Full Version: Farewell, Freddie!
In one of the most widely expected developments in sports history wink , the Eagles have released Freddie Mitchell.
In an interview with ESPN, Mitchell (however did the network get that quiet, introverted, publicity-loathing man to open up... wink ) said that he went to the Eagles two months ago and asked to be let go since it isn't fair to have him and use him for just one or two catches per game. Hey, that's what he said, I'm just passing it on.
One gets a real sense of Mitchell's status with the Eagles when factors in the possibility that TO may sit out the year: even with that as a possibility, the Eagles didn't want Freddie.
~Adam
One gets a real sense of Mitchell's status with the Eagles when factors in the possibility that TO may sit out the year: even with that as a possibility, the Eagles didn't want Freddie.
~Adam
Why does Freddie run his mouth so? Why does he think he's so important? In part because the media gives him a platform. Tonight on Comcast Sportsnet instead of leading "SportsNite" (their version of Sportscenter) with the Phillies game, or the Kentucky Derby featuring the local horse, they start off with their "exclusive" interview with Mitchell.
By the way, something in the "Jock Talk" item needs to be clarified:
By the way, something in the "Jock Talk" item needs to be clarified:
QUOTE
On Friday, the Eagles released Mitchell, Coach Andy Reid tersely saying \"I told him I did not want him here\".
Actually, the Eagles just released a statement. That quote from Reid is a week old and was in reference to Mitchell's absence from minicamp: QUOTE
\"I spoke to him and told him I was excusing him from this [minicamp],\" coach Andy Reid said. \"I did not want him here. We'll just leave it at that.\"
My Gawd, the Chiefs are bringing in Mitchell for a look. What a horrible, horrible idea.
All these underachieving WRs like Johnnie Morton, Koren Robinson and Freddie Mitchell make me very happy the Vikes have solid gamers like Nate Burleson, Kelly Campbell, Marcus Robinson, Travis Taylor and the rookie Troy Williamson. Sure we lost Moss but we aren't stcuk with deadbeats like those guys. Silver lining I guess.
i don't think johnnie morton is an underachiever.
he's sexy as hell and gay-friendly, so maybe that colors my perception.
he's sexy as hell and gay-friendly, so maybe that colors my perception.
The Chiefs were going to sign Mitchell for the veteran minimum but Vermeil has had a change of heart and has chosen Az Hakim instead. Poor Freddie. frown
Well, if they only threw Freddie the ball more during his workout... wink
Now it looks like the Chiefs are going to sign Mitchell after Hakim bolts mini-camp. We are doomed.
Something's fishy here...excerpts from ESPN.com:
QUOTE
\"Az and his agent got together and they really felt his best situation was not here for him,\" Vermeil said following Friday's mini-camp practice, a session in which Hakim did not participate. \"Then he and I discussed it. I told you all along that I wanted what was best for him, and I think he's going to end up in New Orleans.\"
Hakim, 28, played the first two seasons of his NFL career under Vermeil, with the St. Louis Rams, who chose him in the fourth round of the 1998 draft. The two men forged a solid friendship and that relationship continued even after Vermeil temporarily retired from the NFL.
Various media outlets, including ESPN.com, reported earlier this week that Hakim, who had orally agreed to a one-year contract last week, had signed the deal. Asked Friday if Hakim had, indeed, signed the contract and then been released when he reconsidered it, Vermeil replied, \"Almost.\"
Almost? He practiced with the Chiefs Wednesday. Why would he do that if he didn't sign, and in fact was interested in the Saints? Why do I get the feeling that he signed the deal and the Chiefs let him out of it?
Hakim, 28, played the first two seasons of his NFL career under Vermeil, with the St. Louis Rams, who chose him in the fourth round of the 1998 draft. The two men forged a solid friendship and that relationship continued even after Vermeil temporarily retired from the NFL.
Various media outlets, including ESPN.com, reported earlier this week that Hakim, who had orally agreed to a one-year contract last week, had signed the deal. Asked Friday if Hakim had, indeed, signed the contract and then been released when he reconsidered it, Vermeil replied, \"Almost.\"
Q&A WR FREDDIE MITCHELL
Jun 18, 2005, 3:03:39 PM
Q: Could you talk about signing here and do you feel like second fiddle after Az Hakim ended up going in another direction?
