More Sabathia Rumors
June 12, 2008D-League Affiliation: A “Unique” Situation
June 12, 2008I’m hoping that this is the last time that we have to talk about LeCharles Bentley, as what looks like a mutual agreement on paper apparently has a lot more behind it. Today, ProFootballTalk published a small piece on the subject, and used some not-kind words to describe the organization’s feelings about the once-heralded center.
Per a league source, the Browns released Bentley due to a case of mutual loathing. “It was a bad deal,” the source said. “Player hated team, team hated player.”
The Browns had to wait for Bentley to pass a physical before cutting him loose, in order to avoid any grievances. Once he passed the physical, he was out the door.
“He had been a major pain in the ass,” the source said. “Non-compliant, out of town, on his own schedule. He never endeared himself to the brass or his teammates.”
In the words of Lloyd Christmas, “I didn’t even see it coming.” But instead of a sweet old lady on a motorized cart, Bentley pocketed nearly $17 million from the Browns. As fans, we were figuratively kept waiting in limbo, waiting to see what would happen with what would have been the prize signing of 2006. Rumors circulated regarding a pre-existing condition that simply bubbled up during that first day of practice. Obviously, no one expected the staph infection and life-threatening situation that would follow, but it is still a very bitter pill to swallow.
On the outside, he was a guy that wanted to play for his home town; a feel-good story. Ohip State and St. Ignatius fans and alumni may still be a fan of Bentley, and this is understandable. But on the inside, he was reportedly selfish, aloof and uncompromising. There is obviously two sides to every story, but as of right now, Bentley isn’t being painted very kindly and the brushstrokes are definitely broad. But whether all of this stems from a disagreement regarding medical practices, or playing time, it wouldn’t surprise me if there are a lot of you out there saying “good riddance.”
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I can’t remember who I heard interviewed from the NFL when they said a guy would get hurt during the off-season and would keep it a secret and take a dive on the first day of practice so they could get their injury money. Is that what some are saying about Bentley?
Anyway, nice to know that this won’t be a distraction anymore. I was sincerely hoping for a feel-good story out of this. I guess we will have to keep our eyes on Gary Baxter for that.
This whole deal frustrates me some. Why couldnt LeCharles ask to be released before he pocketed all of the money if he felt there was bad blood between himself and the team.
If he sucked up the teams money while rehabbing he should at least play out a season. I mean 16 million dollars isnt exactly chump change.
What appeared to be the start of a feel good comeback story (24 hours ago), has now turned into a bitter end! There has to be something more to this story. Hopefully the press will find out. LCB didn’t just decide yesterday that he was quitting. If him stringing along (read: collecting $16 million) the Browns for 2 years was all a part of his master plan until he got better though, that was wrong on so many different levels. The fans who stuck with him and were cheering on a successful recovery, were completely screwed by this lack of class move!
Y’know, I’m an Ignatius alum (’95), and my brother played with Bentley there; having said that, I’m reserving judgment on any of this until someone adequately explains why Browns players seem to be getting hit by regular staph infections, and then takes effective steps to stop it.
If I were injured on the job, and my employer first said “Here, use my top-notch medical facilities” and then shortly thereafter “Well, we might have to amputate…” I’d probably be a bit resentful as well.
“There is obviously two sides to every story, but as of right now, Bentley isn’t being painted very kindly and the brushstrokes are definitely broad.”
Well, except for Munch Bishop. Holy cow, could that dude suck up to Bentley any more than he did in that interview? Sheesh. I felt like I needed to take a shower after listening to that slop piece.
@ RockKing: “It’s business time.”
Munch’s show is pretty much unlistenable (is that a word?). 40 minutes of commercials an hour and then you have to listen to Munch’s “analysis” which is just terrible. He doesn’t listen to his callers questions and often assumes the caller means something when their question was completely different. He then proceeds to hang up on them and get all worked up.
Couple that with all of the great “trade” phonecalls that he receives and I would be much happier listening to static
“But on the inside, he was reportedly selfish, aloof and uncompromising.”
Man, just another reason to hate the French. Von Voyage LeCharles.
wait, a cleveland talk show host who sucks up to the interviews and just overall isn’t good at their job? nnnoooooooooooooooo
I will take just about anyone as long as I never have to listen to the BSK ever again. Now that show was unlistenable.
Still love Greg Brinda and Rizzo.