Denver Broncos blog, news and rumors


FB

[hype it up!]
[Share with Yardbarker]

Published on 08/19/2009 at Wed Aug 19 13:48.
Tagged: ,,,,,.



Marshall Says Issues with Broncos Go Beyond Money

Posted Wed Aug 19th by

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall takes part in drills during an NFL football training session on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall takes part in drills during an NFL football training session on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Brandon Marshall says he has never asked the Broncos for a raise, and that his issues with the team have much deeper roots, Frank Schwab of the Colorado Springs Gazette reports. Marshall, who was relegated to the scout team for the second straight practice Wednesday, sounded off on his current team, indicating that things could be reaching a breaking point.

“Unfortunately, sometimes it gets to that point,” Marshall said. “There are trust issues on both sides. It’s understandable. We’ve got to try our best to move forward.”

Marshall has mentioned trust issues in the past, citing a misdiagnosis of his hip injury in 2008 and discussions this summer with Pat Bowlen, in which the owner told Marshall he would be traded. However, those promises never came to fruition.

Driving the point home, Marshall told reporters after practice Wednesday, “From day one I’ve never asked the Broncos for more money, and that’s from the summertime.”

At first look, that comment appears laughable. Every national media outlet, local media outlet and independent web site (including yours truly) have been stating Marshall’s money demands as FACT for months now. Yet after doing some digging, I couldn’t find a single quote, from the Broncos or Marshall, that their disputes involve any unhappiness with his rookie contract. Only a few “NFL sources” have told reporters about money demands, and not as often as you’d think.

The closest thing I’ve found to anything even hinting at money being an issue were these comments BMarsh made in June: “I have faith in conversations that I’ve had with ownership and my agent, and I’m just going to put my faith and belief in things that I’ve heard.” Those seem to indicate a promise for more money, but Marshall could have just as easily been talking about Bowlen’s promise to trade him (especially since he mentioned “ownership” and not the coaches or personnel department).

Denver Broncos football player Brandon Marshall appears in Fulton County state court , Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Denver Broncos football player Brandon Marshall appears in Fulton County state court , Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Was it ever about the money?

Most recently, Marshall reiterated reports that he is upset over the way the Broncos’ public relations staff handled his acquittal in Georgia last week. “I think the biggest thing was, it was really disappointing hearing that some of my teammates on one of the best days of … the past three years, of my life, some of my teammates were coached to say ‘Don’t say you’re happy for Brandon.'”

Broncos COO Joe Ellis has since apologized to Marshall, saying a junior member of the team’s public relations staff spoke out of turn. But with Marshall’s trust in the team getting thinner by the month, it’s possible or even likely he isn’t taking Ellis at his word. Perhaps Marshall believes the PR staffer wasn’t acting on his or her own, an opinion shared in various media reports.

Despite it all, Marshall is practicing. He admits he is still behind in learning the playbook and hopes to make strides soon. His placement on the scout team was certainly raising eyebrows, but from comments from both the WR and coach, those reactions appear to have been overblown. “You can’t go out there and try to take reps with the ones if you really don’t know what you’re doing out there,” Marshall said. “I just got to do my best and catch up in the playbook.”

Why Marshall doesn’t have a grasp on the playbook is another story. According to McDaniels, Marshall has been attending all the meetings. He’s had the playbook for months. Although there’s something to be said for “going through the motions” physically in camp, there’s really no excuse for him to be that far behind, even if he has missed two weeks of practices. UPDATE: McDaniels addressed the playbook issue after practice, saying the players don’t receive a copy and simply saying that’s what he expects from players who have missed time. He’s not worried.

If Marshall wanted to be a Bronco, he would have studied enough of the playbook to be playing with the ones. He doesn’t, and hasn’t. Will the Broncos do anything to address the situation, or continue their current approach of ignoring it at every turn?

In the meantime, Marshall says he’s just happy to play football. “You know, I’m here now,” Marshall said. “And I love playing football, that’s what makes me happy. It’s hard to come out here and be disgruntled when you love what you do, and I love what I do.”

Maybe it wasn’t ever about the money. While I think a new deal for Marshall would certainly smooth things over (we all know money “heals all wounds”), I’m actually starting to believe that his issues were never really financial to begin with. Marshall just doesn’t trust the team.

