Thomas, Troy & loyalty
The South Florida Sun-Suntinel reports on why linebacker Zach Thomas chose to sign with the Cowboys instead of the Patriots. The primary reason, according to the piece, was loyalty to the Dolphins.
"Being a loyal Dolphin, and he'll always be a Dolphin, it would have been very difficult for him [to play for New England]," agent Drew Rosenhaus said on a radio interview with 560-AM, according to the Sun-Sentinel. "He did not want to alienate his fans, and really, I don't think he wanted to compete against the Dolphins."
While it is more and more difficult to find loyalty in professional sports -- both from the team-side and player-side -- Thomas seems to be one example. His situation appears to be similar to Troy Brown's.
Brown is still grappling on whether to play another NFL season, or retire. At this time, he has been told he is not in the Patriots' plans.
Brown previously visited with the Jets, where part of the appeal would be playing alongside fellow Marshall alum Chad Pennington. But also weighing on Brown's mind, for sure, is his loyalty to New England.
It will be interesting to see how things unfold with Brown's decision.
It would have been nice if the patriots showed troy the same loyalty the dolphins showed zach thomas.
Gick, your comment makes no sense.
The Dolphins told Zach that they were releasing him and that he was free to sign up somewhere else. It's the exact same thing the Patriots told Troy. It's up to Troy to decide whether to keep playing (somewhere else) or hang them up as a Patriot.
Mike,
Anything to the report that Ty Law is going to sign with the Pats? Check out PFT
gick,
The team showed him LOYALTY last season when they paid him a years salary to return a few punts in 2 games. I love what Troy has meant to this team but its said often that not many players get to leave the game on thier terms. It is what it is basically. Do you want to see the Pats dominate year in and year out. Thats the type of decisions that an organization must make to stay a championship caliber team. Glad I don't have to make those decisions.
Hi ampats. I saw profootballtalk.com and haven't heard anything on Ty Law at this time. Will plan to post if something can be confirmed.
--Mike
I say give him another year. The team won every reg season game last year. It's not like he would be a dead weight that would destroy the team.
Larry/Mike,
It would have been nice if they offered Troy a coaching position. Maybe assistant wide receivers and special teams coach?
If he said no, and that he wants to play, that's fine, but at least they show the loyalty in trying to keep him on in a role that's best for the team.
He pays for his salary in acting as a role model and leader.
Zach Thomas went to Dallas because he played for Texas Tech and is from Texas. I don't think loyalty had anything to do with it.. are we really listening to Rosenhaus here?
Gick,
The fact that there is no mentioning of an offer to become a coach or assitant does not mean that one was not offered. Not every thing that happens down at Gilette hits the news stands and rightly so. And they probably don't care about his salary, its the roster spot that matters.
BPM,
Sorry but that is why we lost Kareem Brown there can only be 53 members on a team not including the practice squad which Troy doesn't qualify for. People keep complaining about how the Pats don't have much to show for the the draft in 07 what they fail to realize is theres only so many spots available. Do you want young talent that the Pats can develop, well sorry theres no room for both Troy and young talent. There has to be a balance and last year was it for Troy. My disclaimer is injuries change everything.
I thought the Cowboys offered more money...that's what was reported at the time.
Ampats, nothing to confirm on Ty Law at this time. It still could potentially happen in the future, but the information I have -- which I believe is credible -- is that nothing is imminent.
--Mike
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