Redskins LB Robert Henson Stays Connected With Fans
by Ken Meringolo on Mar 22, 2011 9:12 AM EDT
in Redskins Camp Journal
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PrintWashington Redskins linebacker Robert Henson checks in with us for the first time this offseason with his thoughts on the lockout. As always, we appreciate his contribution to our community.
"It's been a week now since the players of the National Football League were locked out from living their dream. Fairly soon after I was drafted in 2009, veterans began to tell me and other young guys to start saving our money and preparing for a lock out. That was nearly two years ago and honestly, I don't think anyone anticipated the lockout actually happening. I was very young the last time the owners and players were unable to come to an agreement. When the lockout grew from a whisper to a public media battle, I realized that this could actually happen. As the deadline drew close, it became increasingly clear that it was not a matter of if, but when we would be locked out.
I am just as disappointed as the fans are that we weren't able to come to an agreement. Playing football is not just my dream-it is the way that I provide for my family. This past season I came all too close to the dangers that this sport creates. After spending the season on IR I realize how closely the matters being debated at the negotiation table affect me. We, the players, are very fortunate to be able to live our dream, but the reality is that living that dream does not come without consequence. I think the NFLPA is not just fighting for the 2011 season or the 2012 season. They are fighting for me, for my health 10 years from now, when my knees may be stiff and my back in pain. I support those efforts and I pray each day that we can get closer to reaching an agreement.
This is so much larger than billionaires versus millionaires. It is my hope that we can get a deal done, not only for me and my family, but for the workers and the economies of 32 cities that depend on the NFL season for their livelihood as well. Above all, I want to let the fans know that we feel you. I see your tweets, and I know that this has greatly disappointed you. I know that the Redskins have the most loyal fan base in the league-know that your players are not just worried about themselves in this. This is our opportunity to show you that we are as loyal to you as you are to us! We are fighting to bring you back the three hours of hard-hitting Redskin football that you look forward to every week. I have complete faith that both the owners and the NFLPA want a 2011 season, and I know they will work feverishly to make that possible. HTTR!!"
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I think the NFLPA is not just fighting for the 2011 season or the 2012 season. They are fighting for me, for my health 10 years from now, when my knees may be stiff and my back in pain.
It’s the most over-looked point fans, including myself forget. Players really do get screwed after their careers, especially the guys that get injured in their first 3 years who are not millionaires by any stretch. At the same time, the cost to attend games is becoming so astronomical the die-hard fans are getting pushed out.
Hogs Haven. On Twitter. And Facebook.
Thats why I don't get how anyone can side with the owners
I understand they make a big investment and they should see a return. However no one goes to the games to root for the guy in the owner’s box. Without the players they’re nothing. There are probably a lot of businessmen out there who if given the opportunity could run a professional sports franchise competently (unfortunately for us we got the biggest loser out there). There are not a lot of people who can do what these guys do on the field and are willing to risk their physical health to do it.
As for the blue collar fan base being run out I think thats already pretty much the case for the Redskins. I am not the type of fan who shouts obscenities or things like that but I do get very, very loud when the other team is on offense. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked to quiet down by other “fans”. It’s almost as bad as going to Nationals park.
by SkinsOsTerps on Mar 22, 2011 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
I was Neutral until a week ago
My support started to lean towards the owners. In negotiations the rule is as long as there is dialog and a back and forth then negotiations are progressing. Once the NFLPA walked away after recieving an advancing offer, I became a fan of the owners. It became obvious that the NFLPA had no intention of negotiating. I felt they wanted an all or nothing deal. You can’t have more benefits without giving up something in return.
I understand prices are atrocious. I understand that former players have been thrown out to pasture. The 18 game schedule was thrown out, the benefits for post career medical was added, rookie wage scale was added with emphasis of money saved going to veterans, strides were being made on the part of the owners. Litigation is supposed to be used when an impasse is reached, not because the other side refused to bow down to your every whim.
so you support the owners demands b/c the players are using the courts?
