Oh For Pete's Sake

UPDATE:  See comments.

From PFT:

A league source tells us that there are rumblings that Eagles guard Shawn Andrews might not show up for training camp, apparently due to displeasure with his contract.

You know what?  If this is true, Eff you, dude.  No one forced you to sign a $35 million contract back when people were still worried about your ability to keep your weight down.  The franchise wasn't going to get its bonus money back if your faux-serious injury last year had ended your career.

Remember this article?  You should, since it's on your website.  It's the one that says something like this:

You really do never know. Which is at least partly why Andrews signed a 7-year contract extension yesterday that a foxsports.com report valued at up to $40 million overall with about $10 million in bonus money, a value denied by none of the principals.

...

"Well, some guys feel like they can play out their deal and things happen," Andrews said. "But my rookie year, I had a very unfortunate accident [a fractured fibula in his first game], and you never know what tomorrow is going to hold. I have a daughter and my mom; I want that security and just to be here. I am an Eagle, and this is where I want to be. I haven't been to any other team, but I have heard stories from guys at other teams, and this is where I want to be."

Sounds great.  Now prove it by showing up and playing football.

Yeah, you're good, but always remember the bottom line:  You're Not Brian Westbrook.

Maybe I'll go shopping for Max Jean-Gilles jerseys.  If they come in my size.

Comments

[shlynch]

One thing to remember about this rumor is that the new CBA allows for the teams to protect themselves here. I don't know if the Eagles have the right clause in place, but according to Article XIV, Section 9 of the CBA:

(a) No forfeitures of signing bonuses shall be permitted, except that players and Clubs may agree ... that if a player willfully takes action that has the effect of substantially undermining his ability to fully participate and contribute in either preseason training camp or the regular season (including by willfully withholding his services in either preseason training camp or during the regular season or willfully missing one or more games), the player may forfeit the greater of: (a) 25% of the prorated portion of his signing bonus for the applicable League Year for the first time such conduct occurs after the beginning of training camp until the end of the season for his Club, and the remaining 75% prorated portion of his signing bonus for the applicable year for the second time such conduct occurs during that period that year; or (b) the proportionate amount of his signing bonus allocation for each week missed (1/17th for each regular season week or game missed).

So missing camp could cost Andrews between $500K and $2 million (the prorated SB amounts for this year).

I think Shawn just likes the media attention. Probably as serious as his life-threatening knee injury last year.

Of course, in 8 hours I will probably be choking on my words.

[Gabe from BountyBowl]

Yeah, anything that stops him from talking about his aspirations in re: a singing career is welcome.

[shlynch]

Daily News is reporting that "Andrews' agent, Rich Moran ... said Andrews will not be at Lehigh tonight, but it is "100 percent wrong" to say his absence has anything to do with his contract. Moran said Andrews is dealing with a personal matter. He would not elaborate, other than to say it isn't the kind of personal matter where you check into rehab, or anything."

[BrianS]

Hopefully it's not the kind of personal matter where he whines about his contract, either.

[shlynch]

Also, just looking at your March post, notice that Andrews salary has increased by $2.2 million from that point. Why? Because the Eagles have (clearly substantial) escalators in his contract based on performance. Just something to bear in mind when thinking about potential contract situations.

[Tracer Bullet]

C'mon, man. Don't you know better than to believe anything on PFT? This is the same website that insisted 1) McNabb would definitely be traded, 2) there was no way the team could keep Sheppard and 3) Reid would give up his head coaching job before this season. Oh, and they claimed YESTERDAY the Eagles asked about trading for Farve. Even if PFT said Jerry Jones was a crazy person who likes to wear nothing but leather chaps and a 10-gallon hat around the office, I wouldn't believe it AND I ALREADY BELIEVE THAT'S TRUE.

[Me]

At this point, who even cares? The real show is the one between the DN and PFT.

Man, that Florio has some thin skin.

[shlynch]

My favorite part about the Florio thing is that at the time of his post, Reuben Frank had a text message from Andrews posted for an hour and a half that said his absence was absolutely not contract related.

So the agent and player say it is not contract related, the team says it is not contract related ... but Florio's "sources" know better? What a tool.

[BrianS]

Update from PFT:

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/25/eagles-considered-trading-andrews/

Eagles considered trading Andrews?

I'm taking this with a wheelbarrow of salt.

[Tracer Bullet]

By all means, let's trade one of the best OL in the game while he's in his prime. Even though they need to protect the 32-year-old and oft-injured franchise QB. I swear, TMZ has more insight on football.

[phxphilly]

Why shouldn't Andrews be upset with his contract?!? He's been to two pro-bowls just like Westbrook and Sheppard.
All these guys signed deals KNOWING the financial implications: guaranteed signing bonus & non-guaranteed annual salary. Now they are complaining their annual salary is too low. Factor in that huge long-term bonus you wanted!
The team has cap space, just let Westbrook and Sheppard sit out they next three years, fine them, and see what that does for their careers.