Notes from Lombardi: the delay game

QUOTE: “If two men agree on everything, you may be sure that one of them is doing the thinking.” -- Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973)

FROM STEPHEN F. HOLDER OF THE ST. PETE TIMES... (Plaxico Burress) is one step closer to returning to the field after his case on Monday was continued until September. If no plea deal is reached before then, a trial likely would not be held until after the season, theoretically allowing him to play. (Coach Raheem) Morris said there are obstacles, without talking specifics. "He's a great player," Morris said. "Any time you get a chance to add a great player to your team, you definitely have got to have some sort of interest. We don't know what's going on with his legal problems, we don't know what's going on with the suspensions in the league. Until we get all that stuff resolved, it's not even worth talking about."

When Sen. Bob Dole he ran for president in 1996, he had a saying when talking about the differences between Republicans and Democrats: “They know it, we know it and the American public knows it.” Well, that saying applies to the game Plaxico Burress is playing right now -- the delay game. Burress is just trying to get some games (and game checks) under his belt; the players’ union knows it, the commissioner knows it and the American public knows it.

APPlaxico Burress

It appears that Burress has resigned himself to the fact that Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s law for New York City – which, by the way, has helped New York become the safest city in the U.S. with a population of more than 500,000 with regard to violent crimes – will not allow him to escape jail time. The talk from the Burress defense team since his arrest has never centered on his innocence or how they would defend the case. Rather, it’s been how Burress could still play in the NFL in 2009. 

I’ve heard Burress’ attorney, Benjamin Brafman, talk about how Burress has yet to be convicted of any crime, so he should be allowed to play in 2009. Not so fast, Mr. Brafman. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has a right to suspend players without a conviction based on their overall behavior as it affects the league. Burress has done nothing since his arrest on the gun charge to make the commissioner believe he has become a model citizen. Then I’ve heard Burress agent, Drew Rosenhaus, say that Burress has paid a steep price losing his salary and being placed on the non-football-related injury list last season. Huh? We’re talking about a self-inflicted gunshot wound, not a football injury. And who caused all the ill will toward Burress? Burress has done all the damage to Burress. Let’s not lose sight of the facts.

APHow will Commissioner Goodell handle the Burress Situation?

The commissioner knows Burress is playing the delay game, which forces him to act before a conviction. From my perspective, the commissioner has no problem being proactive, is not afraid of conflict and is not afraid to make tough choices. However, he knows that whatever ruling he makes, a challenge in court by Burress’ defense team will soon follow. Therefore, his decision must be three-dimensional. The first dimension handles the ruling, the second has precedent to back up the ruling and the third can hold up within the boundaries of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement. 

When Burress was first arrested, everyone I talked to in and out of the league felt there was no escaping the “Mayor’s Law,” which requires a 3½- year minimum jail sentence. No ability to plea bargain, no way around jail time -- he was headed to jail if convicted. Now, with the trail date moved, it appears Burress would rather challenge the commissioner’s conduct policy than the Mayor’s Law. It might appear to the Burress defense team that this is the best course of action, but for me, this one won’t work either.

The mayor of New York knows what Burress is attempting, every NFL team knows what Burress is attempting and the commissioner knows. In fact, even Bob Dole sitting in Kansas knows. I doubt it will work. If I were a GM right now and needed a wide receiver, I wouldn’t even entertain the idea of Burress -- too much risk, not enough reward.

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Greg Ellis joins the Raiders ...

APWelcome to Oakland, Greg

When I heard that Ellis signed with the Raiders, my first reaction was that now they will trade Derrick Burgess. That makes sense, but after spending eight years at the Hotel, I would often say out loud, “Logic never prevails here. We must think illogical.”

It has been well-documented that Burgess wants out of Oakland -- very badly. In fact, on draft day, I really thought he would become a Patriot. However, as is the norm, the Raiders struggled to make a decision. Now, with Ellis on board, the Raiders have the ability to move Burgess, which makes logical sense (stop being logical, please).

Ellis is still a very good player, and moving back to the 4-3 will be good for him at this point in his career. He won’t get the pass-rush match-ups he would playing in the 3-4, but he can set an edge in the run game, helping the Raiders’ run defense, which can use a little help.

With third-round pick Matt Shaughnessy on the roster, the Raiders seem to have an extra defensive end, so now is the time to make a move with Burgess. He was unhappy before this, so if the logical move of a trade doesn’t occur now, he will be beside himself.

But that makes logical sense, so stop it.

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