Um, ok.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
I support the owners because of players like AP and Mendenhall comparing the player to NFL relationship similar to slavery. It’s players like those 2 that the fodder like Henson need to complain about. They make it hard for any rational fan agree with the players when they make those ludicrous statements.
There are almost 2,000 players in the NFL
You’re going to pidgeonhole them all based on the dumb comments from 2 of them?
"DOWN GOES RODGERS!" -Brian Orakpo
It infuriates me as well
But I try to remember that those are the idiotic comments of a few delusional players, and not the players as a whole.
It’s been a week now since the players of the National Football League were locked out from living their dream.
RH gets it, those tools (AP and Mendenhall) do not.
AP and Menhenhall are ridiculous
I understand that, just like anything, playing in the NFL is extremely tough, but how can AP say that he feels like a slave? He’s being paid a ridiculous amount of money to play a sport he loves. For him to say something like that is absolutely absurd to me. Stuff like this makes me want to side with the owners.
HOWEVER…
For the 1900 players in the NFL who aren’t stars, it can get extremely hard after they retire from the sport in their mid to late 20s. It’s unfair to say that all these players are just selfish and trying to just make as much money as humanly possible. I just hope this whole fiasco gets resolved and get resolved soon. Go Skins.
I live in the OC.
The one in OH.
The players aren't getting more
There’s no question the players are going to get less total compensation (pay+benefits) than they did under the old CBA. The owners opted out of that deal for a reason, and they’re not going to resign it. The debate is over just how much the players lose.
The negotiations failed because the owners wouldn’t disclose their full financial information. The players (understandably) aren’t just going to take the owners’ word for it that they’re losing money.
"DOWN GOES RODGERS!" -Brian Orakpo
In what world do employees get to see anything more than profit margin
This is a ludicrous demand. One) That could take years of analysis to discern any meaningful data. Two) Players are getting more because of the cost of medical after retirement. Granted it should have always been there but I don’t see any figures that show minimum salaries are going to drop. 3) The only players that will lose money are rookies and a few outrageous (Haynesworth-esque) contracts. 60% of 9 Billion (total revenue) in 2010 is a lot more money than 60% of 6.5 Billion which is what it was in 05.
by RPMontana on Mar 22, 2011 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Players are being asked to take a smaller % of the revenue going forward.
So the league will continue to grow profits, but the owners don’t want players to see any gains.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Correction to my earlier post
It’s not 60% of 9 Billion because owners skim a Billion off the top.
We’re still talking about players share increasing by over 2 billion dollars in a 4 or 5 year span. No other industry’s employees (2000 people) see an increase of that magnitude. I’m not saying that owners don’t make enough money, but I see why they want to reign in player costs. So yes players are asked to take a smaller % overall, but that percentage will be recouped in dollars with the growth rate of the league in a 4 to 5 year period. Also the long term benefits will be seen by players past and present that WILL have long term health problems from playing football.
So yes players are asked to take a smaller % overall, but that percentage will be recouped in dollars with the growth rate of the league in a 4 to 5 year period.
the percentage is never recouped. that’s the problem. the dollar amount gets recouped… years later, presuming indefinite growth upwards.
that’s in no way an equal substitute.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
He's got a degree from TCU, he can't work an office job?
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
by Parks Smith on Mar 22, 2011 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
or WacArnolds
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
by Parks Smith on Mar 22, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
The health arguement is all well and good, but during the negotiations a couple of weeks ago, how often did that come up publicly?
ZERO
It was all about $$$$$$ and who gets it. Of course none of us are in those sessions, but it seems like to me when it got down to crunch time everyone was bitching about money. De Smith is just as bad as the owners and has his own political aspirations.
Real classy move to cut ties with USA Football, screw youth football! Enjoy your vacation on Marco Island De!
The players just use this as a PR crutch. We don’t know what kind of benefits were discussed.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
by Parks Smith on Mar 22, 2011 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Furthermore the NFLPA was willing to agree to an extension of the current CBA.
