As if his saga can't get any more bizarre, fans were treated to what might be the final stage of the train wreck that has become the end of Cris Carter's career.
You didn't have to like Cris Carter to respect him. As we've been finding out this off-season, that has been the case more than many let on. Carter's strange off-season saga may finally come to a close with a fitting bizarre twist for a TV series May sweeps cliffhanger.
Word got to VU early Thursday about comments attributed to Carter to James Brown of Sporting News Radio, saying C.C. was going to retire and had accepted a job with HBO Sports -- presumed to be joining the cast of "Inside the NFL."
But, as the day progressed, VU has learned this isn't the case, because not only is Carter not on "Inside the NFL," he's still not completely sold that he's outside the NFL.
First came a query to a spokesman for HBO Sports who contradicted Carter by saying that he hasn't signed a deal.
Next came word from the big kahuna at HBO Sports -- President Ross Greenburg -- saying that, to his knowledge, Carter hasn't given up hope on his NFL career so no deal with HBO has been finalized.
Then came the next revelation in the ongoing train wreck that is Carter's winter and spring, as he apparently has told NFL teams they have until Monday to offer him a contract well above NFL minimum -- oh, yeah, they have to be a playoff contender -- or he will retire. Apparently his deadline of Sunday night will get teams that have ignored him for three months off square one and lined up to sign him.
It seems like every time Carter has opened his mouth since the emotional press conference following the Vikings home finale last January, nothing but confusing verbage spews forth. First he says he's ready to keep to playing and openly courts St. Louis -- only to back-pedal when he mistakenly thinks Cleveland is offering him a huge contract, which contradicted his comments to Mike Martz that he "wasn't about money," he was "about winning a championship."
We've covered this story with mild amusement for the past few months and our sentiment is simple -- retire already, Cris. Quit making a spectacle of not playing. Yeah, a Super Bowl press conference to announce you WEREN'T retiring after the 2000 season was entertaining, but now it's just getting sad. End it and wait for the call to the Hall of Fame.
FRIDAY NOTES
In news about players who actually have remaining NFL career, VU has confirmed that the Vikings have signed Moe Williams to a one-year deal worth $650,000 -- which will count $450,000 against the salary cap.
With the recent signings of both Williams and Ronnie Bradford, the Vikings are still about $8 million under the salary cap for 2002.
The early word from the rumor mill surrounding the Los Angeles interest in the NFL is that the Chargers are the top team on their list, since the Chargers stadium deal expires after the 2003 season. The Vikings are locked in until 2011 and, as VU has been saying for the last couple of years why everyone else is screaming that the sky is falling, getting out of the lease -- thanks to terms put in by the State Legislature and then-Commissioner Pete Rozelle make it difficult if not impossible for the ownership to break the lease, since the NFL would be obligated to return a franchise to Minnesota under the original agreement.
Mike Tice knows NFL football players. He was one and now is coaching them. Last week he outlined the qualities he looks for in players that will fit his philosphy and style.
Anybody who followed the Vikings' 2002 draft closely knows that they got bigger all over. From massive left tackle Bryant McKinnie to nearly every one of their defensive draft picks following McKinnie, the Vikings seemed to have the "get bigger" theme fall in line with their desire of being more aggressive.
Second-round pick Raonall Smith is big and fast. Third-round pick Willie Offord, a strong safety for the Vikings, played some linebacker in college and looks to be a bigger version of Robert Griffith. Sixth-round pick Nick Rogers played some defensive line in college and will work at linebacker for the Vikings.
Yes, the Vikings defense did get bigger a month ago, so it came as somewhat of a surprise when Vikings coach Mike Tice last week talked about what he looks for in a football player and size didn't make his top five.
Tice spoke to two rotary groups in Twin Cities suburbs and to Imation employees during an achievement awards presentation Thursday. While he fielded questions, he also listed his five evaluation keys for players.
First was intelligence. He got that with a few of his draft picks who scored high on the Wonderlic test and got it with some of his free agents, who impressed Tice at dinner meetings.
Second was lateral speed. That follows the off-season talk about the defensive line needing to get better in stringing out plays along the line of scrimmage and keeping their spacing.
Third was straight-line speed. The Vikings didn't get any Randy Mosses or Michael Bennetts with their picks this year, but some of their draft picks did come with impressive size-speed ratios.
Fourth was work ethic. From a boss like Tice, who rewards effort with playing time, the importance he placed on this characteristic should come as no surprise.
And neither should Tice's fifth and final listing of toughness. Few coaches come across as strong as Tice for being hard-nosed and carrying a football player's mentality into being a football coach.
SUNDAY NOTES
We are in the final day of Cris Carter's deadline for NFL teams to make him an offer. Carter said he will make a decision tomorrow on his football future, which will be playing if he gets an offer he likes or else likely becoming part of HBO's "Inside the NFL" TV show.
On the day the Carter retirement talk broke, Tice said it was his "opinion" that Carter would end up on HBO.
Tice told the Imation group that when the team first started to entertain free agents in February it took the organization some time to get a smooth procedure on how to handle the details of getting the players in, working them out and getting them on their way. That may also speak to the control that former head coach-general manager Dennis Green had in dealing with personnel matters.
Vikings running back Michael Bennett has been invited to compete in Olympic sprinter Maurice Green's track meet in five weeks.
Ex-Vikings linebacker Kivuusama Mays is in training camp with the Montreal Alouettes (CFL). A fourth-round pick by the Vikings in 1998, Mays was released by the team during the 1999 season and spent some time with the Packers and Chicago Enforcers (XFL) before landing north of the border.
