| Relax, Everybody - Wednesday, June 04, 2008
372 Views :: 0 Comments ::  :: Michael Bradley Because this country is absolutely wild about the NFL, we learned that serial miscreant Pacman Jones returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown during yesterday's optional minicamp in Dallas. We learned Chad Johnson is dreaming of playing for the Eagles or Cowgirls. And we found out that even backup offensive linemen can stage holdouts of a relatively anonymous nature. Paging Scott Young. Those big stories made headlines, largely because anything that happens in the NFL is considered big news by a media tripping over itself to provide the latest off-season drama for fans. That's why we are treated to weekly updates on the behavior of Lito Sheppard, the disgruntled Eagles cornerback who has lost his starting position when the Birds signed Asante Samuel during the off-season. While the other Eagles toiled in the sunshine, Sheppard worked out on his own, willing to risk any acrimony his absence may cause. It shouldn't matter much at all. If this were July, and Sheppard weren't in camp at Lehigh, there would be some cause for concern. But even then, with more than a month until the start of the season, the panic button would remain unpushed. Sheppard isn't sitting out the season. He isn't boycotting the Eagles. And he isn't going to be a huge distraction. His only course of action is to show up to play -- and play well. A poor campaign, on top of last year's injury-plagued season, could render him a huge question mark for anybody in the league in need of cornerback help. That would make the Eagles less prone to trading him and the rest of the NFL reticent about offering him the new contract he wants. Say what you want about the brusque, business-like nature of the NFL, and the Eagles' warm embrace of the philosophy, but that's how things are done. The team is trying to protect itself, and Sheppard's displeasure with a deal that provided him with an $8.7 million signing bonus is not something which will lead the team to action, especially in terms of a renegotiation. Sheppard has missed 14 games over the past three years, making him something of a risk to the team. That's why Samuel was brought aboard. If Sheppard doesn't like that, he has every right to sit out voluntary and mandatory team sessions. And the Eagles have every right to fine him when appropriate. They will not, however, offer him a new deal. That much is certain. While the Eagles work, Sheppard stays home. He's probably in fine shape and will be ready to go come training camp. He has to be, because he'll only be hurting himself. He'll be fined. He'll lose playing time. He'll hurt his trade value and his future ability to negotiate a new deal. So Sheppard missed a voluntary workout? Big deal. He'll be back. He has no choice. Meanwhile, did you see who signed a contract extension with Dallas? OH, NO!!! |
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