OPINION 1: Moss Shoots His Way Out of Town Again. Will the Pats Come Calling Again?
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Vikings players were told of Moss’ release by head coach Brad Childress but apparently not given a reason as to why he was cut loose after just four games with the team.
According to a report in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Childress said that Moss’ actions weren’t the way things were done around the Vikings organization and apparent grounds for dismissal.
After being targeted only twice Sunday when he caught 1 pass for 8 yards, Moss delivered a very colorful postgame press conference in the bowels of Gillette Stadium to the media on hand covering the game.
Among the things covered by Moss was a rant about no longer talking to the media this season after being fined $25,000 by the league for not speaking to the press in the week leading up to the game in New England.
Moss also went out of his way to praise Bill Belichick whom he called “the best coach in football history.” He also had praise for his former teammates, the fans and the entire Patriots organization for whom he played for from 2007-2010.
But what may have ultimately led to his release Monday was his indirect questioning of Vikings coach Brad Childress. Moss intimated that Childress’ decision to go for it on 4th and goal from the 1 late in the first half may not have been the best idea. “I wish we could have had three at the end of the half,” he said. “Maybe it could have been different, maybe not.”
Moss also said that he felt the coaches didn’t utilize his knowledge of how the Patriots might operate on both offense and defense the week leading up to the game which was another shot at Childress.
In the end, Childress wasn’t about to let the inmate run the asylum and cut the future hall of famer loose.
Moss will likely be placed on waivers today meaning a team could claim him as soon as Wednesday. Waiver claims go first to teams with the worst record meaning the (0-7) Buffalo Bills would get the first crack at claiming him and the remainder of his 6.4 million dollar base salary. The (6-1) Patriots would be last in line of the 32 NFL teams to claim him off of waivers.
If no team claims him, Moss would be paid the remainder of his salary by Minnesota and would be free to sign with any team he wants to at about $450,000.
Many here in New England believe that if Moss does clear waivers, that we will truly find out how Bill Belichick feels about him. If the Patriots decide not to bring him back, that would be an indication that they believe his talents have deteriorated a great deal or that his enigmatic ways might be more trouble to the team than his talents would be worth.
One thing seems certain, and that is that Moss’ desire for a new and lucrative contract just took a major hit these past few weeks. From New England trading him to Minnesota releasing him, there are too many red flags for an NFL team to throw piles of cash and a multi-year deal at the 33-year old wide receiver.
If Moss really wanted one last big payday, he would have been wise to keep his mouth shut and put up big numbers with Tom Brady here in New England this season. Had that happened, some team would have surely made a substantial offer for the star receiver.
Unfortunately for Moss, that horse has already left the barn.
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