esoxx
02-24-2007, 12:13 AM
Robinson preparing to return, agent says
Receiver working out, attending AA meetings
By BOB McGINN
bmcginn@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Feb. 23, 2007
Indianapolis - Wide receiver Koren Robinson, one-third of the way through a one-year suspension from the National Football League, is on track for a return to the Green Bay Packers early next season.
His agent, Alvin Keels, said Friday at the NFL combine that to his knowledge Robinson hasn't consumed alcohol or been in any trouble since his first season with the Packers came to a halt after four games.
"He's going through counseling and being with his family," Keels said, adding that Robinson regularly attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. "He's excited about coming back and playing with Brett (Favre) for another year."
Robinson, who will turn 27 next month, his wife and child have been living outside Raleigh, N.C., since NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell banned him Oct. 17 for violations of the league's substance-abuse policy.
Shortly after the suspension started, Robinson underwent arthroscopic surgery to alleviate a knee problem.
"Actually, he's about the same size that he was in Green Bay," Keels said. "He's been working out hard. He hasn't put on any additional fat or anything like that. Koren's around 207 right now."
Next week, Robinson will begin serving a 90-day jail sentence for leading police in Minnesota on a high-speed chase last August. He also was placed on probation for three years, fined $1,500 and given 80 hours of community service.
Upon completion of jail time, Robinson plans to work with noted trainer Tom Shaw in Orlando, Fla., according to Keels.
"Obviously, we hope he's able to get through his process," coach Mike McCarthy said Friday. "He had a very positive experience in his time here."
Under terms of the suspension, Robinson was banned from the club facility. Keels, however, said he had spoken with the Packers, usually personnel analyst John Schneider, about twice a month.
"He hasn't been forgotten," Keels said."
With little behind Donald Driver and Greg Jennings, general manager Ted Thompson has said he'd like to add another veteran wide receiver. It could be Robinson, whose modest two-year contract with the Packers would have two years left if his application for reinstatement, which can't be made before Sept. 18, is approved.
Robert Ferguson, Ruvell Martin, Carlyle Holiday, Shaun Bodiford, a possible draft choice and other veteran acquisitions all could render Robinson's return moot even if he is reinstated.
If the Packers didn't want Robinson, he would then be free to sign with another team.
"There are no guarantees," Keels said. "He understands that. But when Koren Robinson devotes his mind and his body to the game of football, you can't tell me that he can't take a roster spot on any team. There's not too many No. 3 or No. 4 receivers that are better than Koren at his very best."
Precedent tells Keels that "players who clean their act up" are treated fairly by the NFL in the reinstatement process.
"Barring any new incidents, I don't see it being a problem having him reinstated," he said.
Whether Robinson can successfully control his misuse of alcohol and not run afoul of the NFL's random drug and alcohol testing probably will determine if the former first-round draft choice (ninth pick overall in 2001) has a future in football.
"That's been a problem," Keels said. "But it's been a problem that he has recognized and taken the time and the effort to correct.
"It's all on him. If he wants it, then I'm sure there will be a spot available for him. But he has to handle his business off the field, continue to work hard and be prepared to step in and help a team when he's able to come back."
Signed Sept. 12, Robinson caught seven passes for 89 yards and returned 12 kickoffs for a 21.1-yard average in four games.
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Seems like he's on the right track but he seemed that way last off-season too. He's got a problem he's going to have to fight every day the rest of his life. Hopefully it all works out for him.
Receiver working out, attending AA meetings
By BOB McGINN
bmcginn@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Feb. 23, 2007
Indianapolis - Wide receiver Koren Robinson, one-third of the way through a one-year suspension from the National Football League, is on track for a return to the Green Bay Packers early next season.
His agent, Alvin Keels, said Friday at the NFL combine that to his knowledge Robinson hasn't consumed alcohol or been in any trouble since his first season with the Packers came to a halt after four games.
"He's going through counseling and being with his family," Keels said, adding that Robinson regularly attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. "He's excited about coming back and playing with Brett (Favre) for another year."
Robinson, who will turn 27 next month, his wife and child have been living outside Raleigh, N.C., since NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell banned him Oct. 17 for violations of the league's substance-abuse policy.
Shortly after the suspension started, Robinson underwent arthroscopic surgery to alleviate a knee problem.
"Actually, he's about the same size that he was in Green Bay," Keels said. "He's been working out hard. He hasn't put on any additional fat or anything like that. Koren's around 207 right now."
Next week, Robinson will begin serving a 90-day jail sentence for leading police in Minnesota on a high-speed chase last August. He also was placed on probation for three years, fined $1,500 and given 80 hours of community service.
Upon completion of jail time, Robinson plans to work with noted trainer Tom Shaw in Orlando, Fla., according to Keels.
"Obviously, we hope he's able to get through his process," coach Mike McCarthy said Friday. "He had a very positive experience in his time here."
Under terms of the suspension, Robinson was banned from the club facility. Keels, however, said he had spoken with the Packers, usually personnel analyst John Schneider, about twice a month.
"He hasn't been forgotten," Keels said."
With little behind Donald Driver and Greg Jennings, general manager Ted Thompson has said he'd like to add another veteran wide receiver. It could be Robinson, whose modest two-year contract with the Packers would have two years left if his application for reinstatement, which can't be made before Sept. 18, is approved.
Robert Ferguson, Ruvell Martin, Carlyle Holiday, Shaun Bodiford, a possible draft choice and other veteran acquisitions all could render Robinson's return moot even if he is reinstated.
If the Packers didn't want Robinson, he would then be free to sign with another team.
"There are no guarantees," Keels said. "He understands that. But when Koren Robinson devotes his mind and his body to the game of football, you can't tell me that he can't take a roster spot on any team. There's not too many No. 3 or No. 4 receivers that are better than Koren at his very best."
Precedent tells Keels that "players who clean their act up" are treated fairly by the NFL in the reinstatement process.
"Barring any new incidents, I don't see it being a problem having him reinstated," he said.
Whether Robinson can successfully control his misuse of alcohol and not run afoul of the NFL's random drug and alcohol testing probably will determine if the former first-round draft choice (ninth pick overall in 2001) has a future in football.
"That's been a problem," Keels said. "But it's been a problem that he has recognized and taken the time and the effort to correct.
"It's all on him. If he wants it, then I'm sure there will be a spot available for him. But he has to handle his business off the field, continue to work hard and be prepared to step in and help a team when he's able to come back."
Signed Sept. 12, Robinson caught seven passes for 89 yards and returned 12 kickoffs for a 21.1-yard average in four games.
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Seems like he's on the right track but he seemed that way last off-season too. He's got a problem he's going to have to fight every day the rest of his life. Hopefully it all works out for him.