T. Murphy will NOT play for the Packers! DAMN!

[gbpackfan]

Packers to release Murphy

Receiver suffers from spinal cord condition

By TOM SILVERSTEIN
tsilverstein@journalsentinel.com

Posted: April 19, 2006

Apparently unwilling to accept the risk of having wide receiver Terrence Murphy play football with a serious neck condition, the Green Bay Packers are on the verge of announcing that they are parting ways with the 2005 second-round pick.

Two National Football League sources said Wednesday night that the Packers were set to move on without Murphy and were discussing with his representatives how to best handle his release.

The Packers had very high hopes for Murphy after selecting him out of Texas A&M with the 58th pick in the draft last season. But after he suffered a bruised spinal cord and numbness in his arms and legs following a violent collision with Carolina safety Thomas Davis on a kickoff return Oct. 3, doctors discovered Murphy suffered from an existing condition known as stenosis or a narrowing of the spinal cord.

In the months after the injury, Murphy saw a slew of specialists, including renowned Los Angeles spinal surgeon Robert Watkins. The Packers were believed to have received a number of different evaluations of Murphy's condition, but apparently sided with those who thought there was significant risk in putting the 6-1, 196-pound receiver on the field.

General manager Ted Thompson said last month that he planned to sit down with his medical staff and review all the test results, then make a decision on Murphy's status. Thompson could not be reached for comment Wednesday night.

However, one source said "it was looking that way" when asked if the Packers were close to making an announcement that they would not be able to pass him on his physical examination. The source said it was unclear when the Packers would announce the decision, but a source close to Murphy's family said that Murphy was already aware of the decision.

If the Packers fail Murphy on his physical, he will become a free agent able to negotiate with any other team in the league. It's unclear whether Murphy will seek a team that will view the results of his tests differently or retire from football.

In December, more than two months after the injury, Murphy expressed optimism that he would be able to resume his career. But he acknowledged that the risk factor was something he would have to consider strongly and was going to see what the various specialists had to say about the injury.

Murphy admitted that if forced to undergo surgery to fuse his vertebrae that he would not continue playing. One of the people Murphy planned to consult was Milwaukee Bucks guard T.J. Ford, who played college basketball at Texas and was an acquaintance of Murphy's. Ford was also diagnosed with stenosis, but was able to return to the basketball court after having two of his cervical vertebrae fused.

"I don't want to do that," Murphy said at the time. "If it comes down to that I just might (quit). It's not 100% that would help me come back."

Murphy was just starting to make his presence known when he picked up a fumbled kickoff by teammate Najeh Davenport and took a shot from Davis. Murphy had five catches for 36 yards and five kickoff returns for 91 yards when his season ended.

At the time, coach Mike Sherman was making a concerted effort to get him more involved in the offense. Powerful and a good route runner, Murphy fit the West Coast offense well and would have been a prime candidate to be one of the team's top three receivers this season.

The Packers are now down to two receivers - Donald Driver and Robert Ferguson - who saw significant action last season and will have to count on veteran Rod Gardner and newcomer Marc Boerigter to help fill Murphy's void. The club still doesn't know for sure whether it will have Javon Walker, who has vowed never to play for the team again because of a contract dispute.

Among the players who will be vying to make the roster are Chad Lucas, who set an NFL Europe record with four touchdowns in a game earlier this month, and practice squad players Vince Butler and Ruvell Martin. Receiver is not a very deep position in the draft so the Packers will be hard-pressed to find someone of Murphy's caliber.

[Kiwon]

Tough break for him and us....yet another unproductive draft pick.

[Tarlam!]

This is truly devastating stuff.

I hate for a young person to have their destiny changed with such little warning. T-Murph is lucky to be walking, but, so unfortunate. He will forever wonder what could have been.

So will I.

Thanks for posting.

[MadtownPacker]

Well it didnt say he would retire for sure, just that the Pack aint gonna keep him cuz they think he should. Too bad, Murphy was impressive with the few chances he got.

[MJZiggy]

I don't think it's a risk I would take either. I can't imagine how I'd feel if I let him play and he got hit and paralyzed. Tough call. Very sad situation.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Well, It's not really a risk. His contract isn't that big. It's just a matter of whether your doctors pass him or not. If they don't, you don't have any other choice.

[MJZiggy]

I meant the medical risk if they pass him, you stick him on the field and he ends up in a wheelchair for life.

[billy_oliver880]

I meant the medical risk if they pass him, you stick him on the field and he ends up in a wheelchair for life.

Ya the kids has a whole life beyond football. Why risk that?

[MadtownPacker]

Well, It's not really a risk. His contract isn't that big. It's just a matter of whether your doctors pass him or not. If they don't, you don't have any other choice.

It's a good thing the Packers dont have Harv's morals! :razz:

[HarveyWallbangers]

Well, it's a risk for him, but for the team you just go with what the doctors say. I would hope that he wouldn't risk serious injury if there are any doubts. It sounds like he's going to be smart about it.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Walker + Murphy + weak WR market is a triple shot in the packer groin.