How is that looking out for the players health? It would be the same as it is now.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
by Parks Smith on Mar 22, 2011 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
The health argument has been all over the place. The media only focuses on the 18-game schedule and other things that fans care about. Concussions were all over the place and have consistently been a part of this. When Ken and I got to spend the day with the NFLPA along with 10 other bloggers last year, player safety was a huge part of the day.
Hogs Haven. On Twitter. And Facebook.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 22, 2011 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I understand that Kevin.
But I’m talking about the negotiations here in DC. Neither health care nor 18 game schedule came to be an issue at those sessions and as it came down to the wire. It was more about money and how to split that up.
Like I said the NFLPA offered the owners the same exact deal that they currently have and it was rejected b/c of money.
I’m pretty aware that healthcare and the schedule is a high level issue, but when it got down to it neither mattered much.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
yea
A source (who’s a family friend and gets paid to cover this last 15 years) said the NFL caved and came all the way down to $200 million and the NFLPA still rejected it, which baffled him. The NFL agreed to open the books to a mediator, and then DeMaurice could ask ANY question to that mediator….but DeSmith rejected it.
The owners don’t want it getting out that they pay their wife or son $800K/year as an intern….which they have the right to do…but it is what it is. Hard to believe they didn’t get at least an extension w/ the NFL offering all that.
Hogs Haven. On Twitter. And Facebook.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 22, 2011 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Yea, I'm telling yall DeSmith has an agenda beyond the NFL.
And he’s using this a public medium.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
that's pure conjecture
he’s playing hardball in an extremely difficult negotiations.
until there’s a conclusion, it’s irresponsible to make judgments on tactics or motives.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
You're completely right, but its just my opinion. And it is shared by a lot of individuals.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
It's irresponsible and doesn't further the discussion.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
How is it irresponsible?
Its my opinion and I have every right to discuss. If its not an issue then why do national columnist to continue to write about it?
Honestly I can’t bring this up in a message board? I’m not a writer for the Washington Post.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
aspire to more intelligent discussion.
we give this conversation its value (or lack thereof)
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Is DeMaurice Smith a household name now?
I’ll talk to you in a few years when he’s in Senate or Congress and we’ll talk about how he got there.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
He's speaking at Maryland's commencement this spring
No clue how that came to be
Good stuff Henson!
It is people like him that humanise (spelling?) this whole situation. I hope the best for him and his family, and look forward to him breaking out of the bubble this year.
McDonalds?
Mcdonalds was my first job, and yes I do have a college education!! I have contacts every where and can find employment! But as of right now I play for OUR team and represent you whether you like it or not! My journal isn’t PR for me it’s real down to earth and honest, I wanna get back to trying to win a ‘Ship for the city and I can’t do that at home
Shout out Ken and Kev you guys always do a great job, constant professionals
by Robert Henson on Mar 22, 2011 1:04 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
It's a joke my man.
It comes from you calling us fans disloyal “dim-wits” who “work 9 to 5 at McDonalds.”
I consider myself a one man wolfpack..@Diesel__44 on twitter.
by Diesel44 on Mar 22, 2011 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I'll be rooting for you to not only make the team but to get some substaintial playing time at ILB.
If you attack every workout, practice, and game like you did your last preseason game…there is no way you’ll fail.
I consider myself a one man wolfpack..@Diesel__44 on twitter.
Diesel...that was one dude he was talking to
Hen was not saying we all worked at McDonalds.
I know he feels bad about that incident and has discussed it with us at length…I know you were only trying to be funny, but you don’t want to be reminded of one of your worst days every time you pull your head up and talk to groups like us.
by Ken Meringolo on Mar 22, 2011 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t want to speak for Hen
-Ken Meringolo
You’ve been on this guys nuts since your first interview with him. He needs to prove something on the field before he wins the fans back.
“All you fake half hearted Skins fan can . . . I won’t go there, but I dislike you very strongly, don’t come to Fed Ex to boo dim wits!!” he wrote shortly after the game ended, a message that would have been seen by his 1,200 or so Twitter followers. As fans quickly responded with disgust — including an editor from the sports Web site SB Nation and a radio host from 106.7 The Fan — Henson kept typing.
