Since the lockout began over twenty NFL players have been arrested for varying offenses and legal questions regarding the NFL’s ability to enforce punishment for those offenses are being raised.
If NFL players are restricted from receiving employee benefits are they still liable for their employee obligations? If players are under contract, despite currently being suspended, are they still accountable for breaches of said contract once they are activated? The legality of this question can be argued either way but most agree that once the lockout is lifted the NFL’s, “Player Conduct Policy,” will be in full force. With that said, when Roger Goodell hands down punishments for this offseason's twenty plus arrests which teams will be effected the most?
Tennessee Titans:
The Titans Kenny Britt has been quite active this offseason with 5 booked criminal offenses. He was arrested for eluding police, rendering false information, and obstruction of justice following a car chase in New Jersey this past April. In June, he was charged with resisting arrest and evidence tampering. Finally, Britt recently surrendered himself to Tennessee authorities based on multiple outstanding misdemeanor warrants regarding fraudulent applications.
The arrests have resulted in Britt’s unknown status with the Tennessee Titans, which further depletes an already underwhelming receiving core. If Kenny Britt is traded, released, or suspended the Titans receiving core would consist of Nate Washington, Justin Gage, and Damian Williams. Additionally, the Titans current quarterback is rookie Jake Locker who struggled to lead Washington University to a winning season during the 2010 NCAA season.
With little to fear in the passing game, teams will crowd the box and focus all of their energy in stopping Titans running back Chris Johnson. Furthermore, even if the Titans were able to sign a veteran quarterback, like Donavon McNabb, the wide receiving core is significantly weaker without Britt leading the way. It’s hard to see this team winning more than seven games with Kenny Britt much less without him. To top everything off, the Titans are in a division with potent offenses such as the Colts and Texans. With Chris Johnson as their only weapon, the Titans will have a difficult time scoring much less coming back from a deficit to win. Crazier things have happened but I don’t see the Colts and Titans having defensive battles with the Titans. It’ll be a shoot out and the Titans lack ammunition.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Aqib Talib, the Buccaneers first round selection in the 2008 draft, was arrested in March for assault with a deadly weapon. The second-degree felony charges resulted from an incident where Talib is accused of firing shots at his sister's boyfriend.
The Buccaneers took great strides in 2010 based largely on consistent defensive play and breakout years from Josh Freeman, Legarrette Blount, and Mike Williams. Though their offense grew by leaps and bounds they are still quite young and yet to establish a full year of consistency. It follows, that if the Bucs intend to compete against the Saints and Falcons powerful passing attacks they will heavily rely on their defense.
The 2008 20th overall selection, Aqib Talib, has the most serious charges of all twenty NFL players arrested and is almost certainly facing a suspension. The Buccaneers passing defense was ranked 17th in 2010 and Aqib Talib was the second leading tackler for the Bucs defensive secondary. Though the Bucs still have the ageless wonder Ronde Barber he’s one dose of reality away from retiring. With the Atlanta Falcons receiving core consisting of Pro Bowler Roddy White, future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, and first rounder Julio Jones the Buccaneers are in serious trouble if they only have Barber. I haven’t even mentioned the former Super Bowl champions Drew Brees and company. Aqib Talib is only one player but the Buccaneers are in a division that requires two shut down corners and they’re almost guaranteed to be without one for part of the 2011 season.
Cincinnati Bengals:
The Bengals didn’t have an offseason player arrested until two weeks ago. Then a bad situation got worst. It’s no secret that Bengals QB Carson Palmer has been threatening retirement unless he’s traded. Palmer isn’t Manning but he’s a big reason that the Bengals haven’t embarrassed themselves over the past few seasons. With Cedric Benson’s recent arrest they may lose their running back as well. Benson was arrested in Texas for assault causing bodily injury. This is Benson’s second arrest and will most likely land him a suspension ranging from 2-4 games.
Granted, Benson is slated to become a free agent after the lockout ends but many speculated he would reunite with the Bengals especially after his successful 2010 campaign. With Carson Palmers situation in the air the Bengals will heavily rely on a strong rushing attack and there are limited options via free agency. Furthermore, reports have surfaced reaffirming Palmers strong stance in retiring unless he’s traded. If Palmer follows through with his threats he would leave the Bengals in the hands of QB Jordan Palmer , WR Ocho Cinco, and RB Bernard Scott. To make matters worse the Bengals are in the notoriously difficult AFC North Division.
On a lesser note, Adam “Pacman” Jones was also arrested for disorderly conduct while intoxicated. Jones has a two-year contract with the Bengals but had limited playing time with the team in 2010 steaming from a neck injury. If Pacman’s charges stick he may face a substantial suspension based on his previous transgressions.
No comments:
Post a Comment