MITCHELL: “Az Hakim is a great receiver. He knows the offense. I would have chose Az Hakim because he can come right in. He has been with Coach Vermeil before so it’s not really second fiddle. If you have football experience and you know about the game of football it’s two different offenses so it’s really not second fiddle.”
Q: The Chiefs are a team who have led the league in yards or second in scoring, how exciting is that to you?
MITCHELL: “It’s very exciting and in this offense it opens you up. With a West Coast offense you have to open yourself up. The plays are going to be there for me to make a play. I just want to help the team win and hopefully be utilized catching the ball. I am happy to be here. Unfortunately Az Hakim couldn’t come for reasons but I am happy and will make the best out of this.”
Q: Do you see a starting opportunity here?
MITCHELL: “It’s really the embryonic stage right now. There is a lot of learning to do. I have to meet Coach Joiner and study the playbook. There is definitely a lot of good competition out here. There are a lot of good young guys out here that are fighting for starting positions. This position is not giving to me I will have to earn it.”
Q: Did they give you any insurance on the issue about playing or starting?
MITCHELL: “This is the NFL. No job is guaranteed. Every year there is a young guy coming at you wanting to take your spot.”
Q: What do you bring to the Kansas City Chiefs?
MITCHELL: “I definitely have Super Bowl experience. If you look at the Eagles they are one of the big teams. They win and know how to win. I know how to do things professionally and I am a class work. I am a mean guy on the field.”
Q: They threw to the tight ends around here quite a bit is that good for a wide receiver ?
MITCHELL: “Tony Gonzalez opens up the offense. Any time you have a player like that you have to respect him on the field. That gives the receivers a lot of chances to be open. All these weapons are good things. I’ve been in an offense with a lot of weapons. I understand how to play a role.”
Q: Do you feel like you have something to prove?
MITCHELL: “Not at all. I am coming in here and learning the offense and I think the rest will take care of itself.”
Q: What happened in Philadelphia?
MITCHELL: “The quarterback and I didn’t get along really well like everyone thought we did. There was a lot of stuff that happened under the table that unfortunately we couldn’t make to a better situation. I love the team and I love the organization and I could walk back in there and play. The quarterback and I just didn’t get along.”
Q: Because you and the quarterback didn’t get along do you feel like you have a bad reputation?
MITCHELL: “Not at all. The media will say what they will say about you. You can ask any of my teammates on the Philadelphia Eagles and they will tell their thoughts as me as a team player. I wanted to feel more part of the win and wanted more catches so I can say I helped you win.”
Q: Do you see a lot of similarities between RBs Brian Westbrook and Priest Holmes?
MITCHELL: “No it’s too different. I think they have two different games. They both have their great qualities and both are great running backs in the league.”
Q: Do you have any Troy Brown in you at defensive back?
MITCHELL: “You know what I definitely could do it but you know what I just want to learn this offense. This offense is not that hard to learn but a west coast offense is very hard. I am just looking forward to being with a great coach like Coach Joiner to teach me.”
Jun 18, 2005, 3:03:39 PM
Q: Could you talk about signing here and do you feel like second fiddle after Az Hakim ended up going in another direction?
MITCHELL: “Az Hakim is a great receiver. He knows the offense. I would have chose Az Hakim because he can come right in. He has been with Coach Vermeil before so it’s not really second fiddle. If you have football experience and you know about the game of football it’s two different offenses so it’s really not second fiddle.”
Q: The Chiefs are a team who have led the league in yards or second in scoring, how exciting is that to you?
MITCHELL: “It’s very exciting and in this offense it opens you up. With a West Coast offense you have to open yourself up. The plays are going to be there for me to make a play. I just want to help the team win and hopefully be utilized catching the ball. I am happy to be here. Unfortunately Az Hakim couldn’t come for reasons but I am happy and will make the best out of this.”
Q: Do you see a starting opportunity here?
