Robinson signed to two year deal

[mngolf19]

I hate this move. It's a disgrace. In my book, this is strike 2 against Thompson. Big deal. He might help to win a game on a kickoff return. We win 5 or 6 games--instead of 4 or 5. Mike McCarthy talks about Packer People and we bring in this guy. Brad Childress and the Vikings say they are going to clean house, and they cut guys like this and suspend Dwight Smith for a game for getting a citation. You don't win in the long run with guys like this. He may be a great guy, but he's failed a drug test, had two DUIs, and ran from police at over 100 MPHs. There's also been reports that he showed up for his DUI trial drunk and other things. He's an alcholic who needs to get his life in order--rather than be coddled yet again.

I agree with you Harv, 100%. I loved the guy as a player and person in general. But he has had his second chance and blown it. I don't want to hear any Packer fans ever talk about being the "great" organization anymore and the Vikings being the "classless" ones.

[Patler]

I agree with you Harv, 100%. I loved the guy as a player and person in general. But he has had his second chance and blown it. I don't want to hear any Packer fans ever talk about being the "great" organization anymore and the Vikings being the "classless" ones.

Should all alcoholics be fired from their jobs?
Or just alcoholics who drive 100 mph?
How about the nonalcoholic who drives 100 mph?

These questions trouble me, and I really would like to hear others comments.

[vince]

It will be the Packers' fault if the tragedy occurs in Wisconsin. There's no reason to believe he would be here if he were not playing for the Pack.

Philosophical disagreement. It will not be the Packers fault if he kills ANYONE, ANYWHERE. It will be Koren Robinson's fault. Some basic tenets of our society are personal freedom and individual responsibility. The Packers can't and shouldn't take that away from anyone. Society can, and that will run its course - outside of the Packers control.

And what makes Wisconsonians genetically or morally superior to people in other states?

Perhaps this argument would hold more water if he didn't screw up despite several chances with the Seahawks, and then screw up again only a month ago while in training camp with the 'queens. He has clearly demonstrated that a structured team environment does not keep him on the straight and narrow.

Illogical argument. Because he has screwed up in the past in a structured environment does not mean that an unstructured environment is better for him. A person with low discipline needs more DISCIPLINE. That's logical. A structured environment gives him the best chance for success. Will he fail again? Maybe, but he might succeed too. His best chance for success is within a structured environment.

He was driving drunk and was driving over 100mph at night on a highway that had cross-traffic. This is reckless and criminal behavior. Nobody was hurt, but Koren cannot control whether there are other vehicles on the road when he goes on a bender. Lucky for him that there wasn't any cross-traffic this time.

Exactly right. Lucky for him THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN! His wreckless behavior will be dealt with legally.

I don't like the signing, because it fails the cost-benefit analysis: the potential for enormous harm is large enough that it outweighs the likelihood that he probably will help the team win a game or three.

Cost/Benefit Analysis: I see this as a huge WIN. I don't agree that ENORMOUS HARM will be done. How?

Koren has had a number of chances ... he has been fined, suspended, and fired by his team before ... and all this happened before the incident this summer. Eventually you have to realize that he's one of thse guys who might make nice for a while, but isn't going to change.

The first part of your argument is correct. He's had chances before, and he's screwed them up. The second part, I disagree with. Time will tell, but he is 26 years old, and his problem is one that millions of people conquer. He has a good environment in which to succeed.

Packer people can't fix him. Maybe professional help can, but he won't have much time for that when he's busy practicing, traveling and playing for a pro football team. His free time will be late at night after practices and games ... the perfect time for him to get in more trouble.

This is EXACTLY where Packer People CAN help him. I'll go out on a limb and say his influential Packer teammates (I'm guessing that Driver, Jennings will be his buddies...) won't be renting boats for latenight parties...(cheap shot, I know, but the point is valid). These guys are family men and Koren will do well for himself to hang with these guys.

But the decision has been made, so I'll hope he keeps it together until his inevitable one-year suspension.

You and me both.

[the_idle_threat]

Once again, I agree with ol' Cliffy ...

Shame, shame on Thompson and the Packers

Posted: Sept. 11, 2006
by Cliff Christl




Green Bay - What happens if Koren Robinson kills somebody in Wisconsin driving drunk or fleeing the police?

Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson wore a smile late Monday afternoon as he prepared to meet the media in the Lambeau Field atrium to announce the signing of wide receiver and kick returner Koren Robinson. When that was the first question fired at Thompson following his brief introductory remarks, he turned ashen and somber as he tried to collect himself and provide an answer.

"Oh, I can't answer anything like that," Thompson said after a two-second pause. "There's issues in his past that obviously he's made some mistakes, but most of those issues are covered under the confidentiality of the NFL and the NFLPA. There's programs set up and that sort of thing, and that's where that lies."

Maybe if Thompson had given that potential tragedy some thought prior to that moment, he might have come to his senses and not been standing there. Because he hadn't, he should have answered, "The blood, or at least some splattering of it, will be on my hands."

Chilling?

