New Orleans and he ends up sitting out? I think that it is 99% calculated. If he really has given that directive to his agent, then why after 3 weeks is a deal not done? Mario Williams had a deal before the draft was even started. This is not rocket science ...

Thanking a city via an Ad is one way of looking at it. To me it is contrived ...

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Woods sign a $25 million deal with Nike the DAY he turned pro. As in, BEFORE he ever swung a club as a pro? What a self-promoting, self aggrandizing jerk!Do you think the city of NO cares WHY Hummer is now donating money? From the looks of things the city is getting hundreds of thousands of dollars directly from Bush or through his actions. Do you think the starving, devastated people of the city give a flying #### what his intentions are? All they know is that before Bush they had less than they do now.

 

[CalBear]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Woods sign a $25 million deal with Nike the DAY he turned pro. As in, BEFORE he ever swung a club as a pro? What a self-promoting, self aggrandizing jerk!

Not only that, but he said some contrivedly extemporaneous quote in his press conference ("Hello world", I think it was) which turned out to be the basis for the Nike ad campaign.

 

[Sidewinder]

I was reading PFT and they commented on the fact that Bush wants to wear #5 or #25 if he isn't allowed to wear #5. As they pointed out though, BOTH of those numbers are already taken!! So Bush is arguing about being allowed to wear a jersey number that he is not even entitled to wear anyway. Adrian McPherson (#5) and Fred McAfee (#25) could tell Bush to go pound sand and he wouldn't be wearing either one of those numbers.

Yeah, that was a classy piece, but what does any one expect from PFT:

REGGIE REALLY IS A SELFISH A**HOLE

With apologies to everyone out there who has lined up to nuzzle the crotch of the 2005 Heisman* winner, we've decided after careful consideration that, in our opinion, Reggie Bush is a selfish a**hole.

...

I quit reading at that point.And FWIW, A-Mac has already said he'll switch to #1 if Reggie gets #5.

 

[Blackjacks]

Just decide on a # so I can go out and buy one of them please.

 

[thayman]

I was reading PFT and they commented on the fact that Bush wants to wear #5 or #25 if he isn't allowed to wear #5. As they pointed out though, BOTH of those numbers are already taken!! So Bush is arguing about being allowed to wear a jersey number that he is not even entitled to wear anyway. Adrian McPherson (#5) and Fred McAfee (#25) could tell Bush to go pound sand and he wouldn't be wearing either one of those numbers.

I'm sure both of them will be willing to sell their # to him. Eli bought his from Feagles, following year Plaxico bought Feagles's new #. Yes they could tell him to f off.......or they could get a free vacation/new kitchen/car/ whatever.....

 

[Bri]

Hi db,

I'll agree I don't see much difference between between Reggie Bush and Eil Manning. But that's a compliment to Bush in my book. I like them both.

I have no reason to believe any of the things you list are insincere and I'll be absolutely shocked if he sits out for the year. He might have a camp holdout as many rookies do. He'll take his lumps with the media if he does that after the "do whatever it takes to get in on time" stuff but that'll blow over.

Bottom line is he'll be fine.

J

He went to the minicamp so I'd bet he feels he gave them some effort, between now and TC is the time for them to "come to the table" with a good offer.Since alot of people felt he was the clear cut #1 I wonder if he's gonna try and buck the rookie scale the NFL setup.

If I were him, I wouldn't want a 5 year deal but a 3 year one. I'd want to be free to cash in on the hype ASAP.

I'm not sure what the new CBA says about the rookie scale and contract length. Have you any info on this Joe?

 

[Shrek]

I don't get it. Why is this a big deal? Why is it important that the number he wears has to be in a certain range?

I haven't read the rest of the responses yet, but I will chime in on this.The first reason that everyone will probably bring up is that he is a rookie, and he is being mega-hyped, and why should a rookie have any more pull to get an NFL policy changed when others have tried in the past? I would say this has a bit of merit.