For now, that’s tough luck. He’s a Bronco, a Pro Bowler, and a team leader; he needs to start preparing as such. McDaniels can say this isn’t a distraction all he likes, but #15 watching the team play from the sidelines suggests otherwise.

  • gobronx

    That is an awesome write up Kyle! Thanks for the thorough investigation and insight.

  • gobronx

    Starting to sound like irreconcilable differences and with each turn, his trade value drops. I wonder what teams are willing to offer for him right now (any insight there Kyle?). He certainly won’t command Roy Williams value (a 1, a 3, and a 5) although he’s twice the receiver.

    It’s starting to sound like the only way this works out if for Brandon to play disgruntled and half-assed all season and then the Broncos dump him for whatever they can get at the end of the season…

  • http://mrherculesrockefeller.blogspot.com herc rock

    it’s always about the money.

  • http://broncotalk.net (dee)

    If it wasn’t about the money , how that money solve his trust issues? How would Marshall TRUST that the Broncos actually pay him his gam checks?

    It’s always about the money, but trap yourself into this isnt.

    Stay the course Josh, dont give in. With everything Coach McDaniels has dealt with this offseason a winning season for the Denver Broncos would be like a Superbowl.

    Shanny would cave and pay BMARSH I’m almost sure of it , and in the end the Broncos may cave as well…but I think they’ll make it earn it first.

    I like what I’m seeing from the Broncos. Again dont get it twisted BMARSH likes his cash, if he really didnt trust the Broncos he’d be holding out to get traded.

  • http://broncotalk.net (dee)

    Wow I should really proof read, lol

    Conclusion: This is all about money.

  • roshon2411

    First Cutler, now BMarsh. Who are they saving the money for? Another long snapper? Paying him now to avoid this story every day would be worth the money alone. I new contract for Culter would have made him stay. Trading a first next year(potentially top 10), I’m beginning to think the Broncos and Bowlen are starting to become cheap.

  • http://broncotalk.net (dee)

    roshon2411

    I dont think that they’re being cheap… I think it more has to do with the fact “THE BEAST” may getting suspended/killed/or kill a woman in the next 3-5 years.

    If they were to give him a contract with say 15 million guaranteed and then have to cut/release him it would be very difficult for them to get that money back.

    The years of wasted money by Mike Shanahan is the reason the Broncos are now being more responsible with the money they bring in. Don’t blame Pat Bowlen or the organization, Pat has seen him money be wasted by Mike over the years without any playoffs wins. Pat has final taken a stand that he will run his team his way, and I respect him for it.

  • thomas

    I’m sick of this guy, it’s time to trade him.

  • Fergenator

    Brandon…Brandon…the more you talk the less you are BMarsh and the more you become BMoron…..Please someone get a hold of this child and tell him what he throwing away…

  • Robert

    Great post Kyle that was very interesting.

  • Roy

    I love how he doesn’t trust the team when they are the ONLY one’s who have stood by and supported him through all of his antics and ordeals. This type of back-handed “loyalty” is one of the two things that piss me off the most about professional athletes.

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    I don’t see how the Broncos can stay put on this. Something has to happen. I’ll have another post up a bit later about it.

  • broncobobmeridian

    The Broncos will never get what he’s worth. I cant see any team giving up a 1st, and either a player or maybe a 2nd, or 3rd. Maybe we trade him to the Browns for Anderson and Edwards.

  • Bronco D

    If it was the injury then why stick it on the new coaching staff? The Broncos have a lot more reasons to not trust Marshall than he has to not trust them. I do like the fact that McDaniels is not playing this out in the media. BMarsh take notes. If you have an issue with the coach talk it out don’t pout!

  • AtomicLeo

    I think it’s an interesting point that’s not about the money. Yet. I think B Marsh is looking at next spring and realizing he has very few options. His numbers will go down this season.

    The NE offense distributes the ball. He won’t come close to a 100 catches this year. Sounds great for the team, but when it comes to re-upping his deal you better believe the front-office will make it an issue that he dropped off from 100 catches to X number of catches and try to low-ball him on his contract. Combine that with an uncapped year and he won’t qualify for FA since he only has 4 years of service. Under normal circumstances, Marshall would play out this final year and either sign with another team or at least get top 5 money if the Broncos franchised him. But he’s stuck.

