Don't shoot the messenger, but just like with Cedric Benson, I'm here to warn you...

by BigBlueShoe on Jul 24, 2008 12:48 PM CDT Comment 38 comments

..it's time for the Bears to part ways with Devin Hester.

Now now now. Before you click the "get me outta here" button and dismiss me, let me remind you that it was yours truly that said waaaaaaaaaay back in 2006 that Cedric Benson was a cancer and needed to go. Many of you railed against me for saying that, and not only did I turn out to be right, but Benson was one of the main reasons why my Colts were able to dominate your Bears in Super Bowl 41. So know that when I say "Get rid of this guy" I'm not doing it because I have some secret agenda. I truly mean that if you want your team to win more games in 2008, get rid of Hester now.

There's two reasons for this. One, Hester's value is the highest it will ever be. The Bears might even get a first round pick for him. Bears fans need to face the fact that this is a rebuilding team, and the playoffs are a pipe dream. The other reason?

Hester is an entitled idiot.

Case in point, his comments that his $450,000 a year salary isn't enough for him to go out and play. Forget the fact that he signed a contract two years ago, and that he has no real true position other than kick and punt returner. These experiments with Hester as a starting WR are laughable. Numerous NFL scouts, like Tom Marino, have often said the reason Hester can't play any one true position is because he's too dumb to learn them. Now, Hester wants more money, and is willing to hold out of camp to get it.

Sorry Bears fans, but Hester is not worth more money is he is only a returner. I know his returns are dynamic, but if you guys had an offense that could score and a defense that could stop someone, you wouldn't need his dynamic returns, would you. Hester is now willing to lose $15,000 a day in order to prove his point.

Does that sound like a smart man to you?

I know Hester wants to get paid as a WR, but Hester must first prove he can PLAY the WR before he gets paid like one. If some other team wants to be dumb and pay him Reggie Wayne-like money, let them eat it. In the age of the cap, one cannot afford to overpay players like Hester if you want to stay competitive.

Trade him now, and thank me later.

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fucking get over yourself

people (radio and boards) have been talking about trading hester for two years.

they were talking about cutting benson the day he held out.

even if i do agree with this

know Hester wants to get paid as a WR, but Hester must first prove he can PLAY the WR

by mike b on Jul 24, 2008 12:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Trading Hester is an outright dumb move if it ever happened

Devin Hester showed the NFL that his position is more important than initially thought. He was a huge difference maker since he got into the league. Hester won us games more then anyone else on that team…. it is time to realize this position is important and the players finding themselves returning are difference makers in the ever changing NFL

"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes

by SouthsideCUBSfan on Jul 24, 2008 1:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't think

that you can label him entitled just because he clearly FAR OUTPLAYED his contract.

He set an NFL record (not a rookie record, mind you) his rookie year, then broke his own record the next year (and with LESS opportunities). Furthermore he was virtually the only bright spot in the Super Bowl.

by HesterSteals1st on Jul 24, 2008 1:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

How

How can a player wanting WR money “far outplay” his contract when he hasn’t shown any ability to consistently play the position? I mean, if you want your GM to pay a kick returner $40 million over 6 years, be my guest.

Your Bears will be one less team Indy will ever have to worry about.

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by BigBlueShoe on Jul 24, 2008 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

again ... huh?

First of all… outplaying his current contract has little/nothing to do with wanting WR money, does it?

Now… if you want to argue that he shouldn’t get WR money because he has not performed consistently as a WR, than that is a valid argument.

But that has nothing to do with whether or not he has out-played his current contract.

visit the mindful mission

by big_lowitzki on Jul 24, 2008 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes it does

It does have something to do with wanting WR money, because Hester has stated point blank that he wants to get paid as a WR.

And even if he were still playing kick returner, he STILL does not deserve (nor are the Bears obligated to pay) WR money.

And just on a personal note, I don’t believe in players “outplaying” their contracts. They signed a contract to play, and play well. If they do, great! you fulfilled your contract. Too often players take the money and suck (aka, Cedric Benson). They are bound to that contract, and should complete it. If, at the end of that contract, they want more money, that is understandable. But Hester is paid a lot of money to return punts and kicks. $450,000 is nothing to sneeze at, especially for a specialist like him who can’t run a route to save his life. And holding out of camp like this is further proof he is just en entitled prick with an over inflated value of himself.

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by BigBlueShoe on Jul 24, 2008 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no... it doesn't

There are two separate things.

One – Hester has out-performed his current contract. I think is pretty much indisputable.

Two – Hester wants WR money, because he expected to play significant time at WR.

Those are two separate issues.

Now… Hester wants more money because of BOTH of these issues. He has out-performed his contract AND he is expected to contribute at WR. Right or wrong, that is what is happening.

Get it?

