Wes Welker: Asante chose money over championships (1 Viewer)

[Ghost Rider]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?template=wit...9000d5d8090f3ae



OKLAHOMA CITY -- Wes Welker is glad to talk about giving a helping hand to children in his hometown. He'd rather leave that Super Bowl loss in the past, though.

The New England Patriots receiver returned to his high school Saturday to hold his third annual youth football camp, but was met by raindrops that kept some participants away and chased the rest into the Heritage Hall gym.

"Basically we're out here just supporting these kids -- it's at-risk youth -- and trying to encourage them and support them and just show them a good time out here, the basics of football and build a little bit of character," Welker said.

Welker tied for the NFL lead in receptions last season as the Patriots completed the first perfect regular season since the schedule was expanded to 16 games. New England then lost to the New York Giants in a 17-14 upset in the Super Bowl.

"It's tough, but you know what? That's the way it goes and you've just got to bounce back from it and move on and keep working hard and get ready for the next year," Welker said.

Welker said the Patriots were glad to get back to work at minicamp and turn their focus to next season.

"Last year, it was last year. We're on to bigger things now," Welker said before an Oklahoma City police spokesman cut off questions less than 3 minutes into a planned interview session.

At a separate football camp hosted by former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson on Friday, Welker told the children Plaxico Burress' game-winning touchdown catch was "like a dagger to the heart" but he credited the Giants' defense for keeping the Patriots' prolific offense in check.

Welker caught 11 passes for 103 yards, tying the Super Bowl receptions mark set by Cincinnati's Dan Ross in 1982 and later matched by San Francisco's Jerry Rice in 1989 and New England's Deion Branch three years ago.

Welker expressed disappointment that the Patriots weren't able to re-sign Asante Samuel, an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection last season who won two Super Bowls with New England. Samuel instead signed a six-year, $57 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

"Asante's a great player, so it hurts not to have a guy like that. But then again, it's part of the business of the game," Welker said. "He chose money over championships, and that's the way it goes sometimes."

The Patriots face the Eagles in the preseason, but not in the regular season.

For now, though, Welker is focused on his foundation and the 100-or-so kids who braved the weather to come to camp. In the third year of the camp, Welker also added an auction and "Cleats and Cocktails" dinner to raise money for the foundation, which benefits underfunded athletic programs for at-risk children.

"I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish as a foundation and as a city, and we're continuing to do some great things around Oklahoma City," Welker said.

During his high school career at Heritage Hall -- which competes in Class 2A, the next-to-lowest class of 11-man football in Oklahoma -- Welker starred in all aspects of the game for the Chargers. He rushed for 3,235 yards and 53 touchdowns, caught 174 passes for 2,551 yards and 27 touchdowns and returned seven kicks and three interceptions for touchdowns.

Welker also had 22 interceptions and nine fumble recoveries, made 581 tackles, kicked 35 field goals (including a 57-yarder) and 165 extra points and scored 818 points -- an average of 16.7 per game. During his junior season, the Chargers went 15-0 and won a state title.

----------------

Uh, is Welker not aware that Samuel has already won two championships?

And what championship in the NFL has Wes Welker ever won? Did he forget that his team LOST the championship game last season?

And like Welker wouldn't take the money and run if some team threw a boat load of money at him, especially given how he isn't as good as his numbers last year would indicate.

I can understand Welker being disappointed at seeing a key defensive player leaving via free agency, but saying, "he chose money over championships," was just stupid.

 

[Statler & Waldorf]

He's just expressing his support and confidence with the Pats. They've always been able to sign and resign players at lower than market cost due to those players wanting it maintain a winning atmosphere. Samuel chose to go to the place with the highest contract. There's nothing wrong with that what Samuel did or Welker said.

 

[Jason Wood]

Last time I checked, the Eagles and Patriots have the same # of SB victories since Welker became a Patriot.

 

[FUBAR]

Uh, is Welker not aware that Samuel has already won two championships? And what championship in the NFL has Wes Welker ever won? Did he forget that his team LOST the championship game last season? And like Welker wouldn't take the money and run if some team threw a boat load of money at him, especially given how he isn't as good as his numbers last year would indicate. I can understand Welker being disappointed at seeing a key defensive player leaving via free agency, but saying, "he chose money over championships," was just stupid.

