Marvin Harrison is either delusional or incredibly selfish. After reportedly refusing to take a pay cut from the Colts, in order to help the team get down close to the salary cap, he's instead asked for his outright release. (Update: The Colts have granted Harrison's release.)It's true that Harrison is one of the best receivers of all time, and he's most certainly the best in the Colts' franchise history. It's also true that his team was badly in need of budget cuts. His cap number for 2009 -- $13.4 million -- would have been the highest in the NFL for a wide receiver.
Basically, he would have cost his team more than any other receiver in the league, yet he only caught 60 passes for 636 yards and five touchdowns last season. He's old -- he'll be 37 when the season starts -- and hasn't been himself for the past two seasons. Sure, 2007 was an injury-riddled year, but he hasn't been even remotely productive when on the field.
Many players take pay cuts because they realize they'll be out of work if they don't. Many others do so because they'd prefer to play for a good football team and would like to help the team who has been loyal to them over the years. Harrison logged 13 years with the Colts, and they always took care of him from a salary standpoint -- as his cap number proves.
I guess Harrison is helping the Colts' budget in his own way, though, because he'd rather just pack up and leave the only team he's ever known than help them. Make no mistake about this, it's a complete slap in the face to the organization who has treated him so incredibly well over these years. There were many of the opinion -- including myself -- that the Colts should have just cut him right away. Instead, they tried to work to restructure his deal. They weren't being unreasonable in the least with this request. His contract, at this point, was ludicrous compared to his market value. They were likely just being loyal as they always have been with him.
Some people just don't "get it," and we can now add Marvin Harrison to that list.
Latest NFL Photos
East Carolina defensive lineman Khalif Mitchell stretches before drills at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, Feb. 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
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Utah defensive lineman Paul Kruger runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, Feb. 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
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Boston College defensive lineman Busari Raji runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, Feb. 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
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Cincinnati defensive lineman Connor Barwin runs a football drill at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, Feb. 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Florida State defensive lineman Everette Brown runs a football drill at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, Feb. 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Texas A&M defensive lineman Michael Bennett is timed in the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, Feb. 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
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Missouri defensive lineman Evander Hood runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, Feb. 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
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Tennessee defensive lineman Robert Ayers runs a football drill at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, Feb. 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Louisiana State defensive lineman Tyson Jackson runs a football drill at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, Feb. 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Missouri defensive lineman Evander Hood runs a football drill at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, Feb. 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 9)
2-22-2009 @ 10:43PM
Mr.G said...
Have to agree - Add him to the list...Disgraceful
Reply
2-24-2009 @ 12:47AM
billyboyortiz said...
The player has to look out for his self. The colts gave him the 13.4 in there last contract. So its harrison's fault the colts can't manage there cap better. Peyton makes more why can't he restructure. There has to be more to the story we aren't being told.
2-22-2009 @ 10:52PM
dave said...
Marvin has never got it. He is surly with media, fans and even his own team, including coaches and players. A great player with a great QB in his time, he is a shadow of his former self. The Colts will be the winners here, with Harrison and whatever team is foolish enough to take him the big losers.
Reply
2-22-2009 @ 10:54PM
knicks chick said...
Marvin: you've really let me down. You, Peyton, Coach Dungy, Edgerrin,......you're the reasons I became a Colt fan years and years ago. You guys were skilled, yet humble. Setting records, but showing class. Now only Peyton's left.
Take a page from Brett Favre or Edgerrin James who both mistakenly left for greener pastures. Don't bite the hand that feeds you. The Colts have even overlooked your lackluster past season and the controversy in Philadelphia.
Be smart and I hope to see you in a Colts uniform in August, smaller paycheck and all!
Reply
2-23-2009 @ 3:56PM
bchbunnie4 said...
Ahhh...you are admitting that you are one of those "bandwagon" fans?? Only picking a team because they are winning???
So if the company you worked for told you that they didn't think you were worth what they were paying you, but you could stay there for less, and another company offered you more money, or at least more than your old company was willing to pay you are saying that you would stay at the first place because you are "humble and classy'??
Please!!
2-22-2009 @ 11:06PM
Mr. Helms said...
what a shame
Reply
2-23-2009 @ 6:28PM
knicks chick said...
Hey Bchbunnie4.....just how exactly do "years and years" of following the Colts classify me as a "bandwagon" fan. True, I am not old enough to have followed the Colts while they were in Baltimore; however, I've followed them for the past decade in Indy. During that time, Coach Dungy came in and worked his magic on the Manning-Harrison tandem and created the "winning" team. The Colts making the playoffs EVERY year only makes me a PROUDER fan, not a NEW, bandwagon fan!
As for the second part of your flawed accusation, Bchbunnie4, just who are the teams interested in paying more for the aging Marvin Harrison today?
You must be Marvin's agent if you know of these offers he's already getting from other teams for bigger bucks and bigger minutes on the field next season. I've been listening all day and have yet to hear of a team that is interested in pursuing him with eight figures plus. Additionally, these teams would have to be willing (as Indy has been) to sidestep Marvin's current legal drama in Philly.
And by the way, I DO believe in being classy and humble. The Colts have played that way consistently and admirably for years.
And I do believe in certain players (in any sport) committing themselves to the franchise with which they have grown and glowed. Those kinds of players, who have enjoyed a mutually-respectful and glorious relationship with their team, should go out as a true member of that team!
Take Brett, for example. He should have just retired a Packer, on top and blemish-free in Green Bay hearts! Instead, his forgettable year as a member of Gang Green underscored his desperation and spite.
Or how about in the NBA with one of my favorite players, Patrick Ewing from the Knicks. Instead of retiring a Knick, Patrick left the team and the City who adored him and went to the Sonics to try desperately to win a championship ring there before his old age would force him to retire without one. Patrick himself, on the night his jersey was retired at MSG, even lamented the fact that he had ever left New York for another team!
So there. I do believe that Marvin only has a year or two--at best--left in him in the League. I would love to see him in the White and Blue; otherwise, I think he should retire and be proud of what he accomplished as a Colt, and let Indy and the fans be COMPLETELY proud of him!
2-22-2009 @ 11:08PM
M Phelps said...
Another greedy has been, looking for more money to support his drug habit. Stay off the pipe Marvin, I know. If he leaves, he'll be lucky to get $3mil, unless the Cowboys or Raiders pick him up.
Reply
2-23-2009 @ 7:44PM
juilo4uii said...
That is very uncalled for Phelps. Marvin has earned the right not to take less money. Peyton is the one that didn't need the 100 plus million dollar contract. Let him take the cut Marvin and all other recievers earn their money taking the severe hits they take while in mid air. Also getting their knees torn apart from award hits. And no im not a Colts fan but, you do have a right to your opinion however stupid it may be.
2-24-2009 @ 12:17AM
edran87 said...
Seriously? your a retard
2-22-2009 @ 11:12PM
Adam said...
Money in the NFL really doesn't make any sense. They give most of the biggest contracts to rookies who haven't played a second in the league and the most cap space is held by veterans who are usually on the downside of their career.
If you ask me, it makes far more sense to have athletes paid at the end of the season and have it be performance-based. Sort of like the XFL, but more money, and factor in individual performance in addition to wins and losses.
Reply
2-22-2009 @ 11:47PM
Colonial said...
I agree 100%. Especially when it comes to the rookies. They should have a system in place like the NBA (where the contract is based on draft position) or the NHL (contracts are small and heavily performance based for the first 3 years).
2-22-2009 @ 11:41PM
Joe said...
"Sure, 2007 was an injury-riddled year, but he wasn't even remotely productive when on the field."
Through the 3 games before his knee injury in 2007 he was on pace for a 85 for 1190 season. He hasn't been remotely productive since he hurt his knee three games into 2007.
Reply
2-23-2009 @ 8:39AM
BettorFan said...
Marvin Harrison is at the bottom of the list when it comes to WR's in these times. If I were the Colts I would let him go and find someone on waivers or in FA.
Reply
2-23-2009 @ 9:31AM
akeemjr21 said...
I don't blame Marvin recievers take a beating why don't they ask Peyton Manning to take a pay cut he makes more than Marvin oh i forget he is a whiteboy
Reply
2-23-2009 @ 2:21PM
ed mullins said...
Yeah...he's a whiteboy, and still one of the top 2 or 3 QBs in the game. Marvin isn't a top 20 WR anymore. They shoulda given him a watch and directions to the door. Go play the race card in the food stamp line Loser.
2-23-2009 @ 2:35PM
donroke said...
Ahh , I knew there would be a stupid racist remark on here . IDIOT
2-23-2009 @ 2:42PM
rbearfield said...
WHAT! 3 million wouldn't be enough? flamin' dufus. greedy unloyal bastard.
2-23-2009 @ 3:01PM
red white & you said...
When Marvin can lead his team somewhere then compare him to Peyton. Good athlete but surely NOT a leader. Hence there are no leaders like him at any QB position. Anyone can follow directions and take orders, but NOT anyone can lead. That's why Peyton and other great Qb's make the money. Wide rec's. like him are a dime a dozen. He'd be worth a nickle a dozen if he didn't play with Peyton.
2-23-2009 @ 3:05PM
ryan10603 said...
that is such a racist comment. you should be ashamed of yourself. we have a black president. do you still feel the need to think you are owed. i bet the only reason you voted for obama is because he is black. who is the racists. not the white people. we dont have our own award shows like the naacp awards. no do we have white history month. but of racist bigoted idots.