    I don’t blame the Broncos for not extending his contract. One more incident and his looking at a long ban and the team can’t recoup their money. (BTW, this will be a big sticking point in the CBA negotiations). Even if the team writes up a ‘morals’ clause or whatever, the Vick decision basically sent the message that these conditions in contracts are meaningless.

    It’s an ugly situation and the best outcome for both sides would be if another team offers a first rounder pick for Brandon or maybe a 2nd rounder with conditions that could later turn into a first round pick.

  • http://twitter.com/ds Dave Simon

    He really has no option but to play this year. If he held out, or moped around, he’s just hurting himself. We all know about “contract years” – let’s hope he learns the playbook, shows up and makes sure that someone pays him big money next fall.

  • OC Bronco

    B Marsh’s comments have not been that upsetting. He isn’t handling this THAT poorly at least he’s shown up. Of course it’s about money. But like Anquan he will have to play whether or not he trusts the organization. Bowlen said he would be traded? NOT FOR NOTHING! He knows his trade value is shit because his agent has been trying to work a trade for 2 months now.

    Kyle – Nothing has to give from the Broncos. He plays and if he doesn’t play well he certainly won’t get a big contract when he becomes a RESTRICTED free agent. It’s just that simple.

    He may be a distraction now but I think he is smart enough to realize what he has to do. And as he said he loves to play football. That’s what he has to do. That and learn the f’ing playbook.

  • OC Bronco

    One more point – I like that McDaniel’s puts no individual ahead of the team. With that being said they understand just how talented B Marsh is and will not part with him for anything less than a can’t lose deal which will never come to fruition.
    I don’t believe McD ever bought in to Cutler. If he had, he would have patched it up with him not made it worse. For those that think he botched it he didn’t. He got what he wanted I assure you. Even if it wasn’t what the fans wanted. It’s even more clear now that he did not like Cutler. he’s not giving Marshall that same treatment.

  • postalmoose

    I am so tired of star athletes whining about unfairness or trust issues. Give me a freakin’ break. Bmarsh wants a big money contract and he is in no position with no leverage to get one. Now he is making mountains out of mole hills to create(read dramatize) problems with he team so they will trade him. He is trying to orchestrate a way out when there is no other way to get the big money he wants. He learned well from JayC(Although his wasn’t about money now , but money down the road). All of this drama is Bmarsh and Bmarsh only. He knows the only way he is going to get his money now is to force his way out. But again he has absolutely no leverage. What I find interesting is that some think this PR problem came from up higher than the lowly staffer. But don’t you think by now other players would be coming out and defending BMarsh or even JayC, and that has never happened.Some will say well if others talk they risk being dropped or chastised by the team. Give me a break this is American not the Soviet Union or Iran. These guys would speak out if the problems with trust that Jayc and BMarsh claim were going on. It seems to me the rest of the guys are enjoying the new coach and are preparing for the season. BMarsh is an immature baby in the vein of JayC and the Broncos would be better off without both. Their talents are undeniable but their immaturity and lack of leadership hurt the team more than their talents help. I get that we are all entitled to our opinions but I don’t get people defending either of these guys at all. The only reason JoshMac has ruffled feathers is that he is about team and not coddling individuals and you are seeing the ones that can’t handle that type of coaching and leadership and who they are. Neither Champ or BDawk has stood by either guy and that to me speaks volumes!!!!

  • http://www.broncosforums.com BroncosForums

    We are definitely seeing fan sentiment turn against Marhall. The more time goes by, the more people that seem to be placing the blame solely on Brandon’s shoulders.

    While without knowing all the behind the scenes details, it’s impossible to know who is to blame for the broken relationships, the fact remains that players like Cutler and Marshall simply don’t come along that often.

    Right now, it seems as if the Broncos, unlike most NFL franchises, aren’t capable of dealing with unhappy players and therefore are just ‘shipping them out’. The fact is that nearly every team winds up with disgruntled players, yet they almost always seem to work things out — rarely even facing a hold out.

  • JRODZ

    It’s like Judge Schmails says, “The world needs ditch-diggers too!” He sounds like a spoiled little chick not getting what he wants. Boo Hoo! Time to put up and shut your cake hole Brandon. You put yourself in this spot buddy. Man-up and face the music. Maybe if you weren’t beating up on your woman, you could have been part of the team. Why should we feel sorry for you? You haven’t put the work in brother! You should have known when you signed that contract, you were working for the man. Now the man wants you to get to work. That’s life. Get on with it.