“No I didn’t play but I still made more than you in a year and you’d [gladly] switch spots with me in a second,” Henson wrote during a string of responses. “I was talking to the fans [who] said the crazy stuff, I’m use [to heckling] but I’ve never been booed in my own stadium. Again that was for the half hearted but if everyone wants to jump in come on. The question is who are you to say you know what’s best for the team and you work 9 to 5 at Mcdonalds [sic]. You don’t wanna follow me anymore then fine but we play for you and win lose or draw we represent you!! My guy on the Rams said they never got booed even when they didn’t win a game.”
You don’t think he was mad at everyone booing at FedEx that day?
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
Feel free to rehash the incident all you want...it happened and there is no disputing it
Be careful when you say I am on some guys nuts. I get what you’re saying, but you’re doing it wrong, in my opinion.
by Ken Meringolo on Mar 22, 2011 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Like Diesel said, it was a joke. It should have been left at that.
You and I are guilty about giving a lot of Redskins the benefit of the doubt, when in reality they do not deserve it, ala Brandon Banks.
Like I said if Henson performs on the field then the whole incident goes away. If not, then this will be the only thing he’s remembered for around these parts. Its Hogs Haven’s decision to bring Henson on to this site regularly and the fact of the matter is, a lot of people still have disdain for Hen and its going to continue to pop up and you’re going to continue to get comments about it, he’s still a controversial figure in some fans minds. Its the same way with Lavar Arrington and how he participates in DC right now. If you invited him to HH then there would probably be negative comments towards him also.
We’ve all made mistakes, and I know Kevin and you really like this guy, and I’m sure he’s a really nice guy. Lets hope he gets a chance to atone for his mistakes with Redskins nation on the field. It’s great that Henson is a valuable contributor to the website, but he has to know and you have to know, that he’s inviting criticism by putting himself out in a public forum like this.
Like I said the McDonalds joke was all in good fun and should of been left at that.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
Everyone says and does things they regret. I myself have had a couple tweets that have gotten me in trouble. You learn from it and move on…not sure why fans have to keep bringing it up. If he still felt that way, he surely wouldn’t be taking time off from working out and hanging with his family to talk to the fans.
Hogs Haven. On Twitter. And Facebook.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 22, 2011 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I think this is easy to say when you know the guy.
But if your one of the guys that paid their hard earned money to go to that game then it does leave a shitty taste in your mouth and I completely understand how comments would still pop up.
I know you are one of the people that pay that money. I was at that game also and I also thought it was ridiculous that people were booing. The problem is most people don’t remember why they were booing or the actual game situation vs. the Rams, they just remember Hen’s comments.
I would have had the same reaction in his shoes, but as an unknown rookie you just can’t do that. I can see both sides of the argument when it comes to Hen and like I said before, hopefully he has a chance to redeem himself as a Redskins on the field.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
I'm an asshole. No doubt about it.
But it’s always in good fun. I’ve defended Henson on every site I’ve been on whenever the incident comes up. He was only 23 when he made those comments and deserves to be known as good husband, good father, and a quality human being. Like I said I’ll be rooting for him to make the team and be a contributer for years to come.
And for the record when I was 23 I made worse mistakes then that every weekend.
I consider myself a one man wolfpack..@Diesel__44 on twitter.
So if the owners agreed to extend the current CBA then how would the NFLPA improved your long term healthcare?
To my knowledge, and I could be completely wrong, healthcare wasn’t one of the issues on the table in the 11th hour. It was $$$$$$$$$$ and greed.
I’m not on the owners side, I’m not on the players side, I’m on the fans side. And both the owners and the players, to a lesser extent, have slapped the fans in the face.
I mean really? cutting ties with youth football? having “meetings” in an expensive resort town in Florida?
And the job thing was a joke b/c of your comments a couple of years ago.
Best of luck making the team this year.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
Thx man, the window to fix anything wrong with a player after he’s done is 3 years! We want that window to be bigger, also the owners want us to
by Robert Henson on Mar 22, 2011 1:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I understand that and hope you get it, you certainly deserve it.
