Josh Cribbs Is Expected To Skip Browns Minicamp

[plumcrazy73]

http://www.profootballtalk.com/category/rumor-mill/

 

Josh Cribbs Is Expected To Skip Browns Minicamp

Posted by Mike Florio on May 18, 2009, 7:06 a.m.

 

Our own John Taylor of CFT, who also writes for The Orange and Brown Report, writes that Browns receiver/kick returner Josh Cribbs will be skipping the first full-squad minicamp of coach Eric Mangini’s tenure with the team.

 

Per Taylor, there’s “virtually no chance” that Cribbs will report for the camp, which opens Tuesday.

 

The problem is that Cribbs inked a long-term deal before he became a high-end return specialist. And so he’s under contract for four more seasons, with base salaries of $620,000 in 2009, $635,000 in 2010, $650,000 in 2011, and $790,000 in 2012.

 

He also can earn up to $400,000 in incentives each year, and he’s eligible for $25,000 in annual workout bonuses.

 

Agent J.R. Rickert declined comment on the situation, but he told Taylor that a statement regarding the situation will be released tonight.

 

The problem is one that has become all-too familiar for Mangini-coached teams. Cribbs claims that he was promised that he “would be taken care of” after the 2008 season by owner Randy Lerner, former coach Romeo Crennel, and former G.M. Phil Savage. To date, no progress has been made in that direction.

 

During Mangini’s three years with the Jets, three different players made similar claims: guard Pete Kendall, receiver Laveranues Coles, and tight end Chris Baker.

 

Taylor reports that, after the arrival of the Magini-Kokinis regime, Cribbs was told that the team would focus on fixing his contract after the 2009 draft. Three weeks later, no progress has been made.

 

Of course, that all could change today, once the team realizes that Cribbs won’t be attending the camp that opens Tuesday.

 

[plumcrazy73]

http://www.profootballtalk.com/category/rumor-mill/

 

Door Remains Open For Cribbs To Report For Minicamp

Posted by Mike Florio on May 18, 2009, 9:32 a.m.

 

As our own John Taylor of CFT has reported for The Orange and Brown Report, Browns receiver/kick returner Josh Cribbs currently plans to boycott a voluntary minicamp that opens Tuesday.

 

A league source tells us, however, that the door remains open for Cribbs to decide to participate.

 

We’re told that if, the team demonstrates today sufficient interest in adjusting Cribbs’ contract to reflect his performance over the two seasons since he signed it, then Cribbs will report tomorrow for the minicamp.

 

The source also reiterated that Cribbs’ discontent arises from the fact that the organization has failed to fulfill a promised redo Cribbs’ deal.

 

Apparently, G.M. George Kokinis has taken the position that the new regime in Cleveland should not be bound by the promises made by former G.M. Phil Savage and former head coach Romeo Crennel.

 

But there are two problems with this argument.

 

First, Taylor reports (and we’ve confirmed) that owner Randy Lerner has reiterated the commitment since the hiring of Kokinis and coach Eric Mangini.

 

Second, if the new regime shouldn’t be bound by the promises made by the prior regime, then the players shouldn’t be bound by promises made to the prior regime, either.

 

But the first point is the stronger one. If the owner has promised following the terminations of Savage and Crennel that the situation will be rectified, then it doesn’t matter that the promise was first made when Savage and Crennel were still employed.

 

Regardless of how it all turns out, Cribbs is now the fourth player in three years who claims that a team coached by Eric Mangini has broken a promise to address a contractual complaint. The first three played for Mangini’s last team, the Jets.

 

We wonder who the next one in Cleveland will be.

 

[Dan in Florida]

I think I'll wait before buying a rope to string up Mangini. The media is always looking to take swipes at him. He, so far, has looked good when given proper time to see what comes out of the wash.

 

I'm a Cribbs fan & I think this will all be resolved.

[Gips]

Cribbs deserves a better contract and i dont blame him..the organization needs to fix this yesterday before it festers into a problem....

[ballpeen]

Life in the fast lane.

 

I like Cribbs and don't want to lose him, but if he is going to hold a gun to our heads, I would politely tell him we really don't have to do anything until 2012 and that being a thorn in the side usually isn't the best way to get people to do you a favor.

 

 

[choco]

he's still only a returner....

 

all these projections everyone makes of him being a receiver.....a DB....even a RB or LB are only hopeful at best. he's a definitely has football in his heart, and has oodles of athletic ability. thats not whats in question.....

