McD's Presser

[Doc Brown]

7 minutes ago, JGMcD2 said:

Entirely different.
 

Brown was posting a private team meeting on social media. Beasley is expressing his personal views on social media. 
 

Only consistencies are that they’re using social media and play WR in the NFL. 

My point is both created unnecessary distractions.  At what point is the hassle not worth the possible return?

[3rdand12]

44 minutes ago, Mango said:

You don’t miss nearly a week of practice for wearing a MAGA hat. Or a quarter of the season. 
 

We all draw the line between work and personal life. You really like a guy at work even if he holds some unfortunate opinions. But things change when they start impacting you at work and you’re personal beliefs. There’s only so much you can compartmentalize. 
 

At least that’s my take on being in that locker room. 

has anyone considered that the locker room is fine? and that Coach was just sick of the questions that are not about football so much and can turn political ?

 I mean that never happens  lol
Interesting stuff to chew n though, for both media and Us here as well

 

[Patrick Duffy]

2 minutes ago, 3rdand12 said:

It's really that simple. Follow the protocol and stf up Cole. 

It's weird...Didn't he wear a mask last season and followed rules for the most part? I don't recall him having much of an issue last season.

[machine gun kelly]

8 minutes ago, Success said:

 

I know what you're saying, but this topic shouldn't be off limits right now. It is THE biggest issue as we go into a season filled w/ promise.  I don't see why we should be all "Ssssshhhhhh" about it.  I get that discussions need to stay centered on football, but I think they are in the context of this thread.

 

Hey Success bud,

 

no argument at all.  My point to keep balanced and I hope that makes sense.  Shouldn’t be ignored bud.  I’m sorry if I mis represented myself.

[DCOrange]

2 minutes ago, Sheneneh Jenkins said:

It's weird...Didn't he wear a mask last season and followed rules for the most part? I don't recall him having much of an issue last season.

It seems that he has a bigger issue with it this year because vaccinated players don't have to follow the same rules as the unvaccinated. If we're to assume he has a consistent criticism, that seems to be it; he's saying he isn't anti-vax, but he's being vocal about this because he thinks the unvaccinated players are being treated unfairly.

[The Dean]

22 minutes ago, Billever76 said:

Sure punish the 80% of players who did the right thing for not only their teams but society as a whole..

 

I didn't realize asking people to wear masks, get tested, etc., vaccinated or not,  was "punishment". Excuse me if I thought it was simply asking people to do what's best for the team and society in general. 

 

I understand the relaxing of the protocols for vaccinated was seen as a reward of sorts. But when it became clear the variants were causing more issues than expected, those "rewards" may need to be pulled back. They aren't punishments though, IMO. 

 

4 minutes ago, machine gun kelly said:

Mods I feel you’re pain trying to contain this one.  God bless and maybe we can learn from Sal and ask a football question.  Think about how Sal just went to #1 on McD’slist moving forward as he was looking for a lifeline.

 

after you ask th he same question 15 different ways, he just wanted a football question.

 

It has to be a nightmare. Especially when you have posters who don't seem to care they have no "right" to be here. Our participation is at the discretion of the owners of the site. Obey the rules or go play elsewhere. 

 

As to the questions asked of McDermott. After the second or third Covid question was asked/turfed, it was beating a dead horse and wasting the opportunity for a reporter to get some real information to her/his. Good reporters when to move on, get real info, and keep the conversation moving forward. There might be an opportunity later to use something the interviewee said, to comeback to something said earlier.

[Patrick Duffy]

3 minutes ago, TEC said:

 

People get canned every day for expressing their opinion on a variety of topics. Beasley could be no different. 

 

Exactly right...and many times I've seen it's over a really minor thing. For example, I have seen numerous articles of teachers getting fired for the simplest *****. Has happened here in my area also with a teacher. 

 

Beasley might have a bit of a longer leash, but agree it happens all the time

[Hapless Bills Fan]

27 minutes ago, JGMcD2 said:

Players talk about controversial subjects on social media all of the time… there’s a little thing called Freedom of Speech? 
 