But that’s not why the deal fell through and I’m interested to see if it comes up in court.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
Thx man, the window to fix anything wrong with a player after he’s done is 3 years! We want that window to be bigger, also the owners want us to pay for our own travel,hotel, stadium upkeep, to use the facilities to workout and practice as well. The owners say these are cost that are taking them under so DSmith wants the books opened to prove it! The only money that DSmith is talking about is the TV money which is almost 5 billion dollars, which is guaranteed to them whether there is an 18 game season or not! So if they are guaranteed that shouldn’t we get a cut? Every situation that came up in those meeting D told us about as they happened!
by Robert Henson on Mar 22, 2011 1:32 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You're preaching to the choir man, I feel you.
But like you said below, long term health benefits was a problem with the old CBA. So was it really an issue when it got down to it, since DSmith was willing and offered to keep the things the same?
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
I'm not sure what you're arguing.
Yes, overall revenue sharing was the biggest issue, but that no way precludes long and short term health issues from also being very important.
The health issues are going to be dealt with either way, the players would be dumb to accept a smaller percentage of revenue going forward just b/c the owners start doing what they should have done decades ago: provide for long-term health.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
I understand that health issues are important.
All I’m saying is, the reason that we’re in this situation right now, has pretty much nothing to do with a dispute over health care. Like I said DeSmith, you know the head of the NFLPA, the guy that Hen said is fighting for his long term health care, was willing to ink a deal where the players do not have improved health care.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
To be fair, the deal was inked a few years ago...it was the deal in place
De Smith was simply saying that the players were prepared to play out the deal they had already negotiated. The players did not lock out the owners. The owners decided that the deal that was in place was no longer any good.
I think the NFLPA pretty much knows that in the next 5 years or so, there will be so much evidence of health problems—specifically head injuries—that the owners will be compelled to deal with it or face a disastrous PR nightmare. After all…they have the money.
by Ken Meringolo on Mar 22, 2011 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
b/c the old agreement doesn't preclude ongoing health care improvements
the players have all the momentum on that issue.
however if the players agree to a smaller revenue share there’s no going back.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
ok. seemed like you didn't.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
The only issue for the players in the last CBA was health insurance post play and former players receiving a reasonable installment
by Robert Henson on Mar 22, 2011 1:35 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Mr. Henson
With all due respect and admiration for what you and all the other NFL players do, I find it difficult for me, personally, to feel any sympathy for your health issues. I was never blessed with the physical attributes necessary to play anything more than backyard flag football. I did, however, serve my country for 6 years in the USAF and for another 13 years I served the American commerce and economy by driving a semi moving goods all over this country (and some of Canada). For the last 2 years, I have been unable to work due to a back injury—-I am intimately aware of what you describe as stiff knees and back pain. I have had 2 lumbar back surgeries and still live with severe pain every waking moment. But, unlike football players, I never earned more than $50,000 in any year since I began working in 1986. I don’t get to be treated by the expert sports medicine doctors that NFL players have access to. I go to whatever doctor that Workers’ Comp will authorize. I am reduced to trying to provide for my family on $345 per week. Although my wife, thankfully, also works, my physical pain pales in comparison to the pain in my heart that I get every time I am forced to watch her do everything that I used to do around the house that I am no longer physically able to do. With all that said, I fail to see how football players would be unable to find medical treatment and provide for their families when my wife and I manage to adequately do so for our girls…
by VWG,Jr on Mar 22, 2011 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It doesn't take long for those players to be in the same boat you are, in terms of long term care and ailments.
Most players make 300K a year for a few years. After higher tax rates, an agent and a financial advisor, it’s not like these guys are set for life, or can afford exhorbitant health care costs for the rest of their lives.
Are they better off than a guy who gets $50K a year for those three years? Yes.
Does three years of ~$150K post-tax and other expenses mean guys shouldn’t get sympathy?
No.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Their is a sliding scale for a vet minimum, so if you're here for 3 years you are at least making over half a mil.