 

but until he proves, on the field, that he can be effective at another position......he's still only a returner/gunner.....getting paid that salary.

[budcarson]

UH OH:

 

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/05/18/...sh-cribbs-fire/

Browns Throw Jet Fuel On The Josh Cribbs Fire

Posted by Mike Florio on May 18, 2009, 1:28 p.m.

The Cleveland Browns have responded to reports regarding receiver/kick returner Josh Cribbs’ intent to skip a voluntary minicamp because he believes that the team has not honored a promise to adjust his contract.

 

And, as a league source tells us, the Browns’ statement is going to cause Cribbs to react even more negatively.

 

The statement reads: “Contrary to published reports this morning, no one from the current Browns organization, including Owner Randy Lerner, has ever made any promises to Josh Cribbs with regard to his contract status.”

 

Our source suggested that an additional sentence be added to the statement: “Nor has anyone from the Cleveland Browns ever told the truth about this issue.”

 

We tend to believe our source on this one. We’ve now been told by multiple sources that Lerner advised Cribbs after the termination of G.M. Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel that Cribbs’ contract would be addressed.

 

Also, the Browns’ statement implicitly confirms our understanding that new G.M. George Kokinis is taking the position that the “current” regime should not be bound by the promises of the former regime.

 

Where this all leads remains to be seen. In our view, it’s the clearest sign yet that turmoil remains within the Browns organization.

 

[plumcrazy73]

http://www.profootballtalk.com/category/rumor-mill/

 

Browns Throw Jet Fuel On The Josh Cribbs Fire

Posted by Mike Florio on May 18, 2009, 1:28 p.m.

 

The Cleveland Browns have responded to reports regarding receiver/kick returner Josh Cribbs’ intent to skip a voluntary minicamp because he believes that the team has not honored a promise to adjust his contract.

 

And, as a league source tells us, the Browns’ statement is going to cause Cribbs to react even more negatively.

 

The statement reads: “Contrary to published reports this morning, no one from the current Browns organization, including Owner Randy Lerner, has ever made any promises to Josh Cribbs with regard to his contract status.”

 

Our source suggested that an additional sentence be added to the statement: “Nor has anyone from the Cleveland Browns ever told the truth about this issue.”

 

We tend to believe our source on this one. We’ve now been told by multiple sources that Lerner advised Cribbs after the termination of G.M. Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel that Cribbs’ contract would be addressed.

 

Also, the Browns’ statement implicitly confirms our understanding that new G.M. George Kokinis is taking the position that the “current” regime should not be bound by the promises of the former regime.

 

Where this all leads remains to be seen. In our view, it’s the clearest sign yet that turmoil remains within the Browns organization.

 

[Dan in Florida]

In response to budbarson:

Maybe Norwood makes the team (as a returner) now.

 

In response to plumcrazy73:

Maybe Norwood makes the team (as a returner) now.

[YtownBrownsBacker]

http://www.profootballtalk.com/category/rumor-mill/

 

Josh Cribbs Is Expected To Skip Browns Minicamp

Posted by Mike Florio on May 18, 2009, 7:06 a.m.

 

 

The problem is that Cribbs inked a long-term deal before he became a high-end return specialist. And so he’s under contract for four more seasons, with base salaries of $620,000 in 2009, $635,000 in 2010, $650,000 in 2011, and $790,000 in 2012.

 

He also can earn up to $400,000 in incentives each year, and he’s eligible for $25,000 in annual workout bonuses.

 

Agent J.R. Rickert declined comment on the situation, but he told Taylor that a statement regarding the situation will be released tonight.

 

The problem is one that has become all-too familiar for Mangini-coached teams. Cribbs claims that he was promised that he “would be taken care of” after the 2008 season by owner Randy Lerner, former coach Romeo Crennel, and former G.M. Phil Savage. To date, no progress has been made in that direction.

 

I agree the salary doesn't compute to his production but listing his yearly salary isn't a true measurement because he got $2 million up front in this deal. I love Cribbs, but doesn't anybody ever honor a contract anymore. I think Cribbs signed this contract, with his agents advice and in good faith. I think he was very happy when he put that $2 million in his pocket, but now things don't compute to him. Didn't he opp for security when he took the money up front instead of non guaranteed year to year contracts with a higher yearly dollar amount. I could see the current administration putting in some additional incentives but again, he wanted the guaranteed bucks up front.