Cole Beasley expressing his opinion on Twitter is no different than you or I doing the same thing. I didn’t realize that Freedom of Speech dissolved when you became a professional football player.

 

I would say it would be pretty anti-McDermott to not allow his players to express their opinions… so yeah in a sense it’s exactly what’s been built here.

 

I partly disagree on several points. 

 

Overarching point, Freedom of Speech does not apply as an employee to matters regarding your employment.  Your employer has a right to limit your speech with regard to any matter relevant to the employer, as a condition of your employment.  I worked for a company where it was part of my contract that we were NOT to be interviewed or give statements to the press for any matter regarding that company.  I could open my yap and express any opinion I like about politics or the environment or even drug research in general, but if it was about my company's research programs or products or facilities, one "slip of the lip" and I'd get the ax.  Happened to a co-worker who gave a statement to the press about an on-site active shooter incident at one of our facilities - she never walked back into that building.

 

Next point, on the one hand, McDermott wants players to express their opinions, he's not Belichick-ian there, and that's a good thing.

 

On the other hand, I'm fairly sure from various things McDermott has said, that they don't want the players to conduct themselves in a way that becomes a distraction to the team or brings controversy on the team.  He expects judgement and respect in what they say.

 

So (for example) we typically don't see Bills players taunting other team players calling them "Trash" or saying "I Dunked on Them"- I think McDermott would counsel them "do your talking on the field".  About the most controversial thing I've heard a Bills player say under McDermott is Milano saying "we're fairly confident we can contain him" about Lamar Jackson, and that's pretty mild.  It came across as "Whoao" and generated a bit of buzz, in part because it was so unusual for any McDermott player to say anything about an opponent other than praise for them.

 

Last point, With the NFL covid protocols and a prominent respected veteran on the team saying publicly on social media "I'm not going to follow them" - for one thing, that's a clear-cut way to bring extra enforcement attention on the team; it creates controversy in the press; and both are a distraction.

 

 

[John from Riverside]

Its a sensitive subject.....

 

I look forward to football soon

[JGMcD2]

4 minutes ago, Doc Brown said:

My point is both created unnecessary distractions.  At what point is the hassle not worth the possible return?

Who said it’s an unnecessary distraction? The fans, the media?
 

How do you know that Beasley isn’t speaking for a large portion of players who don’t want the vaccine or got the vaccine before they wanted to because they were fearful of losing their job?

 

I’m around pro athletes… more feel like Beasley than I think people understand… but only very few will speak up for fear of losing their job. That’s an issue. 

 

[Success]

1 minute ago, machine gun kelly said:

Hey Success bud,

 

no argument at all.  My point to keep balanced and I hope that makes sense.  Shouldn’t be ignored bud.  I’m sorry if I mis represented myself.

 

Np, and you didn't really misrepresent. I think it's been frustrating in general because this really does intersect politics and sports, and it's a fine line - but it's such a big issue right now.  It's what I want to talk about when I come here the past few days, since it's my top concern and #2 isn't even close.

 

I respect what the mods do though, and agree that this isn't an easy one for them to navigate.

 

[Bob in STL]

3 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

This wouldn't be cutting someone for his personal belief. This would be planning for the season and the future. If Beasley isn't going to be available to the team consistently, one plan for the current season and the future would be to cut him, give the starting job in the slot to Mackenzie.  That would create the room on the roster necessary to keep Stevenson and protect him from being signed away by another team. At some point Stevenson might take the slot job from Mackenzie.

If a cut is based on vaccination (or “planning”), then McKenzie is at risk too.  

 

McKenzie is the guy with the violation letter from the league?   He is the one who broadcasted the letter, uncensored with email address, on Twitter.  That showed bad form. 
 

While Beasley has been a Covid lightning rod no doubt, in this case he was wearing a mask and following protocol, he tested negative, and siimply complained (on Twitter) about the logic.  
 