No wonder Favre is having 2nd thoughts.

[billy_oliver880]

I think this gives us a bit of incentive to give walker some money..just an extension...even if its just a year. Then rework everything after that.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Walker claims he won't come back under any terms.

I believe he really wants out of Green Bay. He might come back, but I doubt he will sign an extension.

[MJZiggy]

I think this gives us a bit of incentive to give walker some money..just an extension...even if its just a year. Then rework everything after that.I think it's gone beyond that. It may be making that Lelie trade look better, though because at least we'd get a competent, if not stellar, WR in return. Maybe they should have got that deal done before announcing this.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I'm not sure that Walker is going to be a great player in 2006, regardless of where he winds up.

If I'm Walker, not a bad time to be sitting out.

[MJZiggy]

Then it was a bad time to demand a trade to a new team where he'll have to prove himself again.

[Partial]

well that is sad. I wish him all the luck in whatever he decides to do now. Hopefully he goes back to school, gets a degree, and has a prosperous life in the real world with a good amount of amount set aside to pay for his future children's college education, and their children's college education, and their children's college educations(and so forth).

[billy_oliver880]

I think this gives us a bit of incentive to give walker some money..just an extension...even if its just a year. Then rework everything after that.I think it's gone beyond that. It may be making that Lelie trade look better, though because at least we'd get a competent, if not stellar, WR in return. Maybe they should have got that deal done before announcing this.

I agree that sounds better but we have to get something done or else were are going to be pissing up a rope.

[MJZiggy]

I've never done that. Sounds messy.

[billy_oliver880]

I've never done that. Sounds messy.

Indeed... :lol:

[Chubbyhubby]

I think this gives us a bit of incentive to give walker some money..just an extension...even if its just a year. Then rework everything after that.

WHY? Walker will be like another TO a talented but bad lockerroom guy that would disrupt everything. Walker has said that HE WILL NEVER WEAR A GREEN BAY PACKER UNIFORM EVER AGAIN! How clear can somebody be. He is done with GreenBay. Just another head case.

[Partial]

You're a fool if you don't think they offered him 6 for 36 that he wouldn't sign it in a heartbeat.

[Partial]

Walker is all about the benjamins. He wants to get paid.

If they said J-Walk he's 6 mil this year. Perform and you'll get a deal, he'll stay a Packer for his career. Guaranteed.

[MadtownPacker]

At this stage Im kinda like "to hell with Walker" too. It one thingt to bitch about his contract and say he hates Favre but to diss the pack like that means he wants out of the gang and I believe in blood in, blood out. In other words: screw him over by sending him to the worse AFC team possible!!

[Rastak]

Walker is all about the benjamins. He wants to get paid.

If they said J-Walk he's 6 mil this year. Perform and you'll get a deal, he'll stay a Packer for his career. Guaranteed.

You seem pretty certain on this, do have some inside info? These athletes are proud guys. I'd say the odds are no better than 50/50 that he tell's them to jam it no matter what they offer....actually, I take that back, if they gave him the richest deal in WR history he'd probably say..."sure!" if his hatred is genuine he'd reject almost anything else I bet...just my guess.

[Tarlam!]

I am the most notorious Walker basher in all of Germany, I have had a serious prob with him since his Iraq comparison, but ChubbyHubby, Wlaker is a GREAT team mate, by all reports. He is ticked at Favre, but that would seem understandable.

He is ticked at TT, probably. He was decent enough to call M3 and tell him this was nothing to do with the new coaching staff. He has done some things decent peope do.

Now, I say, let the little F*** sit on the pines and rot. If he turns up, pay him. Doesn't mean ya gotta play him. Then, franchise hi ass. He's a little cry baby that screwed himself up by not being at practice early enough to be fit for the game. I never wanna see him in a Packer Uni ever again. But, I want him stewing, too.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I am the most notorious Walker basher in all of Germany,

I assume you aren't counting the George Walker Bush bashing, I understand there is a fair amount of that over there.

[GBRulz]

This is too bad about Murphy, I really thought he had a promising future ahead of him.

this just adds to the fire about JW and his whole "an injury can end my career at anytime" blurb. I agree with Partial though, I don't think JW would be able to walk away from the money if we offered it to him.

Now more than ever, we need to look at Leilie (sp?).

With out WR core as thin as it is now, would your opinion change about having seriously pursued TO?

[Tarlam!]

I assume you aren't counting the George Walker Bush bashing, I understand there is a fair amount of that over there.

Not any more HH. When W. was first in office, he sent some very strong tobacco to old Europe and we were very offended, which left him cold, which offended us even more.

If you can believe this, I read of a society event held immediately after 9/11, and many Euro-snobs actually siad things to the effect of, well about time they got some of their own medicine. That was directed at W. Pretty sick, but, they were Belgians, not Germans.

Most Germans actually adore the USA and usually its President.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Deutchland uber alles!