Statement From Vikings' Owner Red McCombs Monday, May 20, 2002 I am disappointed that the Minnesota Legislature has once again adjourned without addressing a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings. While we appreciate that some progress was made this session, there still is no commitment to solve the football stadium problem in Minnesota. Some five years ago when we commenced due diligence to purchase the Vikings, we were certainly aware of the facility challenges. I, however, was confident that I could bring stable ownership and build a quality organization both on and off the field. I was further confident that with a quality organization in the National Football League, the most popular and well-respected professional sports organization in the country, the citizens of Minnesota would respond and would recognize the value of the Vikings in their community.
I have brought stable ownership and built a quality organization. We have been successful on the field and our record speaks for itself. In four seasons we have sold out every game and have worked diligently to maximize all revenues within our control. These successes, however, have obviously not been recognized by leadership and elected officials within the state. In the last four years we have expended significant time and resources in an attempt to communicate the value of the Vikings in Minnesota and the need for a new facility. We have obviously failed. The Vikings simply cannot continue in the existing facility.
Given that the Vikings must remain competitive in the NFL, I have engaged JP Morgan Securities, Inc. to assist me in evaluating all possible options. These options will include but not be limited to relocation or a sale. This action is necessary to assure the viability of Vikings football.
Well I guess we won't be able to say no to the Vikes now that we finally said yes to the Twins.
And of course,,,,they're (the Twins) STILL not happy. God, what the hell do they wan't. o.k we'll just pay for the whole thing for you Carl and you too Red seeing as how you're so poor. Personally I would rather have seen us build a Vikes/UofM stadium. I like the Twins but baseball is way more screwed up financially. But how do we say no now ? But here's a tip for you Red. Try using a little more tact than threats. Also maybe wait until your past the 5-11 mark of last year before putting your greedy little hands out. Well it will be tought ot say no now.
No we aren't building it yet THX but they will. They are just like the school boards, keep pushing long enough and voting on something until you get the results you want, damn public opinion. Actually this plan isn't horrid and won't cost people alot of money. I am still against it on principle because now you can't say no to anybody and that includes the arts, music, etc. They are all a value to the cities but how do you say no to one and not the other ESPECIALLY baseball and their screwed up financial world.
Jerry Bell comes out 12 hours later whining about the needing a roof. And Red a couple hours later. As much as I enjoy those sports I loathe being blackmailed and their tactics. What about my roof Jerry ? What about my business Red ? Go f**k yourselves you greedy pigs I'm tired of you and your over paid grade school crybabies. We offer to help, more money than the average Minnesotan will earn in 10 lifetimes and it's not enough for you, go to hell and go away.
I'd be willing to HELP the team but those bastards expect us to foot the bill for their teams. It's simply insane.
I hear you, that's what pissed me off so bad, we said o.k here's what will do, it's more than you and I will ever make and they still are whining. Hey Carl and Jerry, we have a stadium with a roof on it already it's called the Dome, you know the one you HAD to have 20 yuears ago and tore down the outdoor park. Keep it and play your spring and fall games in there.
What the hell is Red bitching about? Doesn't he have 11 years left on his Dome lease?
Seems to me he's got nothing to back up his threats, at least for the moment.
Exactly, Red's pissing in the wind, he knew they didn't have the political will or balls to try 2 stadiums in the same year, he can't be that dumb can he ? Apparently yes. Why not wait til the team is doing better and the legislature is in session again instead of whining on the same day as the Twins were. As far as bad P.R that's about the worst he could do. Like you I'm willing to help to see them stay but when they pull stunts like that I want to tell them to not let the screen door hit em' in the wrinkled asses when they leave.
Seems to me he's got nothing to back up his threats, at least for the moment.
oh contraire. the league is the one who reallyholds the reigns on this deal, lease or no lease. if the league decides the vikes cannot be financially viable, they could ostensibly "pull the plug" and close them down. did the vikes' owner sign the 30-year lease deal? nope, the commish did. the league, not the team owner, is the one who steers this ship. and in case you missed it, the *LEAGUE* wants a team in LA--the sooner the better. mccombs & the league will have a somewhat difficult time doing it, but i'm sure the gist of their legal argument against that lease will be this:
we are being unfairly held in a position where we cannot make profits that are at or near the other teams in the league--that is a given.
we must be negotiated with fairly in order to be in that position, or we have the right to take the team elsewhere to be in that position.
i'm sure you'll poo-poo the "fair negotiation" comment, but it's the standard relative to other teams in the nfl. one of the sticking points is that once the metrodome is kaputt, the vikes want the right to sell the property and retain allof the profits. seems unfair? the saints got that deal. look at this way: if an industrialist secures the lease for building and later feels that he can make more money elsewhere, he'll pull up roots and strike some partial payment deal with the property owner. red & the league are doing exactly that. give us a deal in a timely manner that makes the vikes competitive with other teams in our position, or we will be forced to make a decision that will put us in a competitive scenario. sure, the league will be forced to pony-up some coin for the balance of that lease. the problem is that somewhere along the line, a bunch a 2-bit newspaper columnists became junior-assistant legal beagles and decided that a lease equates with "iron clad." again, oh contraire!as i previously stated, the property itself is worth beaucoup bucks--it has value. the league and the owner will negotiate a settlement in court or out of court for the balance; it's not a big deal at all.... but the bottom line is two words: revenue sharing. the state of minnesota is screwing other teams by refusing to "play ball."
and at least the NFL has it's financial house in order.
I don't like being held at gunpoint either, but of the four teams, this is the one that is the MOST important to our state.
seriously, I can't remember one day in the last 10 years that one of our teams hasn't bitched or threatened to leave.