But the other thing I wonder about is if the NFL has thought of the marketability of their product. The American public has become very conditioned to the numbering system that's in place. A casual fan quickly identify what position a player plays by the number on their jersey. It makes the casual fan feel as if they know the game a little better than they perhaps really do.

I think it also reflects the traditional values of the main NFL audience. I don't have a demographics breakdown in front of me, but it doesn't seem to be too much of a reach to say that adult males are probably the main target audience. And many men like that the NFL has a sense of discipline about it. If they want to watch overpaid prima donnas who ##### and complain about every little rule, they'll watch the NBA or MLB. The NFL has dress codes and jersey number codes. They don't like showboating at the expense of the league. They don't tolerate players who think the league should conform to them. The NFL has the best sports product on the market, period. And their rules are a big part of the reason that they are what they are. I think a lot of people look at this the way I do, in that this could be the start of a slippery slope.

 

[Shrek]

Absolutely ridiculous.

Disagree. It's a long overdue move by the NFL. Forget about the fact that the last two uniform policy changes were instigated by self-centered jerks (Keyshawn & Reggie) and focus on the fact that there just aren't as many uniform numbers to go around anymore.

This isn't really true. There may be a few less, but they are nowhere near running out.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I was reading PFT and they commented on the fact that Bush wants to wear #5 or #25 if he isn't allowed to wear #5. As they pointed out though, BOTH of those numbers are already taken!! So Bush is arguing about being allowed to wear a jersey number that he is not even entitled to wear anyway. Adrian McPherson (#5) and Fred McAfee (#25) could tell Bush to go pound sand and he wouldn't be wearing either one of those numbers.

I'm sure both of them will be willing to sell their # to him. Eli bought his from Feagles, following year Plaxico bought Feagles's new #. Yes they could tell him to f off.......or they could get a free vacation/new kitchen/car/ whatever.....

Portis got sued for missing a payment or two on his.

 

[thayman]

I was reading PFT and they commented on the fact that Bush wants to wear #5 or #25 if he isn't allowed to wear #5.  As they pointed out though, BOTH of those numbers are already taken!!  So Bush is arguing about being allowed to wear a jersey number that he is not even entitled to wear anyway.  Adrian McPherson (#5) and Fred McAfee (#25) could tell Bush to go pound sand and he wouldn't be wearing either one of those numbers.

I'm sure both of them will be willing to sell their # to him. Eli bought his from Feagles, following year Plaxico bought Feagles's new #. Yes they could tell him to f off.......or they could get a free vacation/new kitchen/car/ whatever.....

Portis got sued for missing a payment or two on his.

yes he did.....I think he ended up loosing. His case was that Oahlete got cut from the team, shortly after he sold 26 to Portis.

 

[NoFBinLA]

I think it also reflects the traditional values of the main NFL audience. I don't have a demographics breakdown in front of me, but it doesn't seem to be too much of a reach to say that adult males are probably the main target audience. And many men like that the NFL has a sense of discipline about it. If they want to watch overpaid prima donnas who ##### and complain about every little rule, they'll watch the NBA or MLB. The NFL has dress codes and jersey number codes. They don't like showboating at the expense of the league. They don't tolerate players who think the league should conform to them. The NFL has the best sports product on the market, period. And their rules are a big part of the reason that they are what they are. I think a lot of people look at this the way I do, in that this could be the start of a slippery slope.

Really? I would argue that most of the fans don't care -- in fact for every pundit who talks about what an ##### TO or Chad johnson is for their TD antics, a ton of younger fans love them for it.For every radio jock who crucifies an athlete for something they say or do, a ton of fans still love them. Ultimately, the thing about NFL fans is -- they play on the field forgives alot. And I'm gonna go out on a limb and say your average fan doesn't give a damn about the NFL numbering policy. They won't care what number Reggie wears -- they'll just buy his jersey.

