No, it isn't really a controversy, but it probably isn't making Ryan Grant sleep that well.The running back for the Packers has had a mediocre year by his accounts yet still had a chance to trigger bonuses in his contract for finishing top-five in yards for all NFC running backs, as well as for going over 1,250 for the season. Grant had it, but a challenge and subsequent instant replay (by Ed Hochuli, nonetheless) brought the 80-yard touchdown back and left Grant 35 yards short of Matt Forte.
The bonus in his contract would have been worth $1.35 million, but Grant finished sixth in rushing, with 1,203 yards on the season.
Grant sounded pretty understanding about the play after the game, even though it cost him more than a million bucks.
"Yeah, that's the way the ball bounces," Grant said. "I told (running backs coach Edgar Bennett), 'If we were playing in your day, that's a touchdown. No replay.'"It really was never a play you thought might stand. Grant rolled over a defender but was clearly down and the call came back as a 21-yard gain. No matter, it must be fairly frustrating to know that without that little red flag, Grant could probably send a few kiddos to college (or buy a pink Escalade, one of the two).
Last year Grant ran for 956 yards, so 1,203 was an upgrade. If he wants to secure that bonus for next season, he could probably improve on his 100-yard games. Grant only had four all season.
via MDS at PFT



















Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-30-2008 @ 12:56PM
CncrndCtzns said...
One day the coaches and players will learn to hurry up and snap the ball on any play that will cost them a touchdown under review. I see it in every game; a potentially reversible play and the team that made it stands around and waits for the other coach to throw the flag. Touchdown - hit the field and kick the extra point before the optjher coach has time to make his decision.
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