 

Hey, I love Cribbs, as I said, and I think things will get worked out, but this isn't his rookie contract. He pushed for a deal with up front money he wanted for his family security and got it and signed it.

 

Let's go Josh, honor it.

[TheClevelandSound]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4174911

 

 

Heres a reliable source:

 

Joshua Cribbs, upset because the Cleveland Browns haven't tried to renegotiate a contract he believes he's outperformed, could sit out the next two weeks of voluntary minicamp and might be close to asking for a trade, a source said.

 

A 2007 Pro Bowl selection, Cribbs has developed into one of the most versatile players in the NFL. He's averaged 1,945 all-purpose yards over the past three seasons.

 

One of the game's most dangerous return specialists, Cribbs is also a threat as a receiver and a running back. New Browns coach Eric Mangini even has plans to use Cribbs at cornerback for around 18 plays a game.

 

 

His complaint is a seven-year, $6.77 million contract extension he signed in 2006. According to a source, the Browns acknowledged to Cribbs last season he had outperformed his contract.

 

He has 2,312 all-purpose yards in 2007, a season in which he earned a Pro Bowl selection. Last year, he had 1,523 all-purpose yards. He had 15 less kickoff returns last season but consistently has been able to break one or two returns for touchdowns a season.

 

Cribbs stayed quiet about his contract in 2008, anticipating a move from the team.

 

Coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Phil Savage lost their jobs at the end of the season, and Cribbs hoped the new administration would act on the remaining four years of his deal.

 

He's scheduled to make $645,000 this season. The source said he was recently informed that Mangini didn't want to change the contract.

 

The Browns have voluntary minicamps Tuesday through Thursday this week and next week.

 

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

 

[choco]

In response to budbarson:

Maybe Norwood makes the team (as a returner) now.

 

In response to plumcrazy73:

Maybe Norwood makes the team (as a returner) now.

i could live with that. kids got hands like JJ......maybe small, but not afraid of contact.

 

i enjoyed watching him more than butler and williams....

[budcarson]

Heres a reliable source:

 

?? Not sure why PFT would be less reliable than Clayton.

 

[gcfeldma]

Losing Cribbs would be devastating. He is one of the best multi-purpose threats in the NFL, and can be used on offense, special teams, and even on defense as a corner. He is a premier athlete.

 

Mangini has a history of treating players badly. He needs to stop that now, or Cribbs will be elsewhere scoring touchdowns.

 

Meanwhile, the Bungles are still awful! Check out this blog I found about them, it is absolutely hilarious.

http://popcornmuscles.com/2009/05/tj/

 

[HowieDawg]

Cribbs should get a hike, he's a great player and I love to watch him and am pleased we have him. But I don't think Mangini is a man to back down. I'd say he is ten times more stubborn than your average mule and won't back down from the current stance. Whether or not he makes a good decision, he sticks by them. I think this is something we have to get used to for the next few years.

 

[We need Tom Tupa]

I agree the salary doesn't compute to his production but listing his yearly salary isn't a true measurement because he got $2 million up front in this deal. I love Cribbs, but doesn't anybody ever honor a contract anymore. I think Cribbs signed this contract, with his agents advice and in good faith. I think he was very happy when he put that $2 million in his pocket, but now things don't compute to him. Didn't he opp for security when he took the money up front instead of non guaranteed year to year contracts with a higher yearly dollar amount. I could see the current administration putting in some additional incentives but again, he wanted the guaranteed bucks up front.

 

Hey, I love Cribbs, as I said, and I think things will get worked out, but this isn't his rookie contract. He pushed for a deal with up front money he wanted for his family security and got it and signed it.

 

Let's go Josh, honor it.

Do you know what the numbers were on this nonguaranteed contract you're sure he was offered? You really think it would have fairly compensated him?

 

I understand the argument that guys should play out the deal they signed when you are talking about a superstar signing a huge deal and then coming back later because his ego cant handle that other guys are getting paid more. But Cribbs is going to be paid about 2/3 of the MEDIAN salary on the team. We pay over half the roster more than we pay Cribbs. Think about this in your own office; would you show up happy when you're one of the best producers for your company and every new hire is getting paid at least 50% more than you? Me neither.

[budcarson]

Do you know what the numbers were on this nonguaranteed contract you're sure he was offered? You really think it would have fairly compensated him?