You bet it's a chilling thought. When the local professional football team signs a player less than a month after he has been arrested for allegedly driving drunk at more than 100 miles an hour and refusing to stop for police, that is what should be foremost on the minds of the people of Wisconsin, most of whom are good, loyal fans of the Packers. We shouldn't be thinking about whether this troubled player can help this troubled team win an extra game or two.

This was a move that deserves no mercy when it comes to criticism and only a chilling look at what could be the most chilling consequences of it.

Maybe there's little risk if Robinson merely suffers a relapse with his alcohol addiction. But if that relapse leads to death, something that Thompson apparently viewed as the unthinkable, the damage done to the Packers will be tsunami-like.

Is Thompson really that stupid to risk the reputation, the kindred spirit and the good will that one of the most storied franchises in sports has built with its community and its fans over 80-some years?

Could Thompson not figure out beforehand that if Robinson goes astray in any way that gives the Packers a black eye he might erase almost all of the positive feelings that were created under his mentor, Ron Wolf, following the bleak 1980s, when the Packers were habitual losers both on and off the field?

Why didn't chief executive officer Bob Harlan, chief operating officer John Jones and the executive committee overrule Thompson in the case?

Is Harlan willing to risk his legacy during his final year in office on Koren Robinson not tarnishing the image of the franchise? Have the members of the committee completely lost their spine?

This is a player who has at least two strikes against him in the NFL's substance-abuse program. This is a player who has had repeated problems with alcohol over his six years in the league, perhaps leaving him on pace to become football's version of Steve Howe.

Yes, it's best if the executive committee doesn't interfere with football decisions. And, yes, it always has been pretty much a rubber stamp for whatever the general manager and coach want.

But this was more than just a football decision.

Again, and it can't be emphasized enough, this was a decision to sign a player who within the last month endangered lives in one of the most reckless ways possible.

A player who was released by the rival Minnesota Vikings because they no longer wanted to deal with the problems he created.

How many mothers and fathers, or any of you for that matter, want this player living in your neighborhood or driving your streets at night?

True enough, the National Football League isn't the Boy Scouts. It's automatically assumed that if a city has a franchise, it's going to be harboring players with arrest records, convictions, you name it.

If the Packers, or any other teams for that matter, limited itself to signing only good citizens, they couldn't compete in what some, in an attempt at dark humor, have called the National Felony League.

Nor would most people be naïve enough in these parts to believe that since the days of Johnny Blood there haven't been Packers going out at night, imbibing too much and driving. Probably most of us who live in this state, at least those of us 21 and older, have driven at some time or another after having too much to drink.

Had the Packers signed Randy Moss or Terrell Owens or any other malcontent or controversial figure, it would have drawn no quarrel here. The 1996 Super Bowl champs included players with troubled pasts. Andre Rison, Tyrone Williams, even Brett Favre come to mind.

But Robinson, at least for now, so soon after his most recent incident, can't offer anything but hollow promises that he'll get his life together and not repeat his senseless behavior that had him racing back to the Vikings' training camp in Mankato with an alleged 0.11 blood-alcohol content.

That's why Thompson and the Packers will be culpable for any calamities or tragedies that Robinson might bring to pass here. Under almost any other circumstances, it would be unfair to blame Thompson or the Packers for trouble caused by their players.

They're employers, not babysitters.

But they wouldn't deserve impunity in this case. They certainly couldn't plead ignorance.

The potential downside here so outweighs the potential gains that somebody, somewhere in the organization with any kind of authority should have had the good sense to speak up and short-circuit the move.

Then again, maybe that's why this team appears to be in a free fall and is even willing to once again risk becoming the squalor it was back in the days when no player symbolized it any better than Mossy Cade.

[cpk1994]

Anyone know what the blood alcohal legal limit is in MN?

The stuff I've seen says that every state in the union is at .08 now. Minnesota was one of the last to go to the .08 limit, but that's what it is now, according to my sources.

Yes. The federal government blackmailed all the states into changing to .08 by witholding highway funds from any state who refused. And also remember that Ray Lewis was thought to be fucked as well but as we can all see he is still playing. Koren's suspension is not an automatic guarnatee. I like the signing only because they can cut him with no penalty if he is suspended or screws up once. And he can't be any worse than Fergie, can he?

[Fosco33]

I agree with you Harv, 100%. I loved the guy as a player and person in general. But he has had his second chance and blown it. I don't want to hear any Packer fans ever talk about being the "great" organization anymore and the Vikings being the "classless" ones.

Should all alcoholics be fired from their jobs?
Or just alcoholics who drive 100 mph?
How about the nonalcoholic who drives 100 mph?

These questions trouble me, and I really would like to hear others comments.

On top of that - how bout people who speed while on their cell phones? That's just as bad as light D&D, IMO.

If you have a contract that stipulates that you won't drink and you do, you could be fired - I know a lot of my brother's co-workers (electricians) who've been canned for coming into work still drunk (after a bender).

Brett and Chewy used to be the biggest drunks in town and probably got away with a few things in their days. Then Brett got hooked on the pills and played high - granted he's cleaned up since but there were at least two 'character' strikes against our most beloved player in 3 decades of Packer football.

Is this thread getting to the yet?