As for “fulfilling” your contract, I think that is a BS argument in the NFL. As soon as the owners are obligated to fulfill their obligations in the contract when players under-perform, there is little argument that the players should just sit silently when they out-perform their contract.

visit the mindful mission

by big_lowitzki on Jul 24, 2008 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

YES, it does

One – He hasn’t “outperformed” his contract. He’s a kick returner. Do you think other kick returners get paid more than he does? If they do, they I understand getting a little more money. But not elite WR money. Not $40 million. Why? Because…

Two- Devin Hester hasn’t proven he can PLAY the WR at an elite level. And what he is asking for is elite WR money.

Get it? If you don’t, I can’t help you. Again, if you are dumb enough to want to give someone $40 million to play a position you are not sure they can play, be my guest.

And enjoying losing.

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by BigBlueShoe on Jul 24, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

first...

... please show me where I said anything about giving him $40 million. I have not once said anything about how much money he should get, and I especially have not said anything about paying him $40 million. So please, stop making shit up.

Okay… not that we that over with, since it doesn’t exist, lets move to the next part.

This conversation originally started when you asked this question:

How can a player wanting WR money "far outplay" his contract

The question that I am addressing is not whether or not Hester deserves $40 million. The question that I am addressing is how wanting WR money is related (or… to me more accurate… how it is NOT related) to out-performing his current contract.

Do you think other kick returners get paid more than he does?

This may be relevant if there were any other kick returners who were even close to as productive as Hester, but there are not, so it is difficult to compare contracts, isn’t it?

Once again… let me try to explain this as simply as possible.

Hester wants more money for two reasons:

1 – he has out-performed his current contract

2 – he is being expected to a play a significant role as a WR

Two reasons that, while separate, are being combined and used for Hester to justify a big raise.

There is no question that Hester wants to get paid as a top wide receiver, but that is because the Bears have told him that they expect him to be a top wide receiver this year.

It isn’t too difficult to understand.

visit the mindful mission

by big_lowitzki on Jul 24, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

huh?

Benson was one of the main reasons why my Colts were able to dominate your Bears in Super Bowl 41.

Yea… I am sure it was Benson’s fault that he got hurt.

And I am sure that it was Benson’s fault that the Bear’s defense couldn’t do anything against the Colts offense.

Are you always this obnoxious?

visit the mindful mission

by big_lowitzki on Jul 24, 2008 1:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Benson's fumble

Benson’s fumble (after his world was rocked by Bob Sanders) changed the entire game. The Bears had the ball in Colts territory at that point. Colts got the ball back after that fumble, drove the length of the field, took the lead… and never looked back. So, thank you Cedric Benson.

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by BigBlueShoe on Jul 24, 2008 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Huh?

Check your facts…

“Drove the length of the field?” The Colts recovered the ball at the Bears’ 43 (the play started at the Bears’ 48) – couldn’t move the ball, and had to punt.

visit the mindful mission

by big_lowitzki on Jul 24, 2008 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fine

The hit did change complexion of game however:

•Turning point: Of the four turnovers in the quarter, Benson’s fumble — caused by a vicious hit by safety Sanders and recovered by Dwight Freeney— might have had the biggest psychological impact. On their next four series in the first half, the Bears had three three-and-outs and a fumbled snap by Rex Grossman.

Sorry about the factual F up.

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by BigBlueShoe on Jul 24, 2008 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right. Bob Sanders has never hit anyone else hard.

It’s clearly Benson’s fault.

by tyger1147 on Jul 24, 2008 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fine. I was wrong.

And I’d put the blown coverage on the 1st Quarter Reggie Wayne TD as the ‘turning point’ because our D crawled into a shell and blitzed once the rest of the game.

You don’t even know what you’re talking about, and when busted on it won’t even admit it.

Our backup RB got hurt so we lost the game? ROFLMAO.

Besides the obvious - Go Irish.

Z. He doesn't need an exclamation point. He is one.

by PopeFlick on Jul 24, 2008 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can u blame them

A Cover 2 defense that blitzes is retarded, and blitzing Peyton Manning is a dance with the devil. You better get him, because if he don’t he will torch you. That is why so few teams blitz Peyton.

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by BigBlueShoe on Jul 25, 2008 7:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I look forward to the day

that Peyton Manning retires and this yahoo crawls back in his hole.

Visit The Cub Reporter (thecubreporter.com)

by thecubreporter on Jul 24, 2008 2:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

or the day...

that Hester dominates at WR and returner in week 1. Might be a pipe dream, but if it happens there may be more than a few visits to the Colts site . Although, this clown seems to be the ultimate “I need the last word” arguer so I’m guessing he’d come back with something brilliant about the Super Bowl 2 years ago.

by Ando on Jul 24, 2008 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey man

All I’m trying to do is help your team. It’s just my opinion. I grew up watching, and liking, the Bears.