 

I understand the argument that guys should play out the deal they signed when you are talking about a superstar signing a huge deal and then coming back later because his ego cant handle that other guys are getting paid more. But Cribbs is going to be paid about 2/3 of the MEDIAN salary on the team. We pay over half the roster more than we pay Cribbs. Think about this in your own office; would you show up happy when you're one of the best producers for your company and every new hire is getting paid at least 50% more than you? Me neither.

 

 

And let's not pretend that there is no advantage to a team from a cap management perspective to give up front money and longer term deals over which they can amortize the bonus money paid.

[choco]

how is a KR/PR and tackler one of our most productive?

 

i love the kid, but damn, you'd think he was our entire offense and defense......

 

Tupe: conversely, how should the rest of the players feel if they're getting paid less than a ST'er?

[ballpeen]

Do you know what the numbers were on this nonguaranteed contract you're sure he was offered? You really think it would have fairly compensated him?

 

I understand the argument that guys should play out the deal they signed when you are talking about a superstar signing a huge deal and then coming back later because his ego cant handle that other guys are getting paid more. But Cribbs is going to be paid about 2/3 of the MEDIAN salary on the team. We pay over half the roster more than we pay Cribbs. Think about this in your own office; would you show up happy when you're one of the best producers for your company and every new hire is getting paid at least 50% more than you? Me neither.

 

I actually agree with you and in most cases take the side of the player. In this case, with Cribbs having received a new deal last year, I am not as eager to jump in to the renegotiation mode.

 

I am not against it, but I don't agree with the holdout part at this point.

 

It is the only card he holds to be honest, and a weak one since 4 years remain and think it is far to early to make that play.

 

The fact he is holding out tells me we have talked to him(his agent) and they don't like the numbers being discussed.

 

I don't buy we told him or his agent we would take care of him....really, any attorney worth a salt knows how that ends up....you know that.

 

If he is going to hold out, it might as well be just before real camp when he has a little more leverage.

 

The Browns have all the leverage. They hold the contract he eagerly signed and have a new coach who is going to start talking about players not in camp risk getting to far behind to matter. In Cribbs case, that does matter since the team was looking at some new roles for him.

 

I think he is receiving poor counsel.

[budcarson]

how is a KR/PR and tackler one of our most productive?

 

i love the kid, but damn, you'd think he was our entire offense and defense......

 

Tupe: conversely, how should the rest of the players feel if they're getting paid less than a ST'er?

 

 

granted, this article is a year old now, but give it a read for some insight into his value (that ignores his coverage abilities or the idea of incorporating him more into the offense/defense)

 

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/blog/?p=537

 

edit: he signed his last deal before playing the season described in the article

[YtownBrownsBacker]

Losing Cribbs would be devastating. He is one of the best multi-purpose threats in the NFL, and can be used on offense, special teams, and even on defense as a corner. He is a premier athlete.

 

Mangini has a history of treating players badly. He needs to stop that now, or Cribbs will be elsewhere scoring touchdowns.

 

I wondered why all those Jets followed Mangini here. Must be because he treated them so bad. Guys with simular reps; Belichick, Parcels and Tom Coughlin all have one thing in common....................their winners.

 

I would think that is more of a media perception then a rep earned by abusing players and screwing them around about their contracts. So, let me get this, Mangini is showing disrespect because Savage said he would look at Cribbs's contract. A contract Cribbs signed with a $2 million bonus guaranteed money up front without having his arm twisted. One he noted at the time he wanted for his family's future security.

 

How's Mangini the bad guy here?

 

But, the bottom line is Cribbs may stay away from mini camp, but he will be there for regular camp and he will be there suited up when the season starts. This same situation is played out by every team every year with one or more players and it isn't really a big deal.

 

I think Cribbs has outplayed his contract and I surely believe this team needs him, but he should be pissing on his agent who got a percentage. This wasn't his rookie contract that he outplayed, this is an extention with a generious catch up bonus that he signed. Maybe his agent needs to do a little better job for him and get some incentives added for playing time and production and pro bowls.

 

It will get worked out and Cribbs will play. Might not be the happiest camper but he will honor it and in the end, I believe the Browns will do right by him.

 

But, Mangini's fault? He treats his players bad? How the hell did that get in this conversation about Cribbs? Wasn't Cribbs the first guy to go into his office and sit and talk to him and said what all positive things about the guy?

 

Mangini's fault because he has a rep for treating people bad?................................LOL

[Tobalaz]

Wasn't Cribbs thrilled with that 2 mill last season until Hester got an even bigger contract?

I love the kid and want to see him stick around, but shouldn't he play one season on EM and THEN ask for more money depending on how much more time he's seeing the field?

