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Wright On

Florida Times-Union reporter Michael C. Wright covers the ins and outs of the Jacksonville Jaguars. In this blog, he'll share behind-the-scenes anecdotes not published within the pages of the T-U, in addition to offering up incessant ramblings about nothing such as road trips, crummy hotels and not-so-delicious press box food. Perhaps he'll even delve into serious discussions about NFL issues. So ask questions, participate in conversations, or just learn more about the Jags.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Jaguars discipline

With all that's happened with the Jags off the field recently, I'm curious to know people's ideas for discipline on this team.

If you were Jack Del Rio, how would you guys handle the situation?

Shoot me your responses and please, please, keep it clean.

8 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think Wayne Weaver should send the whole crew packing if they cannot abide by the rules that has been set down they have no business on the team remove them and let the other players play that have not been in trouble take away their salary and get rid of the ones that have tested postive for steroids and dui charges we dont need their kind in jacksonville we have enough drunkards and drugs addicts without importing them to play on our football team. I SAY GET RID OF THEM NOW BEFORE THEY DRAG US DOWN ANY FARTHER IN THE PUBLICS EYE.

November 6, 2007 at 2:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

First of all, even a strong rules guy like Coughlin had more than his share of meatheads and puddingheads.

I think he used to send drivers to pick certain players up, and they'd be late. Then there was the "Big Sofa" and Soward.

No matter what system you operate in be it a player guy or crusty guy, the head coach is the first guy to be pointed at, and actually last man people should blame for discipline break downs.

As a coach I think it's important to have a personal meeting between the coaching staff and the player, and that the coaches shut up and listen until the player speaks for himself.

Then be fair and as malice-free as possible. There's a big difference between a coach's doghouse and a coach's waiver wire. There's nothing really different between the modern game and by-gone days.

Based on how a player presents himself face to face as a man you give him a second chance or release him.

November 6, 2007 at 5:02 PM  
Blogger Michael C. Wright said...

Anonymous No. 2, I love the "puddingheads" line. But seriously, I like what you have to say about this situation. My man, you should've used your name.

As a former college player, I can't deny that I didn't always do the right things during my playing days. A former college teammate and Dallas Cowboy (I won't name him, but he was a draft pick when Dave Campo was the head coach) has some dirt on me. But you're correct in that the head coach is the first to be pointed at and the "last man people should blame."

I think the problem is consistency with the discipline. You've got a guy like Brian Williams who gets a DUI and isn't punished. Then Khalif Barnes gets one and is suspended one game. Del Rio probably should've dropped the hammer from the get-go. But I have a suspicion that no matter how harsh the discipline is, players are still going to make boneheaded decisions. The difference is that the mistakes are magnified in this digital age of media.

With that being said, I think it boils down to the type of people brought into the organization. The personnel and scouting department have to put much more scrutiny into selecting prospective players.

But who's to say that these guys won't change once they get the fat NFL paycheck and the notoriety that comes along with it? It's a pretty tough situation for everyone involved and ultimately, it boils down to the decisons made by the individual players.

November 6, 2007 at 7:25 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well if it's good copy Anonymous#2 blogger says feel free to use it. Credit never bothers me.

I think in Jack's case we all realise he doesn't have the ability hand pick his team, or perhaps doesn't have the experience to determine how far out to stick his toes without falling off the edge.

I think the NFL needs to take a hard look at the GMs, sports agents, and the PR firms. The NFL trend just a few years ago was to get away from the GMs. The character issues didn't seem to be as large with the head coaches in control.

It may or may not be true, but the word I get is there is a lot of inappropriate stuff going on with the draft. There's too much jack being put down on players in advance of the draft. You've also got sports networks showing signs that they've got their dogs in the race, too.

November 6, 2007 at 10:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

treat them like children give them curfews. Make them write a paper what this situation has done to the team, their families, and city. Fine them heavily...not no small chump change hit the mid 6 digits or better. run laps hardcore training!

November 7, 2007 at 7:32 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think the stepped-up response is appropriate. If they screw up, hit them in the pocket and with decreased playing time. If it becomes too troublesome, or they miss too much playing time to justify their contract, then the waiver process will sort them out.

With reference to your comment about some things being overblown, I agree. I don't want to hear about their speeding tickets (McCray) as though it's a part of a major crime spree. Unfortunately that's just part of being 25 years old. Leave the headlines and crime tallies for the DUI accidents, assault/battery, etc.

And don't worry, Mike, their are skeletons in all our closets.

November 8, 2007 at 7:47 AM  
Blogger Michael C. Wright said...

That's the thing Mike S. These guys are young men that are coming to a bunch of money for the first time in their lives. What I try to do is envision myself in the same situation. How would I have handled it? It's easy to say what you'd do. But until you're in the situation, I don't think you really know.

Again, it's a pretty tough situation to manage. I see both sides of the argument. I see the fans' point of view in that they pay their hard-earned money to see the guys play and the truth is, someone could've been killed because of the players' recent actioins. At the same time, I'm guessing it can be tough to live up to the standards associated with being an NFL player.

I appreciate everyone participating in this discussion because it's definitely an important one.

November 8, 2007 at 8:40 AM  
Blogger creeksidegator said...

I guess my point of view is that generally speaking the fans have very little right to complain. The players didn't make any promises to us.

It's different for Wayne, Shack and Jack. Those players looked them in the eye and said, "Draft me and pay me the big money, because I'll play every game for you and be a model citizen." They have every right to be disappointed.

So those players need to apologize to the big 3, and to their families and teammates. Not to the fans.

It would be different if they were accused of cheating in the game. Then the fans were being lied to. I suppose steroids could be a borderline case.

November 8, 2007 at 2:02 PM  

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