Machias,
shave. Minnesotans are playing ball. It's called a lease. We've honored the contract made with the former commissioner, now it's time for the rest of the league to honor it as well.
The NFL is bluffing and so is RED, but eventually (2011) we will have to build a new one. May as well start now, while we can take advantage of the NFL contributions (ends March 2003).
The last thing RED wants is for a season ticket holder (ME) who happens to reside in the City of Minneapolis (ME) and sue him, the City of Minneapolis and the NFL for BREACH OF CONTRACT.
Lake Nokomis VS Red McCombs (CLASS ACTION)
Gurantee Red doesn't want to let some random Hennipen County judge rule this case and find in favor of the plantiff (ME), Red would owe the STATE one new NFL franchise.
yes, the state has a lease. the problem is that it's resulting in a charity. anybody who says they couldn't see this coming is nuts. the vikes have been at the bottom of the league for profits since at least 1999, and that very fact resulted in the sale to red. but the purge of FA's and the front office was the biggest sign to me that RM wanted to move or sell. there's only one reason you paint the walls and lay down new carpet on a 5-11 team. when that happened, everybody screamed "rebuild!" rebuild? not with those donkeys, not with mike tice. that club has all the hallmarks of the mid-80's pack. a good QB and top flight WR to keep the fans excited, but nobody else on the roster.
Carter's last season was a difficult one for him and the team, which finished 5-11. First, lineman Korey Stringer died during training camp, then Carter was very visible in his confrontations with teammates on the sidelines as the team struggled on the field. At season's end, Carter lost an ally when head coach Dennis Green was fired.
"Most of the teams (that considered signing him in recent months) asked me as far as the team and what happened with the season," Carter said about the 2001 season. "And most of it went back to the day that Korey [Stringer] died. People wanted me to explain the whole situation, not just my role or my season. Ultimately, it gets back to a team playing bad football -- it's not just Cris Carter."
Read, hey it's not my fault I was berating players and coaches on the sidelines and the media, nope not my fault. "It's not just Chris Carter" too bad he didn't remember that when he was here. That's the exact reason you'll be on cable Chris and the other teams walked away from you. Because your attitude overrode your talent. Too bad you didn't leave with class. You could have.
The countdown begins to Saturday, as the final stage of free agency begins and, with more money than most NFL teams, the Vikings are ready to fill a couple more holes through the newly created free agent market.
There have already been a record number of free agents changing teams this off-season in the NFL and, with a dozen signings, the Vikings have been among the most active of any team out there.
But, there is one remaining stage of free agency -- the final scramble that begins June 1 when NFL teams start ridding themselves of expensive veterans to come under salary cap limits in order to sign rookies. With the Vikings still budgeting about $4-5 million for additional signings under the cap, it is expected that at least a couple more signings -- potentially starters on both sides of the ball -- will be included after June 1.
Whether you're a nationally syndicated NFL reporter based out of New York or sending out Internet missives from cow towns, the names and potential signings are numerous and the debate over who will get released and where they may end up has been the topic of considerable offseason debate and discussion. For the Vikings, it starts with wide receiver.
The talk has been rampant around Minnesota for weeks that the Vikings have their sites set on Derrick Alexander, but others in consideration are likely cap casualties Keenan McCardell from Jacksonville or Antonio Freeman from Green Bay. To date, few teams have jumped at Alexander, while McCardell is in the cross-hairs of three or more teams, which may preclude the Vikings from getting in a bidding war.
Other positions that may yet be addressed are safety and linebacker. While the Vikings have made significant signings in both areas, there is still room for improvement and, as the June 1 date comes and goes, players may be willing to lower their demands and the Vikings could looking at filling needs at bargain prices.
We've said for years that there really is no offseason in the NFL anymore. Saturday starts the next wave of activity, and expect Winter Park to be buzzing as the Vikings put the final tuning on the lineup that will take the field when it all starts up in August for the 2002 season.
SUNDAY NOTES
A team source has said the Vikings, as of now, are expected to be about $27 million under the 2003 salary cap -- a whopping total that is by far the most in the league. Seattle is currently second with about $18 or $19 million. Even considering that Priority One after this season will be to lock Daunte Culpepper into a long-term deal, seeing how contracts are structured, even after signing Culpepper, the Vikings will still likely have $20 million or more available for free agency as they take the fast track to reversing the fortunes of 2001.
OT Lewis Kelly has been very impressive in NFL Europe, where he plays for the Frankfurt Galaxy. Before drafting Bryant McKinnie, Mike Tice hinted that Kelly could be his starting left tackle -- his confidence was that high. All reports coming from Europe are that Kelly is improving his technique quickly and may have a future at right tackle once he returns.
Neither Gary Anderson nor special teams coach Gary Zauner are with the Vikings anymore, but both will continue to run Anderson's kicking camp at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The camp gets underway June 8 and Anderson, one of the true class people in the NFL, may continue to make his home in the Twin Cities and continue doing such camps into the future. For those interested in his kicking camp, information can be obtained by calling 1-800-228-5613.
Moe Williams is already being mentioned as a potential short-yardage/goal-line back for the Vikings in 2002.
With the retirement of Cris Carter, even if the Vikings land Derrick Alexander, much of the passing load is expected to be shifted to the two tight ends that will be part of most base packages. Tice feels both Jim Kleinsasser and Byron Chamberlain could be 50+ catch receivers this season.
