I wonder if it would be possible for the Cleveland Browns to actually play a full season of football without the ever present, media hyped drama that can rival the most popular soap opera! Yes, this seasons much anticipated "Dynamic Offense" has performed rather--what's the word I'm looking for--Pathetic. However, cheer up Cleveland fans--we have not been bombarded with our annual quarterback controversy. We merely are being force fed by local and national media the latest saga of Peyton Hillis!
<!--more-->Last season Hillis was the "talk of the town" with a bruising style of football that added excitement and thrilled a thirsty blue collar town seeking something to cheer about. This powerful running-back added excitement and hope while leaping over tall defenders, or just merely bulldozing through them--he was truly the media darling.
Enter this season--his "aw-shucks" attitude and his down home working man appeal is being overshadowed by a thirsty media (gotta make the front page), with a constant barrage of articles about illness, hamstrings, contract talks and of course--he went and got married! Lets look at this "dastardly deed" of going and getting married.
To quote an article from the Cleveland Plain Dealer--
"Nothing is off-limits, as the 25-year-old Hillis even is asked about his abrupt mid-season marriage on the team's off-day last week." This is news? A young man, on his day off work goes home and gets "hitched".
Abrupt?--I wasn't aware that a 25 year old man had to outline and submit with timely notification his marital plans!
Due to Hillis being in the mist of contract negotiations much as been made about him missing games due to Illness and injuries. There have been suggestions that Hillis could have played sooner and is possibly delaying getting back on the field, hoping to increase his leverage in these contract talks. My take--Hillis can't be dumb enough to think that "not performing" is going to increase your chances of getting paid the big money for your performance!
Hillis missed the Halloween party for the Cleveland Boys and Girls Club. His excuse, again from the Cleveland Plain Dealer--
"His latest slip was a missed Halloween party Monday for the Cleveland Boys and Girls Club. Hillis apologized again Thursday for what he said was a "miss-communication" with his management, explaining that after finishing treatment for his hamstring injury at 4:30 p.m., he didn't know where he was supposed to be for the party an hour later."
Sorry Peyton--I defended you, a mature 25 year old for his right to get married without scrutiny. That same mature man--with what he refers to as "management", an athlete adored by many didn't know where he was supposed to be? If that's the case---fire your "management", their making you look bad.
The contract, well that's subject matter for another article. It is not uncommon for players and the front office to battle back and forth on contract amounts and/or incentives. Rumors that Hillis is seeking "featured back" dollars with a large amount guaranteed does not amaze me. I would--shoot high and hope for the best.
Peyton Hillis needs to get back on the field, prove he is worth what he is asking for, put a damper on this "media onslaught", and get one of those little magnetic calenders that you put on the fridge--and have your new wife write down when, and where you are suppose to be!
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