 

[NebBrownsFan]

Losing Cribbs would be devastating. He is one of the best multi-purpose threats in the NFL, and can be used on offense, special teams, and even on defense as a corner. He is a premier athlete.

 

Mangini has a history of treating players badly. He needs to stop that now, or Cribbs will be elsewhere scoring touchdowns.

 

Meanwhile, the Bungles are still awful! Check out this blog I found about them, it is absolutely hilarious.

http://popcornmuscles.com/2009/05/tj/

 

How is Cribbs going to be elsewhere scoring TDs? He's under contract for 4 more years. He isn't going anywhere unless the front office chooses that route.

 

IMO Cribbs will probably get a new deal, AFTER this season. AFTER Mangini incorporates him more into the offense, and possibly defense. AFTER Mangini sees what else Cribbs can do for the Browns. But I have to agree with Kokinis' stance. Why should a new front office, for any team, be held liable for promises made by the outgoing regime? IF a promise was made by Lerner, then its Lerner treating Cribbs bad, not Mangini.

[Dan in Florida]

Wasn't Cribbs thrilled with that 2 mill last season until Hester got an even bigger contract?

I love the kid and want to see him stick around, but shouldn't he play one season on EM and THEN ask for more money depending on how much more time he's seeing the field?

 

I think you nailed it Tobalaz!

 

Another thing, it's sort of funny how RAC/Savage would make contract promises KNOWING they were on the HOT SEAT and may not even be here to deal with it the next year... "I'll fix the next guys!"

[Guest AdaM]

Cribbs...what a d-bag.....

 

He is such a moron and a roid monkey....

 

Honestly, all the rivalry stuff aside, this is extrememly embarrassing for the Browns. I guarantee this will have a trickle down effect with his teammates. I'd be embarrassed as hell to have this guy as a teammate.......

 

 

 

No one cares how much you like cock, piss off.

[Spunkonmyback DPOY]

No one cares how much you like cock, piss off.

Just mocking the same things Browns fans say about every Steeler...

[Dan in Florida]

Yet ANOTHER troll added to my IGNORE list. Always trying to change a Thread into a PISSBURGH thread.

 

Nice NOT seeing yinz anymore!

 

 

THIS IS WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE NOW:

 

[YtownBrownsBacker]

Wasn't Cribbs thrilled with that 2 mill last season until Hester got an even bigger contract?

I love the kid and want to see him stick around, but shouldn't he play one season on EM and THEN ask for more money depending on how much more time he's seeing the field?

 

Absolutely, my point exactly...................................and then they kick Mangini in the ass because of he's noted for treating players bad.......................WTF. How's any of this on Mangini, he just wants to put his new system in at mini camp.

[We need Tom Tupa]

how is a KR/PR and tackler one of our most productive?

 

i love the kid, but damn, you'd think he was our entire offense and defense......

 

Tupe: conversely, how should the rest of the players feel if they're getting paid less than a ST'er?

Let's ask them. Many of them are paid less than our long snapper right now. He makes 2-3x what Cribbs does. Cribbs also makes less than 46 kickers and punters did last year. I sincerely doubt that the team would revolt if Cribbs made as much as Zastudil. I'm not saying he should be making starting LT money, but he gets peanuts relative to the rest of the league.

 

According to John Taylor, all Cribbs is looking for is incentives based on his offensive production. He signed a deal that made sense for an inexperienced KR. If he continues to be the best at that position, the best ST player overall in the entire league, he gets the same lousy contract that you all want him stuck with. If he becomes a valuable member of the offense, he gets paid for it. What's the problem? What am I missing? You're really attached to Lerner's profit margins?

[Canton Mike]

Wasn't Cribbs thrilled with that 2 mill last season until Hester got an even bigger contract?

I love the kid and want to see him stick around, but shouldn't he play one season on EM and THEN ask for more money depending on how much more time he's seeing the field?

 

That's my thought. Personally, I don't agree with all the "re-negotiating" existing contracts that is going on these days, but it IS happening. In Cribb's case, his limited role on special teams does not call for a re-negotiation. Now, if Mangini plays him extensively at safety or elsewhere in addition to special teams duty, or plays him as a regular on defense and/or offense, then I would agree the contract should be looked at AFTER this season due to full time playing status, if that's what happens.

The Browns have upheld their end of the signed contract...Cribbs needs to honor his signature until it runs out or there is significant change in his playing status.

Mike