MITCHELL: “It’s really the embryonic stage right now. There is a lot of learning to do. I have to meet Coach Joiner and study the playbook. There is definitely a lot of good competition out here. There are a lot of good young guys out here that are fighting for starting positions. This position is not giving to me I will have to earn it.”
Q: Did they give you any insurance on the issue about playing or starting?
MITCHELL: “This is the NFL. No job is guaranteed. Every year there is a young guy coming at you wanting to take your spot.”
Q: What do you bring to the Kansas City Chiefs?
MITCHELL: “I definitely have Super Bowl experience. If you look at the Eagles they are one of the big teams. They win and know how to win. I know how to do things professionally and I am a class work. I am a mean guy on the field.”
Q: They threw to the tight ends around here quite a bit is that good for a wide receiver ?
MITCHELL: “Tony Gonzalez opens up the offense. Any time you have a player like that you have to respect him on the field. That gives the receivers a lot of chances to be open. All these weapons are good things. I’ve been in an offense with a lot of weapons. I understand how to play a role.”
Q: Do you feel like you have something to prove?
MITCHELL: “Not at all. I am coming in here and learning the offense and I think the rest will take care of itself.”
Q: What happened in Philadelphia?
MITCHELL: “The quarterback and I didn’t get along really well like everyone thought we did. There was a lot of stuff that happened under the table that unfortunately we couldn’t make to a better situation. I love the team and I love the organization and I could walk back in there and play. The quarterback and I just didn’t get along.”
Q: Because you and the quarterback didn’t get along do you feel like you have a bad reputation?
MITCHELL: “Not at all. The media will say what they will say about you. You can ask any of my teammates on the Philadelphia Eagles and they will tell their thoughts as me as a team player. I wanted to feel more part of the win and wanted more catches so I can say I helped you win.”
Q: Do you see a lot of similarities between RBs Brian Westbrook and Priest Holmes?
MITCHELL: “No it’s too different. I think they have two different games. They both have their great qualities and both are great running backs in the league.”
Q: Do you have any Troy Brown in you at defensive back?
MITCHELL: “You know what I definitely could do it but you know what I just want to learn this offense. This offense is not that hard to learn but a west coast offense is very hard. I am just looking forward to being with a great coach like Coach Joiner to teach me.”
Q: Is Freddie Mitchell signed, sealed and delivered?
DICK VERMEIL: “Yes he is. Freddie has signed with us and we’re very happy to have him here with us. He’s happy to be here. He’s an experienced receiver, a first round pick and one that we also rated a first round pick when he came out. He’s a good friend of mine; his attitude’s real good and Andy Reid gave him an outstanding recommendation.
“So we’ll give him a shot. It’ll be tough; it’ll be very competitive.”
Q: Is he going to be in the same position as Az Hakim, that he has to compete for a job? Nothing is guaranteed.
VERMEIL: “Nothing is guaranteed. He knows that. All he wants is an opportunity. We’ll give him an opportunity, but it’ll be very intense competition.”
Q: Will this be a good thing for him because of what he went through in Philadelphia last year?
VERMEIL: “I think anytime you get a fresh start it’s good and he’ll start fresh. I’m sure as a young receiver he made some mistakes in Philadelphia like they all do, like we all do. I think he’s matured and will do a good job in competing.”
Q: Will he fit in with the other guys in terms in terms of personality?
VERMEIL: “He really only had problems in Philadelphia with one guy, not the team. That happens from time to time. Andy Reid assured me he’s a good guy and he thought he was a good guy when he came out and he’ll fit in nicely.”
Q: Has he signed?
VERMEIL: “Yes, he has signed.”
DICK VERMEIL: “Yes he is. Freddie has signed with us and we’re very happy to have him here with us. He’s happy to be here. He’s an experienced receiver, a first round pick and one that we also rated a first round pick when he came out. He’s a good friend of mine; his attitude’s real good and Andy Reid gave him an outstanding recommendation.
“So we’ll give him a shot. It’ll be tough; it’ll be very competitive.”
Q: Is he going to be in the same position as Az Hakim, that he has to compete for a job? Nothing is guaranteed.