[BooHoo]

I assume you aren't counting the George Walker Bush bashing, I understand there is a fair amount of that over there.

Not any more HH. When W. was first in office, he sent some very strong tobacco to old Europe and we were very offended, which left him cold, which offended us even more.

If you can believe this, I read of a society event held immediately after 9/11, and many Euro-snobs actually siad things to the effect of, well about time they got some of their own medicine. That was directed at W. Pretty sick, but, they were Belgians, not Germans.

Most Germans actually adore the USA and usually its President.

When I lived in German in 1979-1980 the older people loved the Americans and the younger folks hated us.


This loss of Murphy is huge. We lost a second round pick.

[Tarlam!]

When I lived in German in 1979-1980 the older people loved the Americans and the younger folks hated us.



Were you wearing a uniform and slepping off all the young ladies with your buddies? If so, it was only a select minority that hated you!

[BooHoo]

When I lived in German in 1979-1980 the older people loved the Americans and the younger folks hated us.



Were you wearing a uniform and slepping off all the young ladies with your buddies? If so, it was only a select minority that hated you!

Correct about the uniform. Negative on the young ladies. They to didn't much care for Americans in uniform. I was even kicked out of a restarant once because they said it was for members only. I remember several clubs that had signs on the outside "Members Only" in english.

[Tarlam!]

Where were you stationed again? That really doesn't sound right to me. I visited barracks in Garmish-Partenkirchen, Augsburg, Heidelberg and Mannheim. Also in Fürth near Nürenberg. I can tell you from 1989, I have never come across discrimmination against US Military.

Sorry to hear you had negative experiences....

[BooHoo]

Where were you stationed again? That really doesn't sound right to me. I visited barracks in Garmish-Partenkirchen, Augsburg, Heidelberg and Mannheim. Also in Fürth near Nürenberg. I can tell you from 1989, I have never come across discrimmination against US Military.

Sorry to hear you had negative experiences....

North of Nurenberg, in Bamberg. A nice old town. I lived in an apartment in a small town just outside of the city. Don't get the wrong idea, I did not always experience discrimination. Just in Bamberg. I traveled a lot and had lots of fun. I loved Gramish and climbed the Zugsitz (spelling). Munich was great also. Liked the Glockenspiel.

[Charles Woodson]

yet another unproductive draft pick.

Hold up. Thats not fair to say. i mean from the looks of it, i thought he was gana turn out really good. For all we know, he could have been the next randy moss, but to say unproductive is true, but not fair, he never got a fair/good chance. I mean the guy didnt even play a season so yea. So i guess if you call Murph a unproductive draft pick, i dont think thats right

[K-town]

We are not real lucky with wide receivers from Texas A & M.
If I'm a wide-out from Texas A & M, Green Bay is the last place I'd want to play, just because of the luck/mojo factor. Similarly, if I'm Ted Thompson, the last place I look for receivers is Texas A & M. Bad karma, Earl.

[Partial]

if I was TT, I would build the defense and let the receiving core work itself out

[Deputy Nutz]

If any team took an x-ray of Murphy, they would have all known that he had this problem. I wanna know why the Packers had to take him. Granted I never heard about his spinal column issues prior to the draft, but shit, I figured this was going to happen.

[esoxx]

If any team took an x-ray of Murphy, they would have all known that he had this problem. I wanna know why the Packers had to take him.

Good point Nutz. You know, the way teams poke, prod and do everything short of a full body cavity search on these college prospects nowadays, you wonder why they don't have a mandatory test for spinal stenosis as well. This would not only prevent a team from making a costly mistake on a short term player, but would also alert the player about his potential for a devestating injury.

[MJZiggy]

I thought the only way to check for that was an MRI. Will an x-ray pick up the soft tissue there? Would the have to do the whole spine? They were talking about it when Matt Leinart was getting his measurables measured and someone said they thought it would be too expensive, but is it more expensive than the cost of all the exams and surgeries and wheelchairs?

[Rastak]

From KFFL:


Packers | More on Murphy release
Fri, 21 Apr 2006 18:48:53 -0700

Tom Silverstein, of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, reports the release of WR Terrence Murphy by the Green Bay Packers was not easy on either side. Even though the Packers think it is too much of a risk for Murphy to play, he intends to see if other teams are interested. As a result of being placed on waivers/failed physical, Murphy can be claimed by any team in the NFL starting Monday, April 24, and can negotiate with any team if he isn't claimed. Murphy was found to have a bruised spinal cord and tests revealed that he was suffering from stenosis, or a narrowing of the spinal column. The Packers spent nearly five months evaluating the opinions of the specialists Murphy saw and in the end thought they just couldn't put him on the field. Murphy and agent Doug Hendrickson met with the Packers Tuesday, April 18, and were told of the team's decision. It was an emotional moment for both Murphy and general manager Ted Thompson. Chances are he will be claimed because the team would not be under any financial obligation other than counting his minimum base salary against their salary cap.