NFLPA files grievance against New Orleans Saints on behalf of tight end Jimmy Graham, source says

SaintFanInATLHELL · 05-10-2014, 09:38 PM

Originally Posted by burningmetal

Jimmy, his agent and the NFLPA can all shove it at this point.

Hey, I've decided that I'm a wide receiver. Even though I don't play in the league, I've decided that a WR is what I want to be, so I should be paid like one. I don't have any 1,000 yard seasons, but like Jimmy, I also have not produced so much as a fart in a big game recently. If that doesn't win me this case, then I think I'll just sue the Saints or something... Yeah.

He has all the talent in the world and at times is exciting to watch, but if he can't come through when we need him the most then what difference does it really make if he goes? In a perfect world I'd like to keep him and have him step up his game. But his attitude right now suggests to me that he cares more about his ego than his game, and teammates. So I don't have any confidence that he'll shake his disappearing act.

I find it really interesting how personally some fans seem to be taking this issue.

It's just business. As The Oak stated in a earlier post, where did the crazy idea that JG cares more about his ego come from?

All of this situation is a business arrangement between parties negotiating a contract. There are actually at least 4 parties involved: JG, The Saints, The NFL, and the NFLPA. Each is rightly trying to maximize the value of their position. It's not ego, it's just plain common sense.

If I come to purchase a car from you, I fully expect you to try to negotiate the highest price you can get for it. And you can fully expect that I will try to get the lowest price. There's no ego involved with that process.

As for disappearing, I think the charge is a bit disingenuous on a couple of levels. First and foremost, JG was the most potent weapon in the Saints offense last year. This means that each and every opponent's goal was to limit his catches, yards, and TDs. Many tried. Few succeded.

The second more important issue is that the guy did this with an injured foot. He still had over 70 catches, and 16TDs over the course of the season.

It's amazing how much production he still gets even though he is bracketed most of the time.

I'm just wondering aloud if the frustration with the process translates to this attitude towards JG. I was shaking my head two years ago when there was the same discussion about Brees.

Personally I enjoy to business aspects of football. It's interesting to watch the negotiation process and attempt to predict how the parties will react. I outlined the schedule back in February. AFAICT except for the false April 22nd deadline on the grievance, the process is right on schedule.

I really want to understand why trying to maximize the value of your services is an "ego" thing? And why fans simply expect each and every player to take the "hometown discount" contract simply because the salaries are in the millions, and that the fans are rabid about the team?

I think folks sometime miss the psychology of feeling underpaid. It causes resentment and lessens productivity.

The simple fact is that JG is the best TE (and yes I believe he's a TE) in the game. Anything less than Gronk's contract, which looks like it's split into two 3 year contracts, really should be a non starter.

I just wonder if anyone here would honestly not file a piece of paper in order to get a 25% raise. I would. It's just business.

SFIAH

05-10-2014, 09:38 PM	#38
SaintFanInATLHELL The Professor Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Lithonia, GA Posts: 2,783	Re: NFLPA files grievance against New Orleans Saints on behalf of tight end Jimmy Graham, source says Originally Posted by burningmetal Jimmy, his agent and the NFLPA can all shove it at this point. Hey, I've decided that I'm a wide receiver. Even though I don't play in the league, I've decided that a WR is what I want to be, so I should be paid like one. I don't have any 1,000 yard seasons, but like Jimmy, I also have not produced so much as a fart in a big game recently. If that doesn't win me this case, then I think I'll just sue the Saints or something... Yeah. He has all the talent in the world and at times is exciting to watch, but if he can't come through when we need him the most then what difference does it really make if he goes? In a perfect world I'd like to keep him and have him step up his game. But his attitude right now suggests to me that he cares more about his ego than his game, and teammates. So I don't have any confidence that he'll shake his disappearing act. I find it really interesting how personally some fans seem to be taking this issue. It's just business. As The Oak stated in a earlier post, where did the crazy idea that JG cares more about his ego come from? All of this situation is a business arrangement between parties negotiating a contract. There are actually at least 4 parties involved: JG, The Saints, The NFL, and the NFLPA. Each is rightly trying to maximize the value of their position. It's not ego, it's just plain common sense. If I come to purchase a car from you, I fully expect you to try to negotiate the highest price you can get for it. And you can fully expect that I will try to get the lowest price. There's no ego involved with that process. As for disappearing, I think the charge is a bit disingenuous on a couple of levels. First and foremost, JG was the most potent weapon in the Saints offense last year. This means that each and every opponent's goal was to limit his catches, yards, and TDs. Many tried. Few succeded. The second more important issue is that the guy did this with an injured foot. He still had over 70 catches, and 16TDs over the course of the season. It's amazing how much production he still gets even though he is bracketed most of the time. I'm just wondering aloud if the frustration with the process translates to this attitude towards JG. I was shaking my head two years ago when there was the same discussion about Brees. Personally I enjoy to business aspects of football. It's interesting to watch the negotiation process and attempt to predict how the parties will react. I outlined the schedule back in February. AFAICT except for the false April 22nd deadline on the grievance, the process is right on schedule. I really want to understand why trying to maximize the value of your services is an "ego" thing? And why fans simply expect each and every player to take the "hometown discount" contract simply because the salaries are in the millions, and that the fans are rabid about the team? I think folks sometime miss the psychology of feeling underpaid. It causes resentment and lessens productivity. The simple fact is that JG is the best TE (and yes I believe he's a TE) in the game. Anything less than Gronk's contract, which looks like it's split into two 3 year contracts, really should be a non starter. I just wonder if anyone here would honestly not file a piece of paper in order to get a 25% raise. I would. It's just business. SFIAH B_Dub_Saint, Utah_Saint and saintsfan403 like this.
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