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.
The clarity of it all is this. Number 39 is looking out for number 1. I am a Rams fan. Not a single player fan. I think at the risk of offending other folks posting here, you have to ask yourself if what Stephen Jackson is doing, would be allowed in any other line of work? Why would you as a fan condone a player sitting out, not practicing, not caring about fans, teammates, or what effect this is having on the teams chances of success this year? He should be a man of his word and honor his contract as signed. How some of you can say we need to just pay him is beyond comprehension! How can you allow a player to dictate? What message does that send to kids, players, teams, teammates? Can anyone just decide they don’t want to play unless they get a better deal? Can you decide not to go to work unless they give you a raise? Unfortunately, good RB’s are hard to come by. The NFL needs to get tougher. Either play your contract out or sit without pay. Give the 1.7m to another RB that “wants” to play.
If I was Jay Z. I would be sending a daily email or phone message to Steve J. and his agent, saying “come to camp” and the negotiations will continue.
Justin I think you miss the point. The Rams want to pay him, WHEN HE HONORS HIS CONTRACT AND REPORTS TO CAMP!!!
I also think Linehan needs to stop being all kissy face with Jackson in the media and state that the team is moving on with the guys who are in camp. It is not OK that Jackson is away, and he should not make it sound like it is.
I always shake my head when I see people getting emotionally involved with a professional sports franchise. Can’t you see that it’s sheer idiocy? Is it not obvious to you that the players, the management, and the owners don’t give a rats ass about the fans except that the fans put BIG money in their pockets. How many times do they put a garbage team on the field, and raise ticket prices to watch them get their ass beat every week? When the grass gets a little greener somewhere else it’s “Goodbye St. Louis- Hello Phoenix”, Goodbye Cleveland- Hello Baltimore,Goodbye Baltimore-Hello Indianapolis etc. etc.
Watch and enjoy them if you wish, but get emotional about them at your peril. They will break your heart everytime.
Jackson has signed his name to a contract..let him keep his bond.
pay jackson. he’s the only player who puts up points. Rams are always signing players that they dont need. they need recievers… they cant play with recievers that are 5′10. they also need cornerback. tye hill is not a good cornerback,chavous is old. mlb need to build muscle. just waiting on a 0-16 record this season.
I can see it all very clearly now. If and when jackson reports , and after another dismal year, it will all be the fault of the managers, coaches,and everyone else but Steven. If only they would have settled this earlier then he would have had the time to prepare better.I say grow up, show up, and honor your contract. Just do it.
Hey Justin, if he will play no matter what his contract is…..theeeeeen why is he holding out? Give me a break. Play the game because you love to play the game. I agree with the fact that he is now a hypocrite. It puts a horrible taste on everything when it comes down to a “star” athlete holding out for money. 1.7 Mil is more than most people will make in 30 years or a lifetime. And these are the people paying to watch him play! You have had one good year.All others were mediocre at best. Prove yourself this year and then renegotiate in the off season if possible. He’s just another “high profile” arrogant athlete who forgot why he started playing this game.
Jackon’s problem is that he’s bought into the media (and team) hype.
Demands like this from a player who’s had ONE good season and sat out half of last season are just pathetic.
I’d rather see the team go 3-13 with Leonard, than kowtow to this primadonna/extortionist.