pyledriver80
Cheesehead
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By Chris Havel
The Green Bay Packers' decision to sign Koren Robinson has wrought criticism, consternation, compassion, contempt and congratulations.
The media and fan reaction to the Packers' signing Tuesday ran the gamut of emotion. If only the Packers played with such conviction.
Frankly, I am surprised by the buzz.
The Packers' treatment of a player's unlawful off-the-field behavior is similar to that of other NFL teams. The Packers' willingness to deal with indiscretions is directly proportional to the player's ability to help them win games.
That hasn't changed, and it never will.
Judging by Robinson's sad and sordid past, Packers General Manager Ted Thompson must be convinced that the well-traveled receiver-return specialist could make a significant and immediate impact.
There is no other way to explain the typically conservative Thompson's uncharacteristic willingness to stake his reputation — as well as the franchise's — on such a talented but troubled player.
Robinson, 26, has been arrested twice for drunken driving. He allegedly showed up drunk to serve a one-day jail sentence. On Aug. 15, he led police on a 13-mile chase to the Minnesota Vikings' training camp facility in Mankato, Minn., during which police said he was driving 104 mph in a 55-mph zone. He registered a blood-alcohol content of 0.11 after taking a field sobriety test.
Nevertheless, Robinson is working for his third NFL team while awaiting word on his third alleged violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy.
Robinson gives new meaning to the term triple threat. His lengthy history of alcohol-related problems suggests he may be a very real danger to the welfare of himself, his team and his community.
Thompson, who selected Robinson with the ninth pick in the 2001 draft, has intimate knowledge of him from their time together in Seattle.
"This is a good kid," Thompson told reporters. "I'm not making excuses; he's made some mistakes. But this is a good kid."
Made some mistakes?
Forgetting to put the milk in the refrigerator is a mistake. Locking the keys in the car is a mistake. Putting too much fertilizer on the lawn is a mistake.
Repeatedly getting behind the wheel of an automobile while intoxicated, especially after multiple offenses, goes beyond a mistake.
Does Robinson deserve yet another chance? Sure. It is quite possible that he is a good kid with a bad addiction, and I wish him the best in his attempt to overcome it.
What gives me pause is Thompson's decision to sign him — and to accept the risk that comes with him — when there is a strong likelihood he may serve a one-year suspension. Furthermore, the Packers appear to be more than a receiver and kick-return specialist away from being formidable.
If the move works, Thompson will be applauded. If it fails, he will be vilified. Sadly, the odds aren't in the general manager's favor.
The Packers called a news conference to announce Robinson's signing. They sent out a one-sentence memo to announce fullback Vonta Leach's release. Leach, who mentors children and sponsors a youth baseball team in the offseason, worked hard and kept his nose clean. He played so well against the Chicago Bears, one longtime Packers beat writer suggested Leach might challenge to start ahead of William Henderson.
It turns out Leach couldn't beat an alleged three-time violator of the league's substance-abuse policy.
The last 2 paragraphs ring all to true IMO. In fact the whole article does