For those worried about Red McCombs moving the team, keep this in mind: he has owned two professional teams before buying the Vikings -- the NBA's San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets. When he sold both of them, he did so to local buyers and, if he is frustrated, he will give serious consideration to selling to local interests -- at a profit, of course. With the potential legal problems he could face if he tries to relocate to Los Angeles -- both from the local authorities who believe they have an air-tight agreement signed by then-Commissioner Pete Rozelle or the other owners, who may not want to surrender the Los Angeles market just to benefit a new member to the old boy's network -- the initial "the sky is falling" mentality that accompanied last week's announcement of McCombs being upset with the Legislature not doing enough to get a new stadium moving is dying down and perhaps cooler heads are starting to get their voices heard. The Vikings are still here and it will be very difficult for anyone -- McCombs or a new owner -- to move the team.
I'm no spell check Nazi since my own leaves a bit to be desired. But if you're going to insult a persons intelligence specifically, you might want to spell the insult correctly.
I like the Vikings move so far this offseason. Alexander is a very good thing. I think the D will be much improved ( compared to last year not that hard to do).
well, in an effort to shake things up a bit, the packers have moved to detroit, the lions have moved to chicago, and the bears have moved to green bay. :)
wolvie, i was wonderin' where ya ran off to. was worried that you weren't OK, lol! it's good to hear from you again.
What moves have the Packers/Bears and Lions made?
how much have you missed, or are you being sarcastic? the bears & packers made some moves that look like gambles on paper, and detroit...well, they're still detroit.
This has nothing to do with Salisbury's latest rankings or article so I want to get that out of the way right now but I think Salisbury is one of the worst analyst/commentators on the tube or print. I can't think of many worse that he is. He wasn't even any good on Battlebots. He was an even worse quarterback.
but I think Salisbury is one of the worst analyst/commentators on the tube or print.
not for me--it's madden, hands down. unless JM's verbal dynamic somehow magically transforms with a new sidekick, there's simply no way that i can watch MNF with that tool in the booth. this year's superbowl was a feast followed by a famine for me. i listened to the absolutely fabulous call by boomer & howard david on the radio. then i turn on the tv, only to hear that triple-cheeked garble coming thru the speakers. uggggggg! and as if it couldn't get any worse, madden poo-poo'ed the pats decision to go for it instead of taking a knee. it was for the freakin' championship!
I wouldn't disagree with you on Madden. Salisbury is just as bad or worse in my book. I still can't stand Al Michaels either, there are two many bad commentators/analysyts out there. I would rank those 3 at the top of my worst list. I wonder how ol' I screwed myself out of a season and have no class Carter will do ?
Thanks for the welcome back and the links. I was not being sarcastic, I have been extremely busy. Trying to get the house ready to sell, softball and working 11PM to 7 AM, left no time for the computer. I was barely able to keep up on the Vikes.
As to the commentators. I myself like Al Micheals but I have hated the people the pair up with him over the last couple of years. John Madden should retire, but I do like him when they keep the coaches clicker away from him. I still think the best 2 people for Monday night would be Chris Berman from ESPN and James Brown from Fox.
I wonder how ol' I screwed myself out of a season and have no class Carter will do ?
wondering the same thing, but i'm not getting HBO to find out.
I was barely able to keep up on the Vikes.
biggest news is alexander & mckinnie. alexander dropped every single pass in practice on saturday & admitted he's out of shape; hasn't ran since january. DA had to agree that he'll be in eden prairie working out during this entire offseason when he signed. mckinnie didn't report overweight, but was extremely out-of-shape too. he couldn't finish practices & tice had him puking his guts out, literally. bryant was eating french fries 3 times a day, if you count McHashbrowns as fries.
I myself like Al Micheals but I have hated the people the pair up with him over the last couple of years.
same here, i like al. he calls it pretty straight forward. i wish the networks would get back to having guys just calling the games again. i'm sick of these guys trying to entertain me, although dickerson does neither of these things well. do like most of the players because they call it like they see it. maybe that's the reason i like salisbury. heck, i'm even liking michael irvin on the best damn sports show. aikman did suprisingly well last season in my book. when i break it down, it's the coaches i hate. marv levy's about the only one i like.
I still think the best 2 people for Monday night would be Chris Berman from ESPN and James Brown from Fox.
JB = absolute LEE. intelligent, voice is easy on the ears, what's not to like? boomer = no, for my entertainment reasoning above. unfortunately, boomer's schtick has been used by everybody else now. had it just been boomer doing it, i'd probably still like the hype & the names. now it's starting to get away from him to a fault.
I think the most important thing for the Vikings is going to be coming together as a team. With all the new faces, if they can come together as a team, they could make some noise this season. I will have to take a wait and see attitude this year.
I think the most important thing for the Vikings is going to be coming together as a team.
did you catch the article on randy being "annointed" the new team leader by red? i can't remember where i saw it, either the strib or p-press. i'm not being critical of moss being put in a leadership role, i'm commenting on the writing style. it was just bizarre for such a huge story. but yeah, seems you're not alone on the vikes "coming together as a team"...
Coach Mike Tice has spent much of the time during the team's developmental camps and mini-camp talking about chemistry. If that means mixing elements together in hopes of getting something good, he's right.
I laughed when I read that last night at work. I guess I know what I am going to read before I read it. I like the Viking Update, all though they do tend to be wrong on their guesses. "Team Chemistry" is the big fad this year in football. I read one article that said "Team Chemistry" is the reason nobody picked up Cris Carter. They were afraid he would disrupt the chemistry on the team. As much as I hate to say it, I agree. Carter is still one of my all time Viking favorites, but he just plain lost it last year.
"Team Chemistry" probably is the newest fad or catch phrase going through the NFL and especially at Winter Park, but I don't think we can overlook it's importance. First of all let's look at C.C which now stands for Classles and Clubless. Obvioulsy he's still got alot of talent and could contribute to a team, yet every team in the leauge has walked away from him. Why ? because they the snowball effect it's had on the whole team. Football is more a team sport than many and when one guy starts complaining and being selfish many take a well if he can do it I can too attiutude and it does nothing to help a club.