I'm sure he's aware, he's also talking about FUTURE championships.Who cares if he hasn't won one yet? Does that disqualify him from having an opinion?Maybe he would, maybe he wouldn't. He still can be disapointed that they lost a key to their team. And he is pretty damn good - but that has nothing to do with his comment. It wasn't stupid, he supports his team. You being upset about his support, is well... stupid.

 

[radballs]

 

[massraider]

That's not supporting your team. There are a million ways to support your team without taking a swipe at a former teammate, and basically label him as a money grubbing doosh that doesn't care about winning. Not to mention insulting the Eagles.

Love Welker, love his game, but that was classless.

 

[Tyrion]

That's not supporting your team. There are a million ways to support your team without taking a swipe at a former teammate, and basically label him as a money grubbing doosh that doesn't care about winning. Not to mention insulting the Eagles.Love Welker, love his game, but that was classless.

Probably not the nicest thing to say but it is pretty accurate. I don't think anyone would argue that the Patriots have a better shot at a championship than Philly.

 

[massraider]

That's not supporting your team. There are a million ways to support your team without taking a swipe at a former teammate, and basically label him as a money grubbing doosh that doesn't care about winning. Not to mention insulting the Eagles.Love Welker, love his game, but that was classless.

Probably not the nicest thing to say but it is pretty accurate. I don't think anyone would argue that the Patriots have a better shot at a championship than Philly.

That may be the case.But that doesn't equal "Chose money over championships." That's not the only option here. There's a lot of reasons why players go to other teams, and one cold easily make the point that the Pats chose being cheap over championships, because they let Samuel go, and could have signed him.Now, I realize we cannot question any roster moves the Pats make or don't make, as they are beyond criticism, but one could say that. And I also know that money played a big part in Samuel's decision.But Welker has no business getting in anyone else's financial matters. Besides, what does he know about championships?

 

[Scooby1974]

Welker's comment was far from "classless". He expressed his disappointment, said Asante is a Great player and that he's disappointed the Pats couldn't sign him. So he tacked on a parting shot with reference to who has a better shot at at super bowl victory. I don't think anyone but a Philly fan would take the Eagles chances to win a SB this year over the Pats chances, and that is what Welker was referring to. Like them or not, facts are facts. The Pats are better than the Eagles. If Asante NEEDED the extra cash to take care of his family than more power to him. I highly doubt Samuel took any offense to Welker's comments.

 

[Interseptopus]

Last time I checked, the Eagles and Patriots have the same # of SB victories since Welker became a Patriot.

Also, how many rings does Welker have??? How about Samuel? Oh yeah...

 

[Ghost Rider]

You being upset about his support, is well... stupid.

Link to where I said was upset?

 

[FUBAR]

That's not supporting your team. There are a million ways to support your team without taking a swipe at a former teammate, and basically label him as a money grubbing doosh that doesn't care about winning. Not to mention insulting the Eagles.Love Welker, love his game, but that was classless.

Probably not the nicest thing to say but it is pretty accurate. I don't think anyone would argue that the Patriots have a better shot at a championship than Philly.

That may be the case.But that doesn't equal "Chose money over championships." That's not the only option here. There's a lot of reasons why players go to other teams, and one cold easily make the point that the Pats chose being cheap over championships, because they let Samuel go, and could have signed him.Now, I realize we cannot question any roster moves the Pats make or don't make, as they are beyond criticism, but one could say that. And I also know that money played a big part in Samuel's decision.But Welker has no business getting in anyone else's financial matters. Besides, what does he know about championships?

You're being way too critical of Welker here.He wasn't calling him out as a bad person, bad teammate or anything else.

"Asante's a great player, so it hurts not to have a guy like that. But then again, it's part of the business of the game," Welker said. "He chose money over championships, and that's the way it goes sometimes."

What would you want him to say? Asante left us for greener pastures, Philly's a team on the rise and they'll win a championship this year?I assume the reporter asked him about Asante, was he supposed to just say "no comment"? IMO that would appear more bitter.

 

[Ghost Rider]

What would you want him to say? Asante left us for greener pastures, Philly's a team on the rise and they'll win a championship this year?I assume the reporter asked him about Asante, was he supposed to just say "no comment"? IMO that would appear more bitter.

He could have said just about everything he did say, except for the "he chose money over championships" part, and it would have been fine.

 

[FUBAR]

You being upset about his support, is well... stupid.

Link to where I said was upset?

