If we could just have our Starting core...

AsylumGuido · 10-19-2022, 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by Boston Saint

All of what happens, or is written about what happens, or speculations about the quality of the field at any given stadium is separate from the basic question. Is it the players Decision or the teams? The truth is some of each of course.

If player X is questionable for team A, then the Decision on if X plays (assuming X is outside of the earlier mentioned QB/concussion subgroup) depends on many variables: player’s health, team record, depth at position, etc. I’d hope we agree on this, right? For example the need for a guy at say 65% to return for a 5-1 team that is getting by at WR is different than a 2-4 team that is playing undrafted guys. Agreed?

So, in the Saints case, knowing they have receivers out, and knowing Thomas is paid to be a top WR, and knowing the team needs to win and the playoff window is closing, I do not believe the Saints staff is telling Thomas to sit while Thomas is saying, “No, I can play!”.

As you point out the circumstances come into play.

If the medical staff says the player doesn't play then it matters not what the coaches or the player wish. Everyone should agree that's a given.

If the medical staff gives a full go then it falls on the player and the coaches. In this case I can't imagine any player saying they don't want to play. I can see a coach wanting additional practice .. possibly.

If the medical staff gives a conditional go, as in the player can play but there is the chance of reaggravating the injury I can see the coaches considering the circumstances. Let's say it was a critical game such as clinching a playoff berth or an actual playoff game I can see the coaches asking the player to play. I seriously doubt any player would say no. If the game was not critical I can see the coaches making the decision to hold out the player regardless of what the player wishes.

Then there's the case of the medical staff giving a conditional go, as in the player can play without chance of further aggravation but there will be pain to play through and/or painkilling required. This is the only case I can possibly see the player making the final call. Once again, however, it is very hard for me to believe any player that is motivated enough to want to be great their whole life would refuse to play under these circumstances.

I have had the opportunity to know several athletes in several different sports over the years and I can honestly say that I do not believe any of them would refuse to compete if it was at all possible. It is so contrary to their basic mindset.

In addition, what the player is getting paid should not be part of any of the decisions, nor do I believe it comes into play beyond the minds of fans.

10-19-2022, 01:40 PM	#31
AsylumGuido 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bossier City, LA Posts: 26,492	Re: If we could just have our Starting core... Originally Posted by Boston Saint All of what happens, or is written about what happens, or speculations about the quality of the field at any given stadium is separate from the basic question. Is it the players Decision or the teams? The truth is some of each of course. If player X is questionable for team A, then the Decision on if X plays (assuming X is outside of the earlier mentioned QB/concussion subgroup) depends on many variables: player’s health, team record, depth at position, etc. I’d hope we agree on this, right? For example the need for a guy at say 65% to return for a 5-1 team that is getting by at WR is different than a 2-4 team that is playing undrafted guys. Agreed? So, in the Saints case, knowing they have receivers out, and knowing Thomas is paid to be a top WR, and knowing the team needs to win and the playoff window is closing, I do not believe the Saints staff is telling Thomas to sit while Thomas is saying, “No, I can play!”. As you point out the circumstances come into play. If the medical staff says the player doesn't play then it matters not what the coaches or the player wish. Everyone should agree that's a given. If the medical staff gives a full go then it falls on the player and the coaches. In this case I can't imagine any player saying they don't want to play. I can see a coach wanting additional practice .. possibly. If the medical staff gives a conditional go, as in the player can play but there is the chance of reaggravating the injury I can see the coaches considering the circumstances. Let's say it was a critical game such as clinching a playoff berth or an actual playoff game I can see the coaches asking the player to play. I seriously doubt any player would say no. If the game was not critical I can see the coaches making the decision to hold out the player regardless of what the player wishes. Then there's the case of the medical staff giving a conditional go, as in the player can play without chance of further aggravation but there will be pain to play through and/or painkilling required. This is the only case I can possibly see the player making the final call. Once again, however, it is very hard for me to believe any player that is motivated enough to want to be great their whole life would refuse to play under these circumstances. I have had the opportunity to know several athletes in several different sports over the years and I can honestly say that I do not believe any of them would refuse to compete if it was at all possible. It is so contrary to their basic mindset. In addition, what the player is getting paid should not be part of any of the decisions, nor do I believe it comes into play beyond the minds of fans.
	“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” — Winston Churchill