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by BigBlueShoe on Jul 24, 2008 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks for the help

And also thanks for patting yourself on the back, again, by providing the link to that 2006 post. I almost forgot how smart you are, now I was reminded. I might need another reminder in 2 weeks or so if you wouldn’t mind posting it again at that point. Thanks again!

by Ando on Jul 24, 2008 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nothing like

linking to a bunch of posts that noone really paid attention to or necessarily disagreed with the point.

I WAS THE FIRST COLTS BLOGGER TO SAY SOMETHING THAT THE CHICAGO MEDIA WAS ALREADY SAYING! LOOK AT ME!!!!

by mike b on Jul 24, 2008 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

I don’t recall Chicago media calling for Benson getting cut in his second year immediately proceeding training camp in 2006. If you can find articles, I’d like to see them. But I don’t recall reading anything at that time saying the Bears should cut him ASAP. What I do recall is you guys roasting me for even suggesting it.

Look who was right.

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by BigBlueShoe on Jul 25, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

do you read the threads you link to?

that fuzzy superbowl memory applies to everything huh?

by mike b on Jul 25, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mental Midget

its true hester is not the sharpest tool in the shed. I believe he is more upset about the order in which the checks are being handed out. being paid after grossman in his eyes means he is being slighted in some fashion. He hasnt shown the mental capacity to understand the unique position he puts the front office in when dealing with a player of his nature. He thinks he can challenge the bears philosophy and negotiation guidelines. I want him to sit out the pre season and after rashied davis or daneal manning return a coulple kicks he will see it was a team effort and that we made him not the other way around

by WavyGravy on Jul 24, 2008 4:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good idea

I think that’s a good idea.

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by BigBlueShoe on Jul 25, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Bears put themselves in position.

They let their two top WR’s go w/ a clear expectation that Hester and Bradley fulfill one of the starting spots (w/ Booker probably the other). When your offensive coordinator comes out and says you’ll be the starter, and the Bears really have no other option than to give him every opportunity to succeed, the fact that he’s holding out for more money is no indicator of his character.

by tyger1147 on Jul 24, 2008 4:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Aside from the fact that you can't spell "messenger," do you even know what it means?

This is your opinion. Thus, you’re clearly not the “messenger”.

by tyger1147 on Jul 24, 2008 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You also seem to come here

and say “Don’t shoot the messenger…” or “I’m not here to say I told you so, but…” and then thats what you do any way. You’re an idiot. Yes I can understand that Hester could be traded and that he is worth more now than even and that the argument could be made that he’s wasted on a bad team b/c he won’t get kicked to, but look at the numbers: he had 8 total TDs last year (2 receiving, 6 kick returns) Chad Johnson had virtually the same yds/cth avg and also had 8 total TDs. My point? Even if Hester never develops into a complete WR at least he can end up with similar numbers. Although that does assume teams still kick to him. He’s worth the money. Maybe the Colts would trade for him, we all know you guys have absolute rubbish special teams.

Bold Prediction: Orton will be the starter in week 1.

by GallopingGhost on Jul 24, 2008 6:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow

With all the overpaid players in the NFL (and sports, nonetheless) recently, Hester is the exact opposite of an idiot for wanting a big contract. If he thinks it’s possible (and from what I’ve seen over the past few years, it definitely is), why is he an idiot for trying to make as much money as he can? This is almost as dumb as when people crucify A-Rod for signing huge contracts.

Great, you predicted Cedric Benson would suck. That means absolutely nothing. Getting one prediction right from two years ago that wasn’t the least bit bold holds no bearing whatsoever on a somewhat different prediction (switching positions, overpaying as opposed to plain suckyness and whining) made today.

This point I may be wrong about, and correct me if I am, but it seems as if you’re taking the fact that Hester is trying to get as much money as he can (which is somewhere near the opposite of stupid) and the fact that a scout says he’s too stupid to learn a position to assume that he has down syndrome and he can’t memorize a single play. You shouldn’t draw so many conclusions from such little evidence (again, you may have other sources, so correct me if I’m wrong).

And one more quick question, you say you don’t have any “secret agenda”, but what exactly would your “secret agenda” be even if you had one? Like calling out Devin Hester on a blog is going to affect the outcome of anything?

by rea5661 on Jul 24, 2008 10:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

exactly

what the fuck does “telling us so” do to change any fucking event in the NFL?

by mike b on Jul 24, 2008 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually

I also predicted the Colts playoff run in 2006. The only team I got wrong was who they would play in the Super Bowl. I picked New Orleans, who managed to get to the NFC Championship game.