Take a look at Washington, Snyder spent more than anybody and collected quite a few superstars and good players, they were the early favorite to win the division and perhaps the big one. They tanked. Why ? They had certainly enough talent to at least be a playoff caliber squad. In my opinion they had too many "superstars" who were used to being hte center of attention and were probably selfish and didn't like sharing the limelight and playing time or action. Something wasn't right with that team and i think chemistry was a huge part of that. it's an intangible that's hard to put a finger on but it's definately a part of it.
As far as Moss being annointed the new "leader" I hope he's up too the challenge and his attitude seems to be MUCH better and his work ethic has improved. Maybe the bad press and sub-par numbers for his ability finally got to him. Maybe it's just because he's getting more mature with age. Or maybe somebody sat him down and said "look here dumbass, you can be and have the talent to be the best reciever in the history of the game, we've seen you do it. Now if you want to do it, great, if you're content to be labled a crybaby so be it. If you want to smash Jerry Rice's records it's possible you could do that too. If not make up your mind if you want to play or not and keep your mouth closed and you'll do just fine " I don't know what happened but let's hope he's come around a bit. I think this chemistry thing might be more important than we think.
I read one article that said "Team Chemistry" is the reason nobody picked up Cris Carter.
it's a horse-a-piece: was it CC's attitude or was it all about the $$$? as for nfl rumors on CC's rapid demise...
CARTER PACKS IT IN (FINALLY)
Still, Carter's star has fallen far in the past ten months. Teammates bristled at his effort to steal the spotlight from the Randy One, and an early-season game against the Bears generated images of Carter berating everyone in sight. Surprisingly, the typically wagon-circling Dennis Green called out Carter for his boorish behavior, and the wheels on Carter's career slowly started to lose their lugnuts. In a period of weeks, Carter's relationship with former coach Dennis Green completely disintegrated, and his influence over protege Moss took a decidedly Kenobi-Skywalker turn. Likewise, Carter's role in the once-potent Vikings offense diminished, and near the end of the season it became clear that his time in Minnesota was ending. Regardless, he ruffled more than a few feathers when, while still wearing his pads and purple jersey, he talked openly about joining a new team. But Carter's late-career reign of terror didn't stop when the pads came off. With the Rams, the table was set for a run at the Super Bowl ring that he coveted in Minnesota. Despite all of the warning signs, coach Mike Martz knew that catching Carter could be a real coup, so he convinced skeptical Hornheads (including Marshall Faulk and Kurt Warner) to be open minded. But as the move seemed imminent, Carter flirted with the Dolphins and the Browns, creating the impression that he was attempting to leverage the interest of multiple teams into a big-money deal. Carter sealed his fate when he called Martz from Cleveland and asked to delay his scheduled meeting with the team. The Rams' shepherd told Carter to get flocked, and Carter then tried to suck up to the Rams by dissing the Browns, which served only to kill Carter's prospects in Cleveland. Next, Carter tried the Eddie Haskell approach, persuading ESPN's John "the Great Gazoo" Clayton to write a fluff piece clarifying Carter's intentions as decent, pure, and proper. After the Browns and the Rams bailed out, Carter has tried desperately to drum up interest in Miami. But the Dolphins never wavered from their position that Carter simply wasn't in their plans. At one point, there were rumblings in the Twin Cities that Carter might approach Red McCombs about a possible return to the team for a 13th season. But amid rumors of a potential locker-room mutiny, the Vikes never broached the issue. Finally, Carter sent out last week a "sign me by Monday or I'll retire" ultimatum, apparently in a last-ditch effort to save a little face. The response? "Gee, Cris. You really drive a hard bargain. Don't let the door hit you in the ass." But with all that said, Carter still was one of the best. It's hard to condone his conduct, but it's even harder to ignore his talent and his accomplishments. No one has put together a highlight reel like Carter's. And with hands softer than Chris Berman's midsection and a knack for getting open regardless of the coverage, he's the best receiver ever in the clutch. Period. In the final analysis, Carter was far more enigmatic than anyone ever realized. During his run of greatness, he somehow kept the media from scrutinizing his apparently Jekyll-and-Hyde persona. All too often, we overlooked his overdone complaints to officials and his sideline taunts to opposing teams and coaches, brushing it all off as evidence of the competitive fire that drives him. But these things he'd been doing for years are proof that Carter didn't undergo an organic personality change in 2001. The truth is that Carter's feats on the field kept us hypnotized and mesmerized. And when time finally caught up with him, we noticed that he deserves a spot not only in the NFL Hall of Fame, but also in the George Costanza "Jerk Store."
you are left wondering what that locker room was like when CC saw the ball less & less, and his dynamic with moss. it must've been like an aging supermodel being pushed away from the mirror.
Last year, Redskins coach Marty Schottenheimer got off on the wrong foot with his veterans by putting the team through Oklahoma Drills on the first day of training camp. The Oklahoma Drill is an old-fashioned, high-intensity, one-on-one combat drill. "
, Steve Spurrier plans to utilize the old-school ritual on the first day of camp this year, too. The Post reports that Spurrier always has run the drill on the first day of "live" practice.
That was a long trip just to get to a pseudo JOE. :)
As if his saga can't get any more bizarre, fans were treated to what might be the final stage of the train wreck that has become the end of Cris Carter's career.
You didn't have to like Cris Carter to respect him. As we've been finding out this off-season, that has been the case more than many let on. Carter's strange off-season saga may finally come to a close with a fitting bizarre twist for a TV series May sweeps cliffhanger.