Uh, is Welker not aware that Samuel has already won two championships?

And what championship in the NFL has Wes Welker ever won? Did he forget that his team LOST the championship game last season?

And like Welker wouldn't take the money and run if some team threw a boat load of money at him, especially given how he isn't as good as his numbers last year would indicate.

I can understand Welker being disappointed at seeing a key defensive player leaving via free agency, but saying, "he chose money over championships," was just stupid.

maybe you're not upset, but your tone indicates otherwise.

 

[FUBAR]

What would you want him to say? Asante left us for greener pastures, Philly's a team on the rise and they'll win a championship this year?I assume the reporter asked him about Asante, was he supposed to just say "no comment"? IMO that would appear more bitter.

He could have said just about everything he did say, except for the "he chose money over championships" part, and it would have been fine.

Next time I'm sure he'll ask for your advice. Oddly, most of us don't take issue with it.

 

[Ghost Rider]

You being upset about his support, is well... stupid.

Link to where I said was upset?

Uh, is Welker not aware that Samuel has already won two championships?

And what championship in the NFL has Wes Welker ever won? Did he forget that his team LOST the championship game last season?

And like Welker wouldn't take the money and run if some team threw a boat load of money at him, especially given how he isn't as good as his numbers last year would indicate.

I can understand Welker being disappointed at seeing a key defensive player leaving via free agency, but saying, "he chose money over championships," was just stupid.

maybe you're not upset, but your tone indicates otherwise.

Uh, no. I am not a fan of either the Patriots or the Eagles. I do not care for either team. I have no feelings, bad or good, for Welker or Samuel. I just thought his comment about choosing money over championships was stupid, and that is what I said.

 

[FUBAR]

You being upset about his support, is well... stupid.

Link to where I said was upset?

Uh, is Welker not aware that Samuel has already won two championships?

And what championship in the NFL has Wes Welker ever won? Did he forget that his team LOST the championship game last season?

And like Welker wouldn't take the money and run if some team threw a boat load of money at him, especially given how he isn't as good as his numbers last year would indicate.

I can understand Welker being disappointed at seeing a key defensive player leaving via free agency, but saying, "he chose money over championships," was just stupid.

maybe you're not upset, but your tone indicates otherwise.

Uh, no. I am not a fan of either the Patriots or the Eagles. I do not care for either team. I have no feelings, bad or good, for Welker or Samuel. I just thought his comment about choosing money over championships was stupid, and that is what I said.

Ok, my bad. Clearly you don't care about the comment.

 

[Interseptopus]

Yes, NE is closer to a superbowl than PHI, but the NFC is weak, and PHI is not THAT far away from being a divisional favorite. The core is there, they just need a few extra peices. I do, however, think it's also fair to say that NE is closer to recession than PHI. Sure, they just came off a 18-1 season, but the way the NFL is these days... a team can be everything then nothing in a matter of a couple years, same as nothing to something in just one good draft.

I don't blame him for taking the money. He's already won championships, now he wants to get paid like a champion. I don't blame him one bit. The ONLY reason Welker said this is because he is 1) frustrated a key defender is gone, 2) has NEVER won a championship, so that's #1 on his list (as opposed to Samuel who's "been there done that" and now wants money).

Welker just needs to shut up and SHOW Samuel why he shouldn't have left, not jibber jabber about it. Stupid if you ask me. Also, stupid this is such a big news story...

 

[massraider]

Welker's comment was far from "classless". He expressed his disappointment, said Asante is a Great player and that he's disappointed the Pats couldn't sign him. So he tacked on a parting shot with reference to who has a better shot at at super bowl victory. I don't think anyone but a Philly fan would take the Eagles chances to win a SB this year over the Pats chances, and that is what Welker was referring to. Like them or not, facts are facts. The Pats are better than the Eagles. If Asante NEEDED the extra cash to take care of his family than more power to him. I highly doubt Samuel took any offense to Welker's comments.

I addressed this already.No one is saying Eagles are better than Pats. But if a player chooses the Eagles, it doesn't mean they are choosing money over winning, which Welker gave as the reason. And I am saying it's not the only reason. But Welker's comments are far from flattering. He is questioning Samuel's desire to play for a winner. That, to me, is classless.No biggie, you and I just have different interpretations of what Welker said. I think anyone who thinks these comments are "fine" is mistaken.