  • PABronco

    I’m getting a headache!! This situation with BMarsh needs to be resolved some how, and soon.

  • postalmoose

    Don’t give me the line that the Broncos don’t seem to be able to deal with disgruntles players. This team has a different atmosphere now with team being important over the individual and those two guys could not deal with it and have or are trying to force their way out. I don’t buy either the notion that either of these guys is once in a lifetime players. John Elway was but these two are talented players with to many eogo issues and players with their talent do come along all the time. They aren’t so good that they are in the top five of the league right now.

  • roshon2411

    BroncosForums,

    I think you’re right. Every team deals with disgruntled players and Denver isn’t doing a great job with it… I think it’s easy to blame the players in the situation. The worst players make $100,000’s. We’d all love to be there. If this is about money i can’t blame Marshall. On the field he’s peformed as a Pro Bowler. If I were one of the tops at my job and was getting entry level money, I’d be pissed or looking for another job too. It’s got to be tough to see a guy such has Heyward-Bey get 34 mil guarenteed and not have a single NFL catch. Or Roddy White who has almost the exact same numbers as Marshall get paid. I know he’s had his issues off the field but if they’re really worried about him, I think they would of traded him by now. Even if his trade value isn’t at his highest right now, it’s not his lowest either. He could get injured during the season or worst get in trouble, then what is he worth? You keep him and he does well, then they’ll probably have to franchise him and pay him top 5 money. He’s good but not that good. Roddy White got 6 years 50 mil, 18 guaranteed. Offer Marshall 6 years 42 mil, 12 mil guaranteed. Denver will probably have saved that by trading their 1st rd next year. My point is now is the time to try and low ball Marshall and if he doesn’t except he plays at the bargin price of 2 mil. I’m just surprised no offer has been made.

  • http://www.broncosforums.com BroncosForums

    Last year, Marshall and Glenn Martinez were tied for the lowest paid receivers on the Broncos roster. Now, that’s part of being a 4th round pick, so while he is underpaid, he is also under contract. If he didn’t have the off field problems, he likely would have an extension right now.

    Whether it is inexperience on the part of the head coach and GM, or a hard nosed policy they have decided to adopt, they don’t seem to be able or willing to work with disgruntled players and invite them back in the fold, or even play hard ball and say “hold out if you would like, but that will just cost you money and put you one year further away from free agency.”

    One way or another, when two of your four most talented players on the team are either gone or seem to have one foot out the door, you should be reevaluating something.

  • anthony33

    I do think this will get resolved. The thing I see with BM that is significantly different from Cutler is that he is showing up and talking to coaches and the front office without his agent having to be by his side. He talks to the press and gives his side of the story. He does not sound mad as much as he sounds hurt and dissapointed. I am sure too that money has 80% to do with it.

    In terms of the PR guy, we will never know exactly what happened, but I will tell you from a PR perspective that telling the players to keep a low profile on this was probably the right thing to do. I am assuming this was not done hurt BM feelings or disrespect him, but rather to keep the gloating out of the press and let the story die. I would hope he gave the players coaching to NOT talk to the press about it and NOT “don’t say anything to BM directly”. Now if the guy did tell the players not to say anything to BM, then the Bronx management should fire the guy now. If the guy did it with brass direction, then the Bronx are getting what they deserve. That’s how you tell BM you’re sorry.

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    It’s a sensitive situation with potential legal ramifications for the Broncos. I understood why Marshall’s upset (he called it the happiest moment of the last 3 years, maybe his life), but he needs to grow up on this one. The Broncos CERTAINLY had his back.

  • http://BroncoTalk.net Mr.East

    It’s funny because it’s rumored he’s broke. Can’t be about the money…

  • Pat

    Get rid of this women beater and sign Marvin Harrison. Boom goes the Dynamite

  • anthony33

    I just watched the daily presser with Marshall on the Bronx website. The points I brought up about the PR move and keeping it low profile was raised by one the reporters and BM basically dodged the question. I believe now more than ever that this was about not rubbing it in that woman’s face, at least publically.