Word got to VU early Thursday about comments attributed to Carter to James Brown of Sporting News Radio, saying C.C. was going to retire and had accepted a job with HBO Sports -- presumed to be joining the cast of "Inside the NFL."
But, as the day progressed, VU has learned this isn't the case, because not only is Carter not on "Inside the NFL," he's still not completely sold that he's outside the NFL.
First came a query to a spokesman for HBO Sports who contradicted Carter by saying that he hasn't signed a deal.
Next came word from the big kahuna at HBO Sports -- President Ross Greenburg -- saying that, to his knowledge, Carter hasn't given up hope on his NFL career so no deal with HBO has been finalized.
Then came the next revelation in the ongoing train wreck that is Carter's winter and spring, as he apparently has told NFL teams they have until Monday to offer him a contract well above NFL minimum -- oh, yeah, they have to be a playoff contender -- or he will retire. Apparently his deadline of Sunday night will get teams that have ignored him for three months off square one and lined up to sign him.
It seems like every time Carter has opened his mouth since the emotional press conference following the Vikings home finale last January, nothing but confusing verbage spews forth. First he says he's ready to keep to playing and openly courts St. Louis -- only to back-pedal when he mistakenly thinks Cleveland is offering him a huge contract, which contradicted his comments to Mike Martz that he "wasn't about money," he was "about winning a championship."
We've covered this story with mild amusement for the past few months and our sentiment is simple -- retire already, Cris. Quit making a spectacle of not playing. Yeah, a Super Bowl press conference to announce you WEREN'T retiring after the 2000 season was entertaining, but now it's just getting sad. End it and wait for the call to the Hall of Fame.
FRIDAY NOTES
You didn't have to like Cris Carter to respect him.
Mike Tice knows NFL football players. He was one and now is coaching them. Last week he outlined the qualities he looks for in players that will fit his philosphy and style.
Anybody who followed the Vikings' 2002 draft closely knows that they got bigger all over. From massive left tackle Bryant McKinnie to nearly every one of their defensive draft picks following McKinnie, the Vikings seemed to have the "get bigger" theme fall in line with their desire of being more aggressive.
Second-round pick Raonall Smith is big and fast. Third-round pick Willie Offord, a strong safety for the Vikings, played some linebacker in college and looks to be a bigger version of Robert Griffith. Sixth-round pick Nick Rogers played some defensive line in college and will work at linebacker for the Vikings.
Yes, the Vikings defense did get bigger a month ago, so it came as somewhat of a surprise when Vikings coach Mike Tice last week talked about what he looks for in a football player and size didn't make his top five.
Tice spoke to two rotary groups in Twin Cities suburbs and to Imation employees during an achievement awards presentation Thursday. While he fielded questions, he also listed his five evaluation keys for players.
First was intelligence. He got that with a few of his draft picks who scored high on the Wonderlic test and got it with some of his free agents, who impressed Tice at dinner meetings.
Second was lateral speed. That follows the off-season talk about the defensive line needing to get better in stringing out plays along the line of scrimmage and keeping their spacing.
Third was straight-line speed. The Vikings didn't get any Randy Mosses or Michael Bennetts with their picks this year, but some of their draft picks did come with impressive size-speed ratios.
Fourth was work ethic. From a boss like Tice, who rewards effort with playing time, the importance he placed on this characteristic should come as no surprise.
And neither should Tice's fifth and final listing of toughness. Few coaches come across as strong as Tice for being hard-nosed and carrying a football player's mentality into being a football coach.
SUNDAY NOTES
Statement From Vikings' Owner Red McCombs
Monday, May 20, 2002
I am disappointed that the Minnesota Legislature has once again adjourned without addressing a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings. While we appreciate that some progress was made this session, there still is no commitment to solve the football stadium problem in Minnesota. Some five years ago when we commenced due diligence to purchase the Vikings, we were certainly aware of the facility challenges. I, however, was confident that I could bring stable ownership and build a quality organization both on and off the field. I was further confident that with a quality organization in the National Football League, the most popular and well-respected professional sports organization in the country, the citizens of Minnesota would respond and would recognize the value of the Vikings in their community.
I have brought stable ownership and built a quality organization. We have been successful on the field and our record speaks for itself. In four seasons we have sold out every game and have worked diligently to maximize all revenues within our control. These successes, however, have obviously not been recognized by leadership and elected officials within the state. In the last four years we have expended significant time and resources in an attempt to communicate the value of the Vikings in Minnesota and the need for a new facility. We have obviously failed. The Vikings simply cannot continue in the existing facility.
Given that the Vikings must remain competitive in the NFL, I have engaged JP Morgan Securities, Inc. to assist me in evaluating all possible options. These options will include but not be limited to relocation or a sale. This action is necessary to assure the viability of Vikings football.
stay hot Red.
dick.
Sounds like blackmail to me.
Red can go screw himself. Minnesota ain't buying this "Build us a stadium" B.S. They can leave for all I care.
Obviously the public agrees or we wouldn't consistently vote against stadium bills.
Well I guess we won't be able to say no to the Vikes now that we finally said yes to the Twins.
And of course,,,,they're (the Twins) STILL not happy. God, what the hell do they wan't. o.k we'll just pay for the whole thing for you Carl and you too Red seeing as how you're so poor.
Personally I would rather have seen us build a Vikes/UofM stadium. I like the Twins but baseball is way more screwed up financially. But how do we say no now ? But here's a tip for you Red. Try using a little more tact than threats. Also maybe wait until your past the 5-11 mark of last year before putting your greedy little hands out.
Well it will be tought ot say no now.