 

[Slider]

That's not supporting your team. There are a million ways to support your team without taking a swipe at a former teammate, and basically label him as a money grubbing doosh that doesn't care about winning. Not to mention insulting the Eagles.Love Welker, love his game, but that was classless.

Probably not the nicest thing to say but it is pretty accurate. I don't think anyone would argue that the Patriots have a better shot at a championship than Philly.

With or without the tape?

 

[Bushead]

That's not supporting your team. There are a million ways to support your team without taking a swipe at a former teammate, and basically label him as a money grubbing doosh that doesn't care about winning. Not to mention insulting the Eagles.

Love Welker, love his game, but that was classless.

Probably not the nicest thing to say but it is pretty accurate. I don't think anyone would argue that the Patriots have a better shot at a championship than Philly.

That may be the case.But that doesn't equal "Chose money over championships." That's not the only option here. There's a lot of reasons why players go to other teams, and one cold easily make the point that the Pats chose being cheap over championships, because they let Samuel go, and could have signed him.

Now, I realize we cannot question any roster moves the Pats make or don't make, as they are beyond criticism, but one could say that. And I also know that money played a big part in Samuel's decision.

But Welker has no business getting in anyone else's financial matters. Besides, what does he know about championships?

You're being way too critical of Welker here.He wasn't calling him out as a bad person, bad teammate or anything else.

"Asante's a great player, so it hurts not to have a guy like that. But then again, it's part of the business of the game," Welker said. "He chose money over championships, and that's the way it goes sometimes."

What would you want him to say? Asante left us for greener pastures, Philly's a team on the rise and they'll win a championship this year?I assume the reporter asked him about Asante, was he supposed to just say "no comment"? IMO that would appear more bitter.

"Asante's a great player, so it hurts not to have a guy like that. But then again, it's part of the business of the game," Welker said. "He chose money over championships, and that's the way it goes sometimes." "he was a good teammate and I wish him the best"?

 

[Futeki]

Nevermind

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

What did he say that wasn't true? Anyone here think the Eagles have a better shot at a title than The Patriots?

Samuel did choose money over championships, and he should stand up and be proud of doing so. Sounds like a smart move to me.

 

[Mr. PadresLakers]

"The Patriots show no class and maybe that comes from the head coach."

 

[Mystery Achiever]

I see nothing wrong here on either side. Welker said""He chose money over championships, and that's the way it goes sometimes." That last part, to me, acknowledges others have done that and takes it away from a personal attak. He was asked a question and answered it in a way that was loyal to the people who pay him.

 

[FUBAR]

I see nothing wrong here on either side. Welker said""He chose money over championships, and that's the way it goes sometimes." That last part, to me, acknowledges others have done that and takes it away from a personal attak. He was asked a question and answered it in a way that was loyal to the people who pay him.

and to those teammates who chose to stay.

 

[Mystery Achiever]

I see nothing wrong here on either side. Welker said""He chose money over championships, and that's the way it goes sometimes." That last part, to me, acknowledges others have done that and takes it away from a personal attak. He was asked a question and answered it in a way that was loyal to the people who pay him.

and to those teammates who chose to stay.

Fair point. And, as an Eagles fan, I'm glad he left. And who knows which team Asante thinks has a better chance of getting him another ring.

 

[twr]

I see nothing wrong here on either side. Welker said""He chose money over championships, and that's the way it goes sometimes." That last part, to me, acknowledges others have done that and takes it away from a personal attak. He was asked a question and answered it in a way that was loyal to the people who pay him.

agreed, the last part refers to the fact that asante has already won a championship... so to him, money is top priority... if i had already won 2 SB's... i would assume money would also be higher than winning another championship. it wasnt a personal attack. some people just need to learn how to READ.

 

[switz]

"Asante's a great player, so it hurts not to have a guy like that. But then again, it's part of the business of the game," Welker said. "He chose money over championships, and that's the way it goes sometimes."

Sounds like jealousy to me.... when's the last time Welker won a championship? Bitter he wasn't highly sought after on the FA market? Whatever... that's just a stupid thing to say.

 

[tebuckey]

Asante will join the ranks of all the other former Pats who have jumped ship for bigger paychecks, like Branch and Givens, and prove it was the system and not the player.

 

[ichris]

I didn't know you could choose to win the championship rather than a bigger paycheck. Do all the players know about this choice?

