Jackson owes Rams $181,392 . . . and counting
MEQUON, Wis. (Camp Day 12)
For the record, Steven Jackson, who is holding out for a contract extension, is being fined exactly $15,116 for each day of training camp he misses. The total reached $181,392 Tuesday, the 12th day of camp. Jackson’s salary for this season is $1.7 million.
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When the defense was dominating — and the offense struggling — in the early days of training camp, wide receiver Torry Holt wasn’t concerned. He’s learned over his nine years in the league that it takes time for a rhythm to be established, especially with a new coordinator and a new system that relies so heavily on timing and precision.
“It’s not really about the defense. And that’s not to discredit our defense,” Holt explained. “But it’s really what we do offensively, as far as our efficiency, our play-calling, our reads, our routes, our blocking schemes, our pull. That’s really what it’s about, and we’re trying to stress that to the guys. As long as our technique is sound and we’re playing fast, then we give ourselves a big shot.”
And sure enough, the offense has hit its stride and has been functioning smoothly. Which just proves that you just can’t fool the vets.
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The temperatures in Nashville figure to be as much as 10 degrees higher than in Mequon. Rather than be concerned, coach Scott Linehan is actually looking forward to practicing in the heat.
“We need it,” he said. “I think our conditioning is good, but there’s still going to be some good time to train and compete in the heat.”
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Notes & quotes:
>>TE Nick Cleaver, an undrafted rookie out of New Mexico State, has caught just about everything thrown his way.
>>CB Fakhir Brown, out since the first practice with a slightly torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder, has begun light weightlifting.
>>Although Chris Draft has returned to the field after suffering from back soreness, Quinton Culberson continues to work with the first team at strongside LB.
>>St. Louisan Brandon Williams is picking it up after a slow start to camp. The WR made a nice catch in the end zone of a long pass from QB Bruce Gradkowski in team drills Tuesday.
>>With the solid performance of rookies Chris Chamberlain, David Vobora and Marc Magro, third-year LB Tim McGarigle is in a serious fight to save his job.
All for now . . . more Wednesday from Nashville.
Slotalk,
Are you an owner or a fan? If you are an owner, God bless you, you have every right to your opinions about players fulfilling their contracts. If you are a fan, how can you even have any doubt that the Rams are better with SJ on the field? Who will replace him? We may be on the verge of another year like 1999, or not. But we have a better chance with SJ on the field. Nuff Said.
I’m so sick and tired of hearing about Jackson not being in camp. He might be a great RB in the NFL when he’s here, but enough is enough. After him ripping on the St. Louis fans (which I’m happy to say I’m not a Rams fan. Go COWBOYS!) after many sold their tickets to Packers fans to get back a little of thier hard earned money from a very crappy 2007 team, I don’t care if he shows up or not. He still has one year left on his original contract. If he wants more money he needs to show up, play hard and earn a new contract. On a side note, I found it very ironic that Jackson did a Public Service Announcement for the City of St. Louis Public Schools about being in school when the new school year starts August 11th or 18th and he holds out for more money.
What kind of an example is that for all of the kids in the city of St. Louis that look up to him as a role model. He’s telling them to be in school and be responsible for their actions while he’s at home whining about a contract. I honestly hope that the RAMS stick to their hard ball ways and don’t reward him with a new contract until he gets his butt in camp and starts playing some football.
The Rams were negotiating with Stephen in good faith and made a significant offer. Stephen turned down the offer and then chose to boycott camp. The Rams indicated they won’t negotiate until Jackson comes to camp. Stephen should get into camp. Then the negotiations can start again. If Stephen was smart…..which I am not sure he is….to many shots to the noggin…he would get into camp. His agents other client Devin Hester, of the Bears was smart enough to get back into camp. Jackson is just further alienating the fan base.
If he signs a big contract and has a crappy year, maybe the Rams should keep him out of camp next year and re-negotiate his contract. I am tired of the crap some of the primadonas pull as well.
You guys are completely clueless, The Rams are attempting to play hardball and are risking the entire season, as the result. Steven’s first contract was shitty and he signed it, in order to be in camp, on time. Now five years later, he’s the number 3 RB and desires his contract to be renegoiated and the stingy Rams are not cooperating. He’s the BEST player on the team, hands down and is the 41st highest paid RB, in the NFL. There are back-ups making more than him and he is in a career that on average, ends right about now. Why should he go out, get pounded and risk his health, for an organization who doesn’t even compensate him, properly? Do him a favor, trade him to a team who will appreciate and pay him, PLEASE.
Tell Stephen Jackson that the Rams can go 3-13 without him. He has been a ‘me’ player since he his first year, and now we see it clearer than ever. I think that Rams should refuse to negotiate with him, and let him sit out the whole year if that’s what it takes. I’ll take a guy with mediocre talent that is about the team and winning than someone like Jackson. Better yet, trade him and get something of value for him. I’m sure there are teams stupid enough to take this overrated, arrogant, spoiled punk.
Jackson is a bum. Get back to the Rams and then you will get your contract. Guess you didnt hear the Rams clearly the first time. But they want you to show faith and show up first.
Oh btw Jackson if you dont return before the year you dont get your contract and you are still owned by the Rams but you havent completed your contractual obligations costing you 1.7 million plus maybe some bonus money you recieved? Hmm not juust that who is gonna wanna sign someone who hasnt played in a year and is selfish enough to put himself over his teamates who are looking to him to be a force. But not to worry Pittman will slide in nicely and run for 1000+ yards.
I have to agree with Dan. “First Things First”; Steven Jackson needs to be less concerned with the fans and more focused on his own performance. How many games did he miss last season? Does anyone recall Jackson’s promise of 2500 yards? This is a team sport. This can’t be about one individual. S. Jackson needs to honor his first contract.
Jackson should run the football and not his mouth.
Remember last season. His boast that he would amass 2500 yards. Then because he refused to practice in the pre-season he was injured all season.
One good year does not justify his arrogance.
Ok so let’s see if we have this right. People are losing jobs by the thousands here in St Louis. Fans of a struggling 3-13 team decide to sell their tickets. Cry baby running back is livid because he was booed by Packer fans on his home field. Same cry baby hypocrite that signed a contract is now willing to sit than “earn” the 1.7m he is scheduled to make this year. Just for showing up? NFL contracts are apparently worthless. I wish a rookie or backup RB would take Jackson’s job. I hate that the NFL allow prima donna’s to hold teams’ hostage when they are legally under contract. How many people make 1.7m a year? I have a hard time rooting for someone that thinks they can’t play as agreed for 1.7m