I also think Hester is stupid to hold out for more money. The Bears are going to be bad this year, and they know it. They’re rebuilding. When you rebuild, you take stock in all your positions. If Chicago goes out there in pre-season and gets good returns from players like Davis, Hester’s stock will drop. Also, for someone complaining that $450,000 a year is not enough, holding out of camp (which fines players something like $10,000 a day for missing) is pretty damn stupid.

So holding out for more money is dumb bother financially and football-wise. The Bears aren’t going to pay him, and all this time he is missing will hurt his ability to play WR better. So, if he comes into camp and sucks at WR (which he will) the bears will be vindicated for not paying him.

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by BigBlueShoe on Jul 25, 2008 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok that

makes a little more sense. Yes, it was a pretty dumb move to sit out during training camp, but I still don’t think it’s that dumb for him to try to get the most money he can.

But what does picking who will win the playoffs have to do with predicting that a player will suck when he chooses positions? Yes, you may very well be right that Hester will suck at WR. However, it’s not as if you’re the lone voice going against complete reason. The fact of the matter is Devin Hester’s future as a WR is a very gray area. It seems like most Bear fans have been pretty skeptical about how he’ll perform, so it’s not like you’re opening us up to a whole new idea or anything.

by rea5661 on Jul 25, 2008 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Love

Gotta say, I love this community! That’s no BS, folks. You people are more stubborn than a pack of mules. It all should make for a fun lead-up to Week One. I fully expect you to insult and berate me with imaginative slogans and photoshopped images.

Looking forward to Week One.

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by BigBlueShoe on Jul 25, 2008 9:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Man you Colts fans are all the same

I go to school in Indiana so I have an idea about this too: You all think that your team is untouchable and you talk so much smack and think you’re all like God’s Gift to the NFL but come on; I am not sure there is more than a dozen people on this forum right now who realistically thinks the Bears will win or even dominate in Week 1. Maybe we win but DAMN a lot of stuff has to come together before then. I personally have never been to a Colts blog and don’t plan on it any time soon. I am sorry for any a-hole Bears fans who talk petty trash on a blog like that. That’s weak. But you come on here and act like you’re the Football God’s Pope and are Nostradamus. I don’t care what you predicted. I wrote a 3-page essay on why the Bears would lose Super Bowl XLI in November, especially if they played the Colts. The Colts won, btw, because they successfully used draw plays to make the Cover 2 look terrible. Manning shouldn’t have gotten MVP, everyone knows it, the sportwriters just jerk off to Manning.

And what have you to say now that Hester has returned? He missed two days and loses $30k and let me guess; You still think we should cut/trade him. Look I’m willing to let week 1 play out as is, but all I can say is that you Colts fans are obnoxious and ridiculous. Please just keep your opinions to yourself.

Bold Prediction: Orton will be the starter in week 1.

by GallopingGhost on Jul 25, 2008 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

Dude, relax. It’s just football.

And Hester returning shows me someone talked some sense into him. It also shows me he has no resolve. And Manning did deserve the MVP. He played excellent football in a monsoon.

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by BigBlueShoe on Jul 25, 2008 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

monsoon?

Are you kidding me?

Is that kind of like how the Colts “drove the length of the field” after the Benson fumble?

You must have an awful memory.

visit the mindful mission

by big_lowitzki on Jul 25, 2008 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uh yes

I might have missed the drive stat, but I’m fairly certain it was raining hard in Super Bowl 41. So no, I’m not kidding you. You are kidding yourself. Relax, and smile. Hester ended his silly “holdout” and is in camp… for $450,000 a year.

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by BigBlueShoe on Jul 26, 2008 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

HESTER

is one of the great ones.
Compare him to “other kick returners” at your own peril.
He will learn No. 1 WR like Michael Jordan learned to shoot jumpers mid-career.
The great ones do what people say can’t be done.
The great ones break the mold.
A case can be made that it would make some good business sense to trade Hester for a one and a two or something like that, but you just can’t trade the great ones.
Hester will go on to help define our franchise and forever be linked to names like Butkus, Halas, Payton, Singletary, Urlacher the names that made it all worth it being a football fan.
GMs and players say what the need to and do what they have to when it comes to $$ and contracts, but the great ones transcend all that and make you believe this is still the same sport you played as a kid and bring back that JOY like nothing else.

The Colts will be “alright” this year (by their standards) but they will have their hands full opening night with Da Bears. The Monsters of the Midway are back. I can almost guaruntee that Dungy won’t kick to Hester this time, and that’s OK. Because we’ll play a field position game with you. Manning will nowhere to throw. Addai will find a team of defenders motivated to make up for the Super Bowl embarrassment everywhere he turns. And Hester will find some way to be The Man, I say catching a late streak down the sidelines to seal the upset.

Because that’s what great ones do.

by smithie love on Jul 25, 2008 2:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs