An offseason of turbulence continued in Denver this week as wide receiver Brandon Marshall retreated to Florida to continue his rehab from hip surgery. The move came after Marshall went to coach Josh McDaniels with a request for a raise last week. Marshall's attorney claims that there's no ulterior motive to Marshall's move, but if it looks and smells like a holdout, it's probably a holdout. His chances of getting a new deal may take a blow on Sunday when ESPN's Outside The Lines broadcasts an interview with Marshall's former girlfriend Rasheeda Watley. Marshall and Watley's volitile relationship, and the resulting allegations of domestic violence led to a one-game suspension for Marshall during the 2008 season.
Marshall is entering the fourth and final season of the deal he signed as a rookie, and incentives have pushed his base salary to $2.2 million. That's a cut below what other receivers with Marshall's numbers earn, but few of them come with as many question marks.
The domestic violence allegations are old news, but the timing of their return to the spotlight can only serve to remind the Broncos that giving a long-term extension to Marshall may not be the best idea. Marshall has been involved in 13 police-related transgressions since 2004, according to the Denver Post, and that doesn't count the bizarre arm injury he suffered before last season while wrestling with his brother.
Marshall initially lied about how he hurt himself, which only gives the Broncos more reason to doubt he has the level of maturity you'd like to see before handing over a long-term extension. When you throw in the fact that he's coming off of hip surgery, it's hard to see much reason why the Broncos should act now.
It's easy to see several reasons why Marshall should be finding a way to force the issue. In addition to all of the ones previously listed, you can throw in the regime change that has no ties to Marshall. He's a good wideout, to be sure, but McDaniels hasn't been afraid to throw away good players to further his own plans, something worth keeping in mind before letting the holdout drag on too long.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-29-2009 @ 5:33PM
mitch said...
I didnt realize he had that many issues.I like watching him play.Even though denver is not my team.Hope it is not another case of wasting talent.
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5-29-2009 @ 6:37PM
Ed Fielding said...
If, and I say, if this guy is holding out and he has had all of these other off field problems, then he is just plain stupid. Getting 2.2M for catching a football ain't bad money in the first place. Have a good year, stay out of trouble, and sign for an even better contract next year. At Denver or someplace else.
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5-29-2009 @ 11:05PM
jenny said...
How do you keep saying if? If the sky were blue there would be no rain. He obviously likes to beat up on women. Didn't he come from and abusive background? Monkey see monkey do!!!
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5-30-2009 @ 12:31AM
Ski said...
Hey Brandon, you wasted sperm. Why don't you try to have at least 2 seasons under your belt without any injuries or run-in's with the law before you ask for a raise. Your still facing a possible 8 game suspension for the 09' season. Dumb ass!!!
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5-30-2009 @ 2:08AM
phsteddie said...
Brandon neeeds a wakeup call. He has little leverage with his past record. Denver, hold tight and let this double digit IQ perform off and on the field before you give him a big contract.
Eddie
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5-31-2009 @ 11:45AM
chefchris said...
This is a prime example of the bias towards the Vick case. Many, including the NFL and the judicial system, treat the beating (and stabbing) of a female with kid gloves.Sometimes this has nothing to do with race, it has to do with profile. There is no way that the normal Joe would not be in jail for all the indescrestions that Marshall has (13!!!)He had a one game suspension and still goes on with his career.Yes what Vick did was deserving of harsh punishment, but doesn't beatings and death threats carry some punishment in the league and the courts? Since so many feel that Vick does not deserve a shot in hell at playing again, what about the abusers (too many to name), the dope dealers(Matt Jones), should the fly so far under the radar that can continue their careers without as much as a peep from the many on these boards? Just remember "Whats good for the goose is good for the gander"
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6-01-2009 @ 8:41AM
worthy said...
As a die hard denver fan i say cut this fool let him sign with the raiders, is a time bomb waiting to happen.
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6-01-2009 @ 8:43AM
worthy said...
maybe trade him for peppers hell carolina most likely wouldn't even take this woman beating punk.
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6-04-2009 @ 8:12AM
packerbf4tb said...
Marshall should have been suspended...
Goodell shouldn't have given this guy
a pass..he deserved to be suspended....
when the rules are broken all players
are to be treated accordingly...Goodell
talks the talk but he doesn't walk the
walk.............
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