Well … CRAP
I’ve got to say, that the Calvin Pace suspension really sucks. Here’s some of my thoughts about what it means to the Jets in 2009.
It’s Final — If you look at the team’s statement they are not going to fight it at this point. If they did it was already done behind closed doors. Don’t look for any appeals here, Pace won’t be playing until the Miami game, it’s that simple.
It’s Not Clear What He Took — He mentions that it was an over-the-counter supplement, but it boggles my mind how multi-million dollar athletes don’t have someone who checks this stuff for them. The team has at least two strength & conditioning coaches, and probably has a dietician, not to mention the rest of the medical staff. You’d imagine that the team even pays someone to help players with this sort of stuff. It disappoints me that they don’t take advantage of those resources, it basically seems like wasted money and wasted games now.
It Makes a Big Difference On Defense — Now granted, Kris Jenkins wasn’t there too, but think back to 2006 & 2007 when Victor Hobson was playing over his head as an OLB. Now granted, Vernon Gholston has much more upside than Hobson, and Jammal Westermann might have had a good spring, but there’s no one on the team who can step in and fill Pace’s shoes to the degree which Pace played last season. The team is going to have to scheme around this, and I won’t be suprised if there are a lot of four man fronts.
It Comes During A Tough Part of the Season — When you look at the four games he’s missing (@HOU, NE, TEN, @NO) three of those teams have the potential to be top offenses this season. Pace can put up decent numbers, but it’s also what he means off the ball, on setting the edge against a blocker that makes a big difference durig the course of the game. The Jets were able to neutralize RB Chris Johnson last season in the Tennessee game, and part of that was the work of guys like Pace to not allow him to turn the corner. Losing
It Doesn’t Make Much of a Cap Difference — You’d think with his big contract, this would at least be a “bright side” situation. But the second year of Pace’s deal had a huge option bonus, but very little base pay. Pace was slated to make $750,000 for the season, so even if it represents a cap savings (I can’t imagine why it wouldn’t) the Jets only save about $176,000 on their cap.
At Least He Gets the Preseason — I’m glad that he can practice with the team, but I don’t know whether they will or should give him first team reps. The team has to get ready for the start of the season, and Calvin Pace will eventually come in and help, but it’s not until October. There’s four very important games to worry about first, and maybe a baptism by fire is what Gholston needs at this point.
Time for Gholston to Sack (Exchange) Up — Players always talk about it, but as players are down the depth chart, they have to make the most of the opportunities given to them. For Vernon Gholston, this would be a great time to work even harder than he has before, want to make plays more than he ever has before. This is his chance to show the league that he belongs, and he’s going to have some stiff opponents to do it against.
Filed under: Main Page, Opinion
why didn’t the jerk know…i find it hard to believe. Now we will see if Gohlston can step up and be who we drafted. Vernon-you best get your game face on!
We are facing 3 of the best offensive teams in football in the 1st 4 games…..we needed our best defensive players out there. At least it creates a competition during the preseason for Gholston and the kid from Rutgers.
Hard to believe that Pace simply walks into a GNC and buys something and OOPS, there’s a banned substance in it. If he doesn’t check what he puts in his body, the team ought to fine him an additional 4 games pay (I know they won’t, but give me a break, football is his job and to miss a qtr of the season like this is inexcusable).
Gholston HAS to get the snaps in the pre-season. He needs the experience. While not ideal whatsoever, this is great way to find out what we have in Gholston.
I blame the Jets.
Obviously these players are not very bright. They continuously make the same stupid mistake (I didn’t know what was going into my body) or they are lousy cheaters.
There is a very simple solution: Have your own supplement store. Have nutritionist/physicians/dietitians on staff stock it. No player is allowed to set foot in GNC.
The management should know they are dealing with idiots and make supplements idiot proof.
C. Pace, are you serious? What’s next, D. Revis assaulting a stripper and J Co accidentally shooting himself? It’s a slow time of the year for team news. I don’t want to hear anything but good news!
Time to step up Vernon:
http://turnonthejets.com/2009/07/02/pace-suspended-4-games-time-to-step-up-vernon/
http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/backpage/archives/2009/07/report_1.html
Heyyyyyy 1st Round Pick and Ainge for Marshall
Ainge is better than most of the QB’s they have.
VG will get a chance, but I doubt he shines.
And we couldn’t get a leaky gatorade cooler for Ainge, really? Ainge LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
hey the broncos are obviously stupid.
Good Point.
Its a pretty crummy situation. I just dont get what goes on in Jets land. Eric Ainge got busted last year. Jesse Chatman before that, though he tested positive before the Jets signed him. Now Calvin Pace. Unlike those other two this stings. All we can hope for is that this somehow makes VG stand out.
problem is that the stuff on the shelves at GNC is not regulated by the FDA so even if a banned substance isnt listed as an ingredient it could still be in there…not making excuses but thats the reality of it
The innocent story is that it was supplement and he didn’t realize what was in it. A somewhat more skeptical viewpoint is that he was juicing and using the supplement as a masking agent.
This is the break Gholston needs. Pace will be replaced like Wally Pipp and Vernon will be a superstar in this league…….. Dare to dream.
as the ever optimist and bright side of the coin Jets fan I am, at least he’ll be fresh down the stretch, because seasons are won in the last 8 games, slow starts suck, but teams that go far get hot late in the year.
Also VG will get a lot of attention in the coming weeks from the staff, they will make sure he is ready.
This guy is really a half an idiot. How do you take something without reading the damn label? Someone said it, and theyre right, some of these players are idiots. So many are smart, great guys/kids, but some really amaze you with things like this. Although, i wouldnt equate this to shooting yourself at a club or assaulting youre girlfriend. Whoever said that needs to stop smoking crack.
Its amazing that after the StarCaps incident more teams arent screening their players (=investments) supplements.
I apperciate Tim Graham for trying to “sugar-coat” things http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afceast/0-9-6/Pace-suspension-major-setback-for-Jets.html but stick to something else Tim.
Why no love for Marques Murrell? Everyone is assuming that It’s VG or Westerman that have to step up. But, IMO, it’s time for Murrell, who could be a hellacious pass rusher, to step up. VG is a 2nd year man, Westerman is a rookie…Murrell is in his 3rd year and the readiest to start and contribute. IMO, this guy can play defense:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSwFLnC7iZs&feature=related
dude was using some sht and couldnt flush it out cuz he got surprised by the test its that simple
Sack, I agree, Murrell has shown alot of motor on his pass rush. Him and trunsik have great motors and make the most out of their oppertunities.
Bassett, Could you please post that link from sackdance on Murrell… He lit a couple of people up real bad!
I hope Ryan is as tough as Mangini was about team discipline.
And Bryan Thomas better pick up the friggin pace or we will all be screwed! (You know what, pun intended)
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I agree this really sucks…Pace was a major acquasition and contributor of ours last season, but this is no different than if he had been injured. This is where you judge FO and coaching staff’s, except for the QB position, no player should make or break a season, there should be a viable contingency plan for every starting player on the team. Let’s see whta they come up with.