Agreed. MLBS is screwed from the top down. I'm glad we are building a stadium for the Twins. Obviously, I'm biased.
But if we let the VIKES leave, it will be the worst mistake this cold Omaha has made yet.
Hey, I don't like theatre and the arts, but I understand its place in a major city.
LNM, We aren't building a stadium yet.
No we aren't building it yet THX but they will. They are just like the school boards, keep pushing long enough and voting on something until you get the results you want, damn public opinion.
Actually this plan isn't horrid and won't cost people alot of money. I am still against it on principle because now you can't say no to anybody and that includes the arts, music, etc. They are all a value to the cities but how do you say no to one and not the other ESPECIALLY baseball and their screwed up financial world.
Jerry Bell comes out 12 hours later whining about the needing a roof. And Red a couple hours later. As much as I enjoy those sports I loathe being blackmailed and their tactics. What about my roof Jerry ? What about my business Red ? Go f**k yourselves you greedy pigs I'm tired of you and your over paid grade school crybabies. We offer to help, more money than the average Minnesotan will earn in 10 lifetimes and it's not enough for you, go to hell and go away.
Actually this plan isn't horrid and won't cost people alot of money.
I'd be willing to HELP the team but those bastards expect us to foot the bill for their teams. It's simply insane.
What the hell is Red bitching about? Doesn't he have 11 years left on his Dome lease?
Seems to me he's got nothing to back up his threats, at least for the moment.
THX,
I hear you, that's what pissed me off so bad, we said o.k here's what will do, it's more than you and I will ever make and they still are whining.
Hey Carl and Jerry, we have a stadium with a roof on it already it's called the Dome, you know the one you HAD to have 20 yuears ago and tore down the outdoor park. Keep it and play your spring and fall games in there.
Exactly, Red's pissing in the wind, he knew they didn't have the political will or balls to try 2 stadiums in the same year, he can't be that dumb can he ? Apparently yes. Why not wait til the team is doing better and the legislature is in session again instead of whining on the same day as the Twins were. As far as bad P.R that's about the worst he could do. Like you I'm willing to help to see them stay but when they pull stunts like that I want to tell them to not let the screen door hit em' in the wrinkled asses when they leave.
Seems to me he's got nothing to back up his threats, at least for the moment.
LA doesn't want the Vikes. It's all smoke & mirrors.
Bottom line: Red, screw you! Minnesotans aren't stupid enough to build YOU a stadium. Don't let the door hit ya in the ass.
LA doesn't want the Vikes.
Minnesotans aren't stupid enough to build YOU a stadium.
Don't bet your life savings.
Machias, since I don't really care I'm not going to read the story.
I still believe it's just more games. They really want the Chargers and are using the Vikes.
Don't bet your life savings.
I wouldn't bet a dime. :-)
and at least the NFL has it's financial house in order.
I don't like being held at gunpoint either, but of the four teams, this is the one that is the MOST important to our state.
seriously, I can't remember one day in the last 10 years that one of our teams hasn't bitched or threatened to leave.
Machias,
shave. Minnesotans are playing ball. It's called a lease. We've honored the contract made with the former commissioner, now it's time for the rest of the league to honor it as well.
The NFL is bluffing and so is RED, but eventually (2011) we will have to build a new one. May as well start now, while we can take advantage of the NFL contributions (ends March 2003).
The last thing RED wants is for a season ticket holder (ME) who happens to reside in the City of Minneapolis (ME) and sue him, the City of Minneapolis and the NFL for BREACH OF CONTRACT.
Lake Nokomis VS Red McCombs (CLASS ACTION)
Gurantee Red doesn't want to let some random Hennipen County judge rule this case and find in favor of the plantiff (ME), Red would owe the STATE one new NFL franchise.
approximate shitburger: $700 Million
LNM,
How true.
How long before the Wild is bitching about their run down stadium ?
harvey 10th banger,
It's called a lease.
Cris Carter announces retirement, move to HBO
http://www.startribune.com/stories/510/2850348.html
Read, hey it's not my fault I was berating players and coaches on the sidelines and the media, nope not my fault. "It's not just Chris Carter" too bad he didn't remember that when he was here. That's the exact reason you'll be on cable Chris and the other teams walked away from you. Because your attitude overrode your talent. Too bad you didn't leave with class. You could have.
Is that similar to the "mid 70's pack" you guys had too?
kept you guys excited did it, during the BART STAR coaching days?
Bring back Majkowski !
The majic is back !
tice=starr
cullie=dickey
moss=lofton
chavous=mossy cade
welcome to .500 ball
The countdown begins to Saturday, as the final stage of free agency begins and, with more money than most NFL teams, the Vikings are ready to fill a couple more holes through the newly created free agent market.
There have already been a record number of free agents changing teams this off-season in the NFL and, with a dozen signings, the Vikings have been among the most active of any team out there.
But, there is one remaining stage of free agency -- the final scramble that begins June 1 when NFL teams start ridding themselves of expensive veterans to come under salary cap limits in order to sign rookies. With the Vikings still budgeting about $4-5 million for additional signings under the cap, it is expected that at least a couple more signings -- potentially starters on both sides of the ball -- will be included after June 1.
Whether you're a nationally syndicated NFL reporter based out of New York or sending out Internet missives from cow towns, the names and potential signings are numerous and the debate over who will get released and where they may end up has been the topic of considerable offseason debate and discussion. For the Vikings, it starts with wide receiver.
The talk has been rampant around Minnesota for weeks that the Vikings have their sites set on Derrick Alexander, but others in consideration are likely cap casualties Keenan McCardell from Jacksonville or Antonio Freeman from Green Bay. To date, few teams have jumped at Alexander, while McCardell is in the cross-hairs of three or more teams, which may preclude the Vikings from getting in a bidding war.