 

[thayman]

I think it also reflects the traditional values of the main NFL audience. I don't have a demographics breakdown in front of me, but it doesn't seem to be too much of a reach to say that adult males are probably the main target audience. And many men like that the NFL has a sense of discipline about it. If they want to watch overpaid prima donnas who ##### and complain about every little rule, they'll watch the NBA or MLB. The NFL has dress codes and jersey number codes. They don't like showboating at the expense of the league. They don't tolerate players who think the league should conform to them. The NFL has the best sports product on the market, period. And their rules are a big part of the reason that they are what they are. I think a lot of people look at this the way I do, in that this could be the start of a slippery slope.

Really? I would argue that most of the fans don't care -- in fact for every pundit who talks about what an ##### TO or Chad johnson is for their TD antics, a ton of younger fans love them for it.For every radio jock who crucifies an athlete for something they say or do, a ton of fans still love them. Ultimately, the thing about NFL fans is -- they play on the field forgives alot.

And I'm gonna go out on a limb and say your average fan doesn't give a damn about the NFL numbering policy. They won't care what number Reggie wears -- they'll just buy his jersey.

Not to mention the fact that your average fan is pretty well informed, and would make the adjustment to figure out what the numbers of their favorite team is.

 

[Bri]

Center LeCharles Bentley's jersey number is listed as 00 on the Browns roster. Bentley wants to wear it as a tribute to the Raiders' Hall of Fame center Jim Otto, who also wore 00 and has petitioned the league to allow it.

from USAToday

 

[TC]

Does anyone remember Ken Burroughs from the Houston Oilers? He was a WR who wore jersey #00. How did that happen?

The pre-1973 jersey numbers were allowed to be "grandfathered" in. About a dozen players then wore "odd" numbers. QB Hadl #22 and WR Alworth #19 are examples on the same Charger team.FWIW, I support requiring certain numbers for each position BECAUSE it makes identification easier.. and it's a NFL tradition. Having a #15 + #16 + #17 backfield would be more difficult for both viewers and officials. When I see #5 on the field, I should be able to know he is a kicker or QB, without having to think -- Is that perhaps a runner or receiver?

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Hi David,

In my opinion, this has nothing to do with numbers. It's about rules in place and having the ability to get those rules changed in your favor.

Bush wanted the rules changed to suit him. That's the issue in my opinion.

It's very similar to the Eli Manning issue in that regard.

J

What are your feelings about Edgerrin James? Keyshawn Johnson? Steve Largent?

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Obviously he's putting the goal of getting into camp on time and starting to play football ahead of squeezing the last dime out of NO

No he's not.

What do I win?

 

[TheLaw]

Obviously he's putting the goal of getting into camp on time and starting to play football ahead of squeezing the last dime out of NO

No he's not. He's just saying he is; and if anything, saying it might lead to a longer holdout (by inducing the Saints to low-ball him). Players often say they will be in camp on time only to hold out when a deal doesn't get done. It's like a player saying he thinks his team will make the playoffs this year. Everyone says it, but it's wishful thinking rather than an objective analysis of the situation.If I were Bush, I would very much want to be in camp on time. But talking to the media about it has only downside. No upside.

Not true--saying this puts pressure on his agent and the Saints. There isn't a lot of leeway for the Saints to lowball like you suggest because it's well known that the #2 pick usually signs for x% less than the #1 pick. If they lowball him, they'll look bad because people will know it. While players may say they want to be in camp on time, saying that you've directed your agent to get a deal done is rarely mentioned at this stage. In fact, just a week ago people were arguing that he would want a deal that's larger than Williams'--and there was criticism for that. Now he's directing his agent to work out a deal and he's criticized for that. Simply amazing.

Hi guideran,Not criticizing. Just saying it wasn't the best move from his side of the negotiating table. It was an incredibly positive thing to say from a public relations point. He's doing great there. But if you're trying to get the most money possible for your client (as Segal or any agent will), saying "do whatever it takes to get in camp on time" is a huge blow to your negotiating leverage.

You can bet Segal was when he heard it.

Which is fine by me.

J

On the other hand, if the Saints low ball him and they decide they just HAVE to hold out, the Saints, Benson, and Loomis come across looking cheap again.

 

[jcjets]

If your a RB in college, just wear an appropriate number so that when you move to the NFL you wont have this problem.

Is that too difficult?