 

[massraider]

I see nothing wrong here on either side. Welker said""He chose money over championships, and that's the way it goes sometimes." That last part, to me, acknowledges others have done that and takes it away from a personal attak. He was asked a question and answered it in a way that was loyal to the people who pay him.

agreed, the last part refers to the fact that asante has already won a championship... so to him, money is top priority... if i had already won 2 SB's... i would assume money would also be higher than winning another championship. it wasnt a personal attack. some people just need to learn how to READ.

I've read it again, I still don't see the part that refers to Asante already having won a title. Maybe I am not READ-ing the right part. Help me out here.

 

[fflmonster]

being an eagles fan, i took great exception to welker's comment "choose money over championships." love that championships was plural.

this is not like samuel sign with the oakland raiders or miami dolphins. the eagles have been a very good team for many years and look like they can get back to the playoffs this year.

are the ne patriots better? YES. but does that mean anything over the life of the contract? NO!

i remember the whole reggie white took the money over championships way back when.. HOW DID THAT TURN OUT?

r. white has a ring and the eagles still do not.

anyone that thinks that welker's comment wasn't a slap in the face of eagles fan and the eagles organization in general doesn't have a brain.

i ask you all this question: if another player says your favorite team has no chance of EVER winning, would you have a problem with that? that is welker did to eagle fans with his statement. PLAIN AND SIMPLE

 

[GregR_2]

That's not supporting your team. There are a million ways to support your team without taking a swipe at a former teammate, and basically label him as a money grubbing doosh that doesn't care about winning. Not to mention insulting the Eagles.

Love Welker, love his game, but that was classless.

Probably not the nicest thing to say but it is pretty accurate. I don't think anyone would argue that the Patriots have a better shot at a championship than Philly.

That may be the case.But that doesn't equal "Chose money over championships." That's not the only option here. There's a lot of reasons why players go to other teams, and one cold easily make the point that the Pats chose being cheap over championships, because they let Samuel go, and could have signed him.

Now, I realize we cannot question any roster moves the Pats make or don't make, as they are beyond criticism, but one could say that. And I also know that money played a big part in Samuel's decision.

But Welker has no business getting in anyone else's financial matters. Besides, what does he know about championships?

You're being way too critical of Welker here.He wasn't calling him out as a bad person, bad teammate or anything else.

"Asante's a great player, so it hurts not to have a guy like that. But then again, it's part of the business of the game," Welker said. "He chose money over championships, and that's the way it goes sometimes."

What would you want him to say? Asante left us for greener pastures, Philly's a team on the rise and they'll win a championship this year?I assume the reporter asked him about Asante, was he supposed to just say "no comment"? IMO that would appear more bitter.

Something that sounds a little less conceited and ####-sure about his own team and not as judgmental or sour grapes about the choice that Asante made. Welker just comes off as being petty. He could have conveyed the same thing in any number of better ways without making himself look that way."There was more money for Asante where he went and that's a part of the business of the game that you can't always keep all your good players. We hope we're in a position with a good chance to win a championship and Asante could have been a key part of that."

 

[southeastjerome]

A cocky/overconfident statement from an NFL WR? That's a first.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

it's true, isn't it?

 

[massraider]

it's true, isn't it?

No.Being true would imply that we know both Samuel's motives, and the future of both the Eagles and Pats.No, it's not true.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

it's true, isn't it?

No.Being true would imply that we know both Samuel's motives, and the future of both the Eagles and Pats.No, it's not true.

the odds of the Patriots winning a Super Bowl in the next few years have to be greater than the odds of the Eagles winning a championship in the next few years.the Eagles clearly offered him more money than the Patriots did (didn't they?)if both of these statements are facts, it certainly is not unreasonable to assume that money was a more important factor in his decision than winning a championship.since he has already won a couple and players don't play forever, I don't really see what's wrong with that. And, I'm guessing since Welker has been a teammate of his, he probably has a better idea of Samuel's motivation than any of the people getting upset in here do.

 

[Abrantes]

Doesn't sound like a big deal. Samuel did choose the team that paid him the most money over the team that, on paper, has a better shot at winning the championship. Maybe it wasn't the most tactful wording he could have used, but it didn't seem ridiculously offensive, and shouldn't be construed as a slap in the face of the Eagles team, organization or fans.

Regardless, I'd rather have players speaking their mind than the endless parade of PR-fueled non-statements I've grown accustomed to.

 

[massraider]

it's true, isn't it?

No.Being true would imply that we know both Samuel's motives, and the future of both the Eagles and Pats.

No, it's not true.

the odds of the Patriots winning a Super Bowl in the next few years is certainly going to be greater than the odds of the Eagles winning a championship in the net few years.the Eagles clearly offered him more money than the Patriots did (didn't they?)

if both of these statements are facts, it certainly is not unreasonable to assume that money was a more important factor in his decision than winning a championship.

since he has already won a couple and players don't play forever, I don't really see what's wrong with that. And, I'm guessing since Welker has been a teammate of his, he probably has a better idea of Samuel's motivation than any of the people getting upset in here do.

Odds to win a Superbowl is one thing, foregone multiple championships is another. And the Eagle fan above made an excellent comparison with Reggie White.I don't have any problem with what Samuel did, far from it. And I don't even have a problem with Welker saying what he said. I like players that don't give the pat answer. I even like it when players insult their former teammates, calling them greedy, and uncaring about winning. It makes the league more interesting.

If we can assume that money was a more important factor for Samuel, and also assume that Welker knows more about Samuel's motivation, I don't think it's a stretch to assume that both Samuel and the Eagles have every right to be offended by this statement. It's an incredibly condescending thing for Welker to say. I have zero problem with Welker saying it; I am, however, mystified by the posters that see no possible problem with what he said, or have somehow twisted it into a statement of Patriot loyalty.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

it's true, isn't it?

No.Being true would imply that we know both Samuel's motives, and the future of both the Eagles and Pats.

No, it's not true.

the odds of the Patriots winning a Super Bowl in the next few years is certainly going to be greater than the odds of the Eagles winning a championship in the net few years.the Eagles clearly offered him more money than the Patriots did (didn't they?)

if both of these statements are facts, it certainly is not unreasonable to assume that money was a more important factor in his decision than winning a championship.

since he has already won a couple and players don't play forever, I don't really see what's wrong with that. And, I'm guessing since Welker has been a teammate of his, he probably has a better idea of Samuel's motivation than any of the people getting upset in here do.

Odds to win a Superbowl is one thing, foregone multiple championships is another. And the Eagle fan above made an excellent comparison with Reggie White.I don't have any problem with what Samuel did, far from it. And I don't even have a problem with Welker saying what he said. I like players that don't give the pat answer. I even like it when players insult their former teammates, calling them greedy, and uncaring about winning. It makes the league more interesting.

If we can assume that money was a more important factor for Samuel, and also assume that Welker knows more about Samuel's motivation, I don't think it's a stretch to assume that both Samuel and the Eagles have every right to be offended by this statement. It's an incredibly condescending thing for Welker to say. I have zero problem with Welker saying it; I am, however, mystified by the posters that see no possible problem with what he said, or have somehow twisted it into a statement of Patriot loyalty.

players love to say "it's not about the money" when it almost always is, but they shouldn't have to apologize for making as much as they can. it's not like he went to a crappy team or losing organization either. Eagles are a solid franchise and one of the best in the league. But, the Patriots are a dynasty. He's not the first player to leave the Patriots because they wouldn't pay him market value. Patriots couldn't be the team they are if they paid everyone market value.nothing to see here from my perspective. Welker just speaking the truth, and Asante Samuel would probably agree with him too.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Asante will join the ranks of all the other former Pats who have jumped ship for bigger paychecks, like Branch and Givens, and prove it was the system and not the player.

Ty Law is a former Patriot, who managed to lead the league in INTs, make the Pro Bowl, and score a TD against NE the year he left. I'd say Law, a CB who made the Pro Bowl in NE, is a better comparison to Samuel, a CB who made the Pro Bowl in NE, than Branch and Givens, who play on offense and never made a Pro Bowl.

 

[FUBAR]

anyone that thinks that welker's comment wasn't a slap in the face of eagles fan and the eagles organization in general doesn't have a brain.i ask you all this question: if another player says your favorite team has no chance of EVER winning, would you have a problem with that? that is welker did to eagle fans with his statement. PLAIN AND SIMPLE

oh, it might be construed as a slap, I doubt he meant it that way though. I just don't think he thought about what the Eagles would think, maybe he should have but (and I know this is shocking) sometimes players don't think through every possible connotation of what they say. and NO, it's not saying the Eagles have no chance of EVER winning, just as long as Samuel is there.

 

[FUBAR]

"Asante's a great player, so it hurts not to have a guy like that. But then again, it's part of the business of the game," Welker said. "He chose money over championships, and that's the way it goes sometimes."

Sounds like jealousy to me.... when's the last time Welker won a championship? Bitter he wasn't highly sought after on the FA market? Whatever... that's just a stupid thing to say.

Apparently his junior season in HS.

Welker also had 22 interceptions and nine fumble recoveries, made 581 tackles, kicked 35 field goals (including a 57-yarder) and 165 extra points and scored 818 points -- an average of 16.7 per game. During his junior season, the Chargers went 15-0 and won a state title.

 

[thejag]

If this wasn't a NEP, this would never have been posted.

Where is the 'shark' aspect in this thread?

 

[southeastjerome]

it's true, isn't it?

No.Being true would imply that we know both Samuel's motives, and the future of both the Eagles and Pats.

No, it's not true.

the odds of the Patriots winning a Super Bowl in the next few years is certainly going to be greater than the odds of the Eagles winning a championship in the net few years.the Eagles clearly offered him more money than the Patriots did (didn't they?)

if both of these statements are facts, it certainly is not unreasonable to assume that money was a more important factor in his decision than winning a championship.

since he has already won a couple and players don't play forever, I don't really see what's wrong with that. And, I'm guessing since Welker has been a teammate of his, he probably has a better idea of Samuel's motivation than any of the people getting upset in here do.

Odds to win a Superbowl is one thing, foregone multiple championships is another. And the Eagle fan above made an excellent comparison with Reggie White.I don't have any problem with what Samuel did, far from it. And I don't even have a problem with Welker saying what he said. I like players that don't give the pat answer. I even like it when players insult their former teammates, calling them greedy, and uncaring about winning. It makes the league more interesting.

If we can assume that money was a more important factor for Samuel, and also assume that Welker knows more about Samuel's motivation, I don't think it's a stretch to assume that both Samuel and the Eagles have every right to be offended by this statement. It's an incredibly condescending thing for Welker to say. I have zero problem with Welker saying it; I am, however, mystified by the posters that see no possible problem with what he said, or have somehow twisted it into a statement of Patriot loyalty.

players love to say "it's not about the money" when it almost always is, but they shouldn't have to apologize for making as much as they can. it's not like he went to a crappy team or losing organization either. Eagles are a solid franchise and one of the best in the league. But, the Patriots are a dynasty. He's not the first player to leave the Patriots because they wouldn't pay him market value. Patriots couldn't be the team they are if they paid everyone market value.nothing to see here from my perspective. Welker just speaking the truth, and Asante Samuel would probably agree with him too.

Not sure what the Pats previous super bowl wins a couple years ago have to do with them going forward, especially considering when they lost 3/5 of their active secondary including one of their best defensive players. Sure the Pats will be a good team as long as Brady is himself, but I think the "championships" (plural especially) is a bit over the top. I agree that Asante went with the money, but to say that he's choosing money over championships, implying that the Pats are as certain to win mulitple superbowls going forward as he is to make money going forward is ludicrous.

I also agree that this really isn't a big deal, as I said, its fairly commonplace for an NFL WR to make cocky statements like this.

 

[bostonfred]

I love the fact that Patriots players not only believe that this is the choice, but that choosing championships in New England is more important than money. Wouldn't you want players to feel that way about your team?

 

[DropKick]

If this wasn't a NEP, this would never have been posted.Where is the 'shark' aspect in this thread?

Exactly what I was thinking... GR will take exception to ANYTHING NEP related.

 

[Jimmy James]

Welker is a guy I like in spite of his status as a Pat because he always seemed like a hard worker dedicated to making himself better in Miami.

He still needs to shut up. Should players around the league have accused him of turning his back on the team that gave him a chance after the Chargers cut him in favor of taking a shortcut to a championship? I doubt he'd like that, so he shouldn't be making accusations about the motivations of other players.

 

[cstu]

Welker is a guy I like in spite of his status as a Pat because he always seemed like a hard worker dedicated to making himself better in Miami.

He still needs to shut up. Should players around the league have accused him of turning his back on the team that gave him a chance after the Chargers cut him in favor of taking a shortcut to a championship? I doubt he'd like that, so he shouldn't be making accusations about the motivations of other players.