Other positions that may yet be addressed are safety and linebacker. While the Vikings have made significant signings in both areas, there is still room for improvement and, as the June 1 date comes and goes, players may be willing to lower their demands and the Vikings could looking at filling needs at bargain prices.
We've said for years that there really is no offseason in the NFL anymore. Saturday starts the next wave of activity, and expect Winter Park to be buzzing as the Vikings put the final tuning on the lineup that will take the field when it all starts up in August for the 2002 season.
SUNDAY NOTES
Oh look...
its DUD at the hieght of his intellect...
by the way...
isn't that DAVE SULLIVAN driving that cigar...?
<HOWL!>
VIKES RULE!
VIKING JOE!
I'm no spell check Nazi since my own leaves a bit to be desired. But if you're going to insult a persons intelligence specifically, you might want to spell the insult correctly.
Is that the "hieght" of yours ? :)
you might want to spell the insult correctly
I'm BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I like the Vikings move so far this offseason. Alexander is a very good thing. I think the D will be much improved ( compared to last year not that hard to do).
What moves have the Packers/Bears and Lions made?
What moves have the Packers/Bears and Lions made?
well, in an effort to shake things up a bit, the packers have moved to detroit, the lions have moved to chicago, and the bears have moved to green bay. :)
I'm BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What moves have the Packers/Bears and Lions made?
Sean Salisbury: NFC North rankings
This has nothing to do with Salisbury's latest rankings or article so I want to get that out of the way right now but I think Salisbury is one of the worst analyst/commentators on the tube or print. I can't think of many worse that he is. He wasn't even any good on Battlebots. He was an even worse quarterback.
The Sitting Duck
but I think Salisbury is one of the worst analyst/commentators on the tube or print.
I wouldn't disagree with you on Madden. Salisbury is just as bad or worse in my book. I still can't stand Al Michaels either, there are two many bad commentators/analysyts out there. I would rank those 3 at the top of my worst list. I wonder how ol' I screwed myself out of a season and have no class Carter will do ?
Thanks for the welcome back and the links. I was not being sarcastic, I have been extremely busy. Trying to get the house ready to sell, softball and working 11PM to 7 AM, left no time for the computer. I was barely able to keep up on the Vikes.
As to the commentators. I myself like Al Micheals but I have hated the people the pair up with him over the last couple of years. John Madden should retire, but I do like him when they keep the coaches clicker away from him. I still think the best 2 people for Monday night would be Chris Berman from ESPN and James Brown from Fox.
I wonder how ol' I screwed myself out of a season and have no class Carter will do ?
I was barely able to keep up on the Vikes.
I myself like Al Micheals but I have hated the people the pair up with him over the last couple of years.
I still think the best 2 people for Monday night would be Chris Berman from ESPN and James Brown from Fox.
I think the most important thing for the Vikings is going to be coming together as a team. With all the new faces, if they can come together as a team, they could make some noise this season. I will have to take a wait and see attitude this year.
I think the most important thing for the Vikings is going to be coming together as a team.
I laughed when I read that last night at work. I guess I know what I am going to read before I read it. I like the Viking Update, all though they do tend to be wrong on their guesses. "Team Chemistry" is the big fad this year in football. I read one article that said "Team Chemistry" is the reason nobody picked up Cris Carter. They were afraid he would disrupt the chemistry on the team. As much as I hate to say it, I agree. Carter is still one of my all time Viking favorites, but he just plain lost it last year.
"Team Chemistry" probably is the newest fad or catch phrase going through the NFL and especially at Winter Park, but I don't think we can overlook it's importance. First of all let's look at C.C which now stands for Classles and Clubless. Obvioulsy he's still got alot of talent and could contribute to a team, yet every team in the leauge has walked away from him. Why ? because they the snowball effect it's had on the whole team. Football is more a team sport than many and when one guy starts complaining and being selfish many take a well if he can do it I can too attiutude and it does nothing to help a club.
Take a look at Washington, Snyder spent more than anybody and collected quite a few superstars and good players, they were the early favorite to win the division and perhaps the big one. They tanked. Why ? They had certainly enough talent to at least be a playoff caliber squad. In my opinion they had too many "superstars" who were used to being hte center of attention and were probably selfish and didn't like sharing the limelight and playing time or action. Something wasn't right with that team and i think chemistry was a huge part of that. it's an intangible that's hard to put a finger on but it's definately a part of it.
As far as Moss being annointed the new "leader" I hope he's up too the challenge and his attitude seems to be MUCH better and his work ethic has improved. Maybe the bad press and sub-par numbers for his ability finally got to him. Maybe it's just because he's getting more mature with age. Or maybe somebody sat him down and said "look here dumbass, you can be and have the talent to be the best reciever in the history of the game, we've seen you do it. Now if you want to do it, great, if you're content to be labled a crybaby so be it. If you want to smash Jerry Rice's records it's possible you could do that too. If not make up your mind if you want to play or not and keep your mouth closed and you'll do just fine " I don't know what happened but let's hope he's come around a bit. I think this chemistry thing might be more important than we think.
I read one article that said "Team Chemistry" is the reason nobody picked up Cris Carter.
you are left wondering what that locker room was like when CC saw the ball less & less, and his dynamic with moss.
it must've been like an aging supermodel being pushed away from the mirror.
Good post Machias.
wolvie...
SPURRIER WILL RUN OKLAHOMA DRILLS
Good posts machias. I will have to look around and see if Stoops uses the Oklahoma Drills.
How did the AFC West folder get in here............did the SYSOP do some moving around or something