VERMEIL: “Nothing is guaranteed. He knows that. All he wants is an opportunity. We’ll give him an opportunity, but it’ll be very intense competition.”
Q: Will this be a good thing for him because of what he went through in Philadelphia last year?
VERMEIL: “I think anytime you get a fresh start it’s good and he’ll start fresh. I’m sure as a young receiver he made some mistakes in Philadelphia like they all do, like we all do. I think he’s matured and will do a good job in competing.”
Q: Will he fit in with the other guys in terms in terms of personality?
VERMEIL: “He really only had problems in Philadelphia with one guy, not the team. That happens from time to time. Andy Reid assured me he’s a good guy and he thought he was a good guy when he came out and he’ll fit in nicely.”
Q: Has he signed?
VERMEIL: “Yes, he has signed.”
This was the lead story on Comcast Sportsnet tonight. Unbelievable.
You Eagle fans can begin chortling:
RIVER FALLS, Wis. — Less than 24 hours after coach Dick Vermeil said Freddie Mitchell was turning around his NFL life, Mitchell was gone from training camp because of a knee injury.
Mitchell, who was acquired last month after a tumultuous season in Philadelphia, suffered the injury running a route late Saturday and is expected to have arthroscopic surgery in his right knee today in Kansas City.
The best-case scenario would have Mitchell back in 2 1/2 weeks, near the end of the Chiefs’ stay in River Falls.
RIVER FALLS, Wis. — Less than 24 hours after coach Dick Vermeil said Freddie Mitchell was turning around his NFL life, Mitchell was gone from training camp because of a knee injury.
Mitchell, who was acquired last month after a tumultuous season in Philadelphia, suffered the injury running a route late Saturday and is expected to have arthroscopic surgery in his right knee today in Kansas City.
The best-case scenario would have Mitchell back in 2 1/2 weeks, near the end of the Chiefs’ stay in River Falls.
No reason to chortle. I'd rather see him be healthy than get hurt. If he shuts his mouth and helps his team, good for him.
Freddie says the Chiefs have told him they're releasing him.
QUOTE
Mitchell declined to have arthroscopic surgery at the time as the Chiefs requested. He indicated he thought he would be able to play sooner by letting the knee mend on its own but said he would have had the surgery had the Chiefs indicated he wouldn’t have to compete for a roster spot.
He said the Chiefs told him they believed his knee wouldn’t last the season if he played without having surgery. He said they indicated they would consider re-signing him if he had surgery and rehabilitation.
Mitchell said he arranged the surgery for Tuesday in Birmingham, Ala., with noted orthopedic surgeon James Andrews.
“I want to play for the Chiefs so badly I’m going to get the operation with Dr. Andrews right now,” said Mitchell, proving he didn’t lose his flair for self-promotion with Thursday’s news. “My dream is to come back to the Chiefs and put the championship belt on at Arrowhead Stadium.
“Don’t count me out. It’s a long, 16-game season. All I have is a meniscus tear. It’s more of a nuisance than anything. I’m having the operation so the Chiefs won’t wonder whether the meniscus is going to give out.”
Mitchell’s agent, Matt Couloute, said he would seek an injury settlement from the Chiefs and file a grievance with the NFL Players Association if the sides don’t come to an agreement.
He said the Chiefs told him they believed his knee wouldn’t last the season if he played without having surgery. He said they indicated they would consider re-signing him if he had surgery and rehabilitation.
Mitchell said he arranged the surgery for Tuesday in Birmingham, Ala., with noted orthopedic surgeon James Andrews.
“I want to play for the Chiefs so badly I’m going to get the operation with Dr. Andrews right now,” said Mitchell, proving he didn’t lose his flair for self-promotion with Thursday’s news. “My dream is to come back to the Chiefs and put the championship belt on at Arrowhead Stadium.
“Don’t count me out. It’s a long, 16-game season. All I have is a meniscus tear. It’s more of a nuisance than anything. I’m having the operation so the Chiefs won’t wonder whether the meniscus is going to give out.”
Mitchell’s agent, Matt Couloute, said he would seek an injury settlement from the Chiefs and file a grievance with the NFL Players Association if the sides don’t come to an agreement.
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