Marshawn Lynch fines

[arc2q]

I really appreciate this discussion. A lot of great comments which is rare when discussing this topic that most treat as sophomoric. It is a complex topic but because Lynch does not explain his position the public dismisses the legitimacy of it. He has a serious personal offense to how he was treated by members of the media at some point (we presume). If this is how he feels he should and is standing up for what he believes. We are often so quick to criticize people for not conforming because it makes us uncomfortable or defies our norms. If this is how he feels he is right to stand up for himself. Would it be easier if he could - just once - fully articulate why he doesn't want speak? Sure, but that is not what he chooses to do. He doesn't owe us or the media anything. This notion that it is "in his contract" might be true but he is saying he does not agree with that and is standing up for himself because he can. I respect that.

The NFL is a cruel league in many ways. Most of these players (Lynch aside) will never become rich regardless of public perception. They are subject to a merciless system that can put them out of work on a moments notice with no recourse. The idea that they are even obligated by the language of their contracts is even fallacious as the team's frequently renege on contracts and cut the players with no compensation. Many players train year after year and attend months of training camps and barely get paid when they don't make a roster. Not that I have a lot of sympathy; they're playing a game after all. But I fail to understand the sacrosanct nature of the media clause of their contracts.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by arc2q

Most of these players (Lynch aside) will never become rich regardless of public perception. They are subject to a merciless system that can put them out of work on a moments notice with no recourse. The idea that they are even obligated by the language of their contracts is even fallacious as the team's frequently renege on contracts and cut the players with no compensation. Many players train year after year and attend months of training camps and barely get paid when they don't make a roster. Not that I have a lot of sympathy; they're playing a game after all. But I fail to understand the sacrosanct nature of the media clause of their contracts.

But Marshawn made it - he IS rich and it's because of the NFL. The NFL wants the big name players who 'made it' to help advertise the NFL by giving the media some time. I bet if they asked him about media clauses in his contract before he ever stepped foot on a pro football field - before he was sure he would make it big in the NFL - he smiled and said "no problem". Now he's a millionaire stud and wants to make his own rules. My guess is that ten years from now we'll be reading interviews with a broke Marshawn Lynch who now talks with the media.

[arc2q]

Originally Posted by Runscott

But Marshawn made it - he IS rich and it's because of the NFL. The NFL wants the big name players who 'made it' to help advertise the NFL by giving the media some time. I bet if they asked him about media clauses in his contract before he ever stepped foot on a pro football field - before he was sure he would make it big in the NFL - he smiled and said "no problem". Now he's a millionaire stud and wants to make his own rules. My guess is that ten years from now we'll be reading interviews with a broke Marshawn Lynch who now talks with the media.

But Scott, the system mandates that the only players who can speak out are the ones who have made it, who are successful, and have the financial security to risk it. If Lynch was not a star he would be risking immediate loss of employment for speaking out. Heck, many in the media speculated the Seahawks were "tired of his act" and we're going to cut him this year. And he's arguably the best RB in the league! Fringe players who haven't made it need the stars to take a stand for everyone.

Just look at this season. At various points this year the media floated rumors that Lynch hated his coach, was about to get cut, and made baseless accusations that Seahawks players were racist for not thinking Russell Wilson was black enough. Why should he trust those same reporters?

[Runscott]

Andrew, all of your points make sense. As a Seahawks fan, I'm frustrated with Lynch - I love to watch him run more than anyone since Payton or Sanders. Probably more because he combines speed with power, and that leg chop thing he does, along with refusing to go out of bounds and dragging players the way Earl Campbell used to do - how can you not love the guy?

In fact, I enjoy hearing him talk: FX sound bytes, show appearances like the Conan interview, etc. And the 'Beast Mode' product line thing is very, very savvy. My last comment about him being broke in ten years was probably b.s. - he's not dumb.

I would just like to see him handle it more maturely. There are ways to go about it that would allow him to make a stand, but not sound like a baby. I suspect Carroll and maybe some of his teammates, will talk with him over the off-season and make some suggestions.

[arc2q]

I agree he could handle it better. One simple statement as to why at the outset of one of those interviews would buy him loads of fan support.

I'm a Seahawks fan too. I love his style but actually do not think he's as indispensable to their offense as most. I would not be surprised if this is his last game.

I'm on my way to the Super Bowl right now.

[D. Bergin]

Marshawn has one or two years left (tops) before his body starts breaking down for good. The RB position is the one I respect the most in the NFL, even though it's said it's one of the more replaceable... especially if you have a decent offensive line.

Those guys take a beating more then anybody else, and when they reach the end of the line, it's usually all of a sudden, and fairly sad to watch.

Look at some of the running backs the Chiefs have had over the years. Larry Johnson, Priest Holmes. Superstars one year and training camp fodder the next. Jamaal Charles is probably not far behind.

Chris Johnson, Terrell Davis. 2000 Yard rushers, pretty much done by their late 20's.

[Runscott]

The way Lynch plays the game, refusing to go down, refusing to go out of bounds - you would think his body will last fewer years than most. I suspect he is trying to get back to Oakland and Carroll will be looking at lesser-used backs around the league who could be groomed to fit into his system, like next year.