[vince]

Being a recovering alcoholic myself of 4 years and being only 24 years old I understand the pressures in life that he is facing. Living in Wisconsin where every social event is planned around drinking its not an easy life, he's still a young man and has a lot of growing up to do and he faces a disease that's hard to understand and hard to contain. I give him a lot of credit for what he has accomplished thus far, there's always gonna be bumps in the road he just has to get up and dust himself off. I know I went from wanting to die every morning or afternoon when I woke up to living a very successful life now after walking the path of sobriety, so hopefully he can do the same. There are many success stories like mine amongst the sober circle and if he's willing he can do the same. It's okay that I broke my anonymity because I did it anonymously lol.

Thanks for sharing that footballfever.

[Rastak]

" ones.

Should all alcoholics be fired from their jobs?
Or just alcoholics who drive 100 mph?
How about the nonalcoholic who drives 100 mph?

These questions trouble me, and I really would like to hear others comments.

Fired? No...put in prison, yes....Robinson was fired and you know what's on deck....

[Guiness]

Wow - lots of opinions here, valid ooints on both sides.

As far as the 'character risk' think, I think all teams have to manage that. Football is a vicously violent sport, and the personalities types that it takes to play it well are going to lean towards extreme ones.

I think a team has to look at their recent history, and strength of character on the team, and current PR standing to decide if they can affoard another incident. And sometimes they gamble on risks too much, and cross the line - witness the Bengals current situation - that's a powder keg, and despite a talented team, it could really blow up on them.

IMO If the Vikins hadn't had a bad run lately (ya, ya, the boat party, some other small stuff) they would've held onto KRob - he is a probowl player, after all. But they looked at the situation, and decided their PR position wasn't a good one. I think Viking fans are kidding themselves if they think it was done for purely honorable intentions.

The Pack looked at their situation, which has been pretty good. Cory Rodger and Carrol's minor arrests, and decided the potential fallout from another hit was acceptable.

[Oscar]

I've just read the posts here but maby I'll take my shot. I don't have a problem picking this guy up. Hell, I've had many second and even third chances in life. I have alot of first hand experience on the effects that alcohol can have on ones life. I have drove my car well over 100 mph drunk with three of my best friends with me. I thank God everyday that I kept it between the white lines and we didn't get caught. Not one of my proud moments in life... If this guy can get into a program.. Hit a few AA meetings a week and prove to himself that he wants to be sober things may work out. It's a one day at a time kinda deal. Hope Koren gets it right this time. And the not wanting us Packer fans to talk about our great organization....on a Packer forum...

[Patler]

Fired? No...put in prison, yes....Robinson was fired and you know what's on deck....

Yes I do. A prolonged legal battle that may not have a decision until next off season, and at that has an uncertain result (again, not that I agree with that, just the reality of it).

[jack's smirking revenge]

And here's to you, Mr. Robinson
Teddy loves you more than you do know (Wo, wo, wo)
God bless you please, Mr. Robinson
The Hall holds a place for those who play
(Hey, hey, hey...hey, hey, hey)

We'd like to know a little bit about you for our files
We'd like to help you learn to help yourself
Look around you, all you see are sympathetic eyes
Stroll around the grounds until you feel at home

And here's to you, Mr. Robinson
Teddy loves you more than you do know (Wo, wo, wo)
God bless you please, Mr. Robinson
The Hall holds a place for those who play
(Hey, hey, hey...hey, hey, hey)

Hide it in a hiding place where no one ever goes
Put it in your pantry with your creatine
It's a little secret, just the Robinsons' affair
Most of all, you've got to hide it from the fans

Coo, coo, ca-choo, Mr. Robinson
Teddy loves you more than you do know (Wo, wo, wo)
God bless you please, Mr. Robinson
The Hall holds a place for those who play
(Hey, hey, hey...hey, hey, hey)

Sitting on a sofa on a Sunday afternoon
Watching NFL on the dish
Laugh about it, shout about it
When you've got to choose
Ev'ry way you look at it, you lose

Where have you gone, Vince Lombardi
A nation turns its lonely eyes to you (Woo, woo, woo)
What's that you say, Mr. Robinson
Saint Vince has left and gone away
(Hey, hey, hey...hey, hey, hey)

[red]

I agree with you Harv, 100%. I loved the guy as a player and person in general. But he has had his second chance and blown it. I don't want to hear any Packer fans ever talk about being the "great" organization anymore and the Vikings being the "classless" ones.

Should all alcoholics be fired from their jobs?
Or just alcoholics who drive 100 mph?
How about the nonalcoholic who drives 100 mph?

These questions trouble me, and I really would like to hear others comments.

100% agree with you here patler.

i almost made the exact same post earlier

[Pack0514]

I did not read this whole thread so if it was discussed, I apologize...... but who did the Packers release to make room for Robinson?

[red]

I did not read this whole thread so if it was discussed, I apologize...... but who did the Packers release to make room for Robinson?

i don't think we ever got that far.

right off the bat this turned into a discusion about how nfl players that drink and drive should be given the chair and never be allowed to work again. even though the rest of the world is allowed to go on living when they do it, with little more then a slap on the wrist