    Three other observations:
    1) HE may not have asked the Bronx directly for a new contract, but his agent certainly has and saying he doesn’t know about that is ridiculous.

    2) Feels he has already proven himself and should not have to prove himself again to a new staff to get a new contract. I can see his point, but there is more than just performance, which brings me to my last point.

    3) I really believe he thinks that with the verdict on Friday that everything had been wiped clean and all the past has been forgotten. When reality hit that everything wasn’t exactly has he expected it really set him back.

    Again, unlike Cutler, I think this can be worked out. I respect the fact that he is talking and being as professional as he can.

  • anthony33

    BTW I do love the fact that the Bronx allow these interviews and put them on their site. They are not dodging it.

    I like that we can see the interview, hear the responses and observe the body language. It allow us to fomulate your own opinion based on what you hear and see and not get sucked into the media headlines.

  • http://birty.blogspot.com mikebirty

    If money isn’t the problem, I bet a truck load of it would be the SOLUTION. Funny how trust issues get thrown aside when someone add a zero to your paycheck.

  • Tom9798

    Brandon Marshall misses Jay Cutler . . . period.

    All wide-receivers have only one request of their quarterback . . . . throw me the ball ten times per game . . . . that’s 160 opportunities to catch the ball . . . . move the sticks . . . . maybe six to ten touchdowns . . . maybe more . . . .

    You see T. Owens saying this to every QB he has played for . . . . he is constantly talking to them every chance he get’s . . . . they all want what Jerry Rice had with Joe Montana .

    What BM realizes is that is probably not going to happen this year . . . he has no man-crush for Orton . . . doesn’t know the playbook . . . . spends more time than he should listening to his “me-first” agent . . . and the real kick is that he is under contract . . . .

    That’s right . . . you sign your name and fulfill your obligation . . . . remember?

    Most of us hope we’ll get any raise at all come our yearly review . . . . Brandon has to play 16 football games for two million dollars . . . ($2,000,000) . . . . not nearly enough for such a roll-model . . . .

    Tally up your paycheck for sixteen weeks . . . then tell your boss that you want a trade . . .
    Make sure there is nobody around when you do . . . the hysterical laughter would be a distraction . . . .

  • http://www.sell-sport.com www.sell-sport.com

    Marshall needs to go some teams. the Bears, the Eagles, or the Vikings…

  • anthony33

    Read Kriegers article this morning in the Post.

    My point is made about the media headlines.

    He might be the worst sports writer in America. Surely they could have picked someone other than him from the snooze.

  • Jeff

    Teams cannot allow players to dictate how they operate. The fact is he signed a contract and he should honor it. He needs to keep his mouth shut and be a man. It’s a privilege to play professional football, not a right. And I agree, the Broncos have been supportive of him.

  • TD30ismvp

    I listen to the interviews and what I hear is not what the DP is writing, they are stirring up the pot. It sounds like they spoke they both have aired out their issues and they agree to continue discussions. He aint playing because he has not been in practice, there is no playbook at this time, they run it on the field so if Brandon isn’t there, he does not know the plays.

  • http://www.broncosforums.com BroncosForums

    I just read an article on the DP site about how Marshall failed to learn the playbook. Yet, they failed to mention what McDaniels said, which is that players aren’t given a playbook to study, but instead handouts each day as new plays are installed in practice. He had previously said when talking about Moreno, that just attending OTA’s and studying wasn’t enough to learn the offense, they had to be on the field when the plays were being installed in practice.

    What I see is a pattern among the media and most fan sites to demonize Marshall. It’s not too surprising, because most fans have seemed to turn against him, so therefore the ‘media’ is catering to that sentiment, even if it means leaving out facts here or there.

  • kerry

    did this article really refer to Marshall as a “Team Leader”?? seriously?!?! the only thing Marshall leads the team in is arrests. this guy is the furthest thing from a team leader. thats like saying Ryan Leaf was a team leader.

  • dray

    I’m sorry, maybe I went overboard. I feel betrayed by some creep who thinks of nothing but himself. Speeking of witch, it apears to me the best place for a WR to look good is in Denver. Clearly a passing first offence. I bet Cuntler will be kicking himself in the ass real soon. And I forgot the NFL is packed full of spoiled brat third graders, not men.