This is where I argue that these players have had every advantage for the past seven years of their life. They can go to the NFL and make over a million dollars for 3 years or so. Sure the tax rates, agents, etc. you mentioned factor in. But these guys were also given a tremendous opportunity at a 4 year institution to easily obtain a degree and barring a debilitating injury, can put that to work when they retire.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
entry level contracts pay 350K a year or whatever, and can be 3-5 years long
as I understand it, veteran minimums don’t apply until your 2nd deal.
MOST players make less than a mil. The average career is like 2.5 seasons. The life expectancy is 55 years old, and that doesn’t even address extreme health issues like early onset dementia.
Look, here’s the bottom line:
Is $150,000+ after taxes for 3-5 years a lot of money? Of course.
If a player is responsible with his money does it ensure that he’ll never face financial hardship or impossible medical bills? Hells no.
The idea that these players are out of line asking for better health care seems callous to me.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
No one is saying its out of line to ask for better healthcare.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
I’m confused what exactly VWG,Jr was saying originally.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
I don't know this whole thing is disgusting really. I'm tired of hearing from the players, DeSmith, and owners.
Just shut up and hammer this thing out.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
I'm taking a long view
if we miss a season but they hammer out a long-term deal, that’s ok with me.
otherwise I generally don’t read articles unless there’s new details or new developments. but largely it’s the same shit over & over, so I ignore it like I do most mainstream sports journalism.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Well I’m not gonna shut up! There are people who interested in the truth and process and I’m here for them. So if you don’t wanna hear it there’s only one thing to do brother….. Have a great day
by Robert Henson on Mar 22, 2011 3:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I don't blame you...
Like I said though, when you talk to us you’re preaching to the choir. Look at it from a fans perspective, we’re inundated with bitching and whining from both sides (not saying that that is what you’re doing), but mainly the owners side. ESPN sells and drums up negativity, its exhausting and you can’t get away from it even if you try.
Honestly, this thing is probably going to get hammered out in court, so it really doesn’t matter what people say.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
That’s true we were give’m an opportunity to get an education and believe it or not most guys finish whether before,during, or after their career. Again we all don’t have big contracts and you never know where a guys money is going! I have to provide for my fam, as well as keep my mother alive! She has kidney failure, congentital heart failure, Dialysis,meds, and doctors visits and I’m her only source of help obviously. So not having to pay for certain things for my fam helps me better manage! Theres this big misconception that money solves all problems and the truth it the more you have the more problems!
by Robert Henson on Mar 22, 2011 3:37 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Great point.
All my prayers go out to your mom.
Its hard as a fan b/c the media frames everything so negatively. You hear about when players mess up, but you rarely hear when they are doing something positive.
I’ve said it several times, but I really hope you have an opportunity to redeem yourself to the fan base. You’re a valuable asset at a position of need and I look forward to seeing you compete in camp and your hard work to pay off.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
I don't want to speak for Hen, although I know he has a real soft spot for members of our armed forces
Most of the players I have spoken to in the last few weeks—including Robert Henson—have been very quick to make sure nobody is feeling sorry for them. They don’t feel sorry for themselves and the good ones understand full well how lucky they are to play the game they do for a living.
Again, without speaking for Hen, I would say that the players are more mindful today of the medical situations that face many of their retired brethren than ever before. I know Parks has mentioned that the players may have been willing to keep the current deal which falls short of the health benefits being asked for at the negotiating table. But I think the point is that they are in a position to ask for these kinds of things now and they feel compelled to do so.
Finally, I think Hen would be quick to agree that many of his fellow players are careless with their money, setting themselves up for problems later in life. While Hen does not share his bank account information with me, I think it is worth mentioning that he and his family are very focused on the rest of their lives and not on living a life filled with excess today.
by Ken Meringolo on Mar 22, 2011 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Being a Veteran of our military is not equal to playing in NFL ……. Its better, it’s more admirable and the most selfless career path a person can choose. I respect you and what you have done for this country as well as your continued support of your family and the Redskins! I know that life is not easy by any means and to raise a family is even tougher! Truth is just like it’s our DUTY as Americans get out and vote and do something about providing our Veterans with better health care, it’s DSmiths job to do the same for players of the NFL!!
by Robert Henson on Mar 22, 2011 3:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
I think eveyones in a bad mood, bored, and tired of hearing about both sides of the labor dispute.
Just grab a Zima preppie, its going to be a long ride.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
it's a healthy discussion of an important topic.
instead of me ranting about Dan Snyder or Tiller ranting about a dumb draft pick idea.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
by smutsboy1 on Mar 22, 2011 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Smuts do you understand how the court process is going to work? I'm not quite sure.
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
No.
I haven’t read about the court case aspect of it yet. I was waiting for more info to come out.
I really have been avoiding mainstream media and daily updates. For my sanity.
I wait for more thoughtful pieces from more knowledgeable sources.
That, or what’s written on HH. (zing!)
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
yes
Hogs Haven. On Twitter. And Facebook.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 22, 2011 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha I think so, I’m glad we all can come together and voice our opinion without using filthy language or name calling! Oh and as far as winning the fans back, I hope to do so but I want you all to see my personal growth on/off the field. I can’t play this game forever and I know I’ll have to leave it behind one day, but I wanna walk away with respect for myself and the fan base bc i proved to both that i was dedicated, and hopefully that respect will be reciprocated! I do this bc I love it, interacting with people and being myself shows others that the junk they see on tv about us isn’t true for every guy! As long I play every autograph I can sign, every tweet I can tweet, and every life I can change will be important me
by Robert Henson on Mar 22, 2011 4:16 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I am truly sorry if my comments made some of you uncomfortable
….however, 6 years of military service did not provide me with long term medical care. None of my employers since then have provide any such benefit either. The only other “job” that I am aware of that provides life time medical (and financial) benefits for someone who only held a position for 2-6 years is Congress.
by VWG,Jr on Mar 22, 2011 6:08 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
We weren't at all talking about your comments...
How the military is treated medically when they get back is disgraceful as I have several friends that have returned from duty and I worry greatly about their mental and medical health and who is going to help them.
The McD’s talk and the escalated voices, in my opinion, is what was getting uncomfortable.
Hogs Haven. On Twitter. And Facebook.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 23, 2011 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Exactly.
VWG, your comments weren’t what I was referring to. The McD’s and escalated back and forth between certain posters was making me not want to get involved.
I greatly support our military and their health. I come from a Navy family, and my father always taught me about the value and privilege it is to live in a nation where brave men and women sacrifice for the greater good. It is something to be respected and supported no matter the cost (I fully support tri-care/healthcare for military veterans and their families). I work for the Marine Corps as a design engineer; and I sometimes accompany my dad on the weekends at Navy Medical where he visits with the intensive care patients on a weekly basis.
I appreciated your comments, and you are absolutely right. The media is making a giant deal about this millionaire vs. billionaire cry-baby bs right now, and I could care less about it because it is a joke. Your comments illustrated the far more important issues in this world, like our military conflicts and support of those veterans, and issues like the victims of natural disasters in Japan, etc. as well as the genocide that occurs in less fortunate parts of the world like in Libya. I appreciate your sacrifices for our country, and I am proud of the comments you made. God Bless.
by preppiejack on Mar 23, 2011 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I appreciated your comments and found them insightful.
I think the players get inadequate care, but veterans’ care is even worse.
Both situations are disgraceful for different reasons and to different degrees.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
by smutsboy1 on Mar 23, 2011 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The real problem from the fans perspective
Is watching both parties try to win the fans over to their side. I personally am more inclined to fall on the players side, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to enjoy being spewed their PR campaign to recruit me against the owners. That is more a issue against DeSmith, than the players (or you could say the politics rather than the people), but still.
I love ya hen
I see the beast….I see your love for the game…but it is fine line
…are you athletes, willing topu your life on the lin?
r u drunk?
haha
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
by smutsboy1 on Mar 24, 2011 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
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