 

Edited August 26, 2021 by Bob in STL

[ColoradoBills]

It seems no one wanted to comment on my point regarding the players to have a "players only" meeting about all of this and how they would like

to see thing going forward.

 

If this team is a family and the majority have done their part either by being vaxed or following the protocols (which by themselves may not

be enough) they now know what can happen.  Any given week a critical part of this team could be sitting at home.

 

They ARE part of a union and as such they should get together in private and come up with a general consensus and report back to Beane 

and McDermott.  Putting all the responsibility on the Bills management is a bit of a cop out.  IMO.

 

 

[RiotAct]

6 minutes ago, 3rdand12 said:

has anyone considered that the locker room is fine? and that Coach was just sick of the questions that are not about football so much and can turn political ?

 I mean that never happens  lol
Interesting stuff to chew n though, for both media and Us here as well

 

agree. I think people are projecting a lot on this situation of what they consume from the MSM, memes on social media, etc.

 

The players probably don’t care as much as a lot of us think, and just want to play ball.

[DrDawkinstein]

3 hours ago, JGMcD2 said:

Lol sorry… not directed at you… bringing over frustration from an idiotic comment on another thread. 
 

Yes, it was sarcastic. 

 

So triggered, and still so wrong. Now you've moved from Ad Hominem to strawman fallacies. Must be a real great leader yourself 🤣

 

Never said he should let his emotions spill over in press conferences. He can keep everything in-house, and STILL take a much harder stance than he has.

 

 

[3rdand12]

31 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

In the case of Cole Beasley, he made a very public issue on twitter that he would get tested every day, but otherwise "my day is the same as everyone else", no masks, no restrictions, in or out of the facility.

 

McKenzie is "Dad's" loyal apprentice, has been public in his support of Beasley and is possibly taking his cues from him.

 

So no, I don't think it's just laziness or lackadaisical attitude.

 

 

Again, Cole made a very public issue on twitter that he would not follow the rules and that he didn't care about money, he would play for free if he had to.  I don't know if he was considering being suspended for 4 games as a possible occurrence.  My guess is "no".

 

Now I think McDermott may have sat down and had a heart-to-heart with him about vaccination being his choice but was he In (follow the rules, don't be a distraction) or Out (do his own thing, distract away)? and I believe Cole chose "In".  I expect there is going to be another convo.

 

 

I agree with the first.  As far as the second, I think it's more likely the NFL's medical officers are taking guidance from the CDC and looking for data from the US (which has been very slow to emerge) on which to base any changes, and also they don't want to be "trigger happy" and make changes that later data don't support.  They established their pre-season protocols and decided they would run with them, see how they worked, then adapt.

 

I agree with your second retort here for sure
 and YES about McD having a One on One with Cole

[DrDawkinstein]

Just now, RiotAct said:

agree. I think people are projecting a lot on this situation of what they consume from the MSM, memes on social media, etc.

 

The players probably don’t care as much as a lot of us think, and just want to play ball.

 

It definitely isnt as bad as it reads on social media.

 

But guys who are towards the end of their career, and wanting to make a real Super Bowl run, could certainly lose patience soon. Jerry Hughes for example.

[JGMcD2]

3 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

Overarching point, Freedom of Speech does not apply as an employee to matters regarding your employment.  Your employer has a right to limit your speech with regard to any matter relevant to the employer, as a condition of your employment.  I worked for a company where it was part of my contract that we were NOT to be interviewed or give statements to the press for any matter regarding that company.  I could open my yap and express any opinion I like about politics or the environment or even drug research in general, but if it was about my company's research programs or products or facilities, one "slip of the lip" and I'd get the ax.  Happened to a co-worker who gave a statement to the press about an on-site active shooter incident at one of our facilities - she never walked back into that building.

It’s not written this way in baseball contracts and I’d venture to guess it’s not written this way in football contracts.
 

He’s not discussing X’s and O’s… I’m not allowed to discuss baseball related specifics per my contract… otherwise I can discuss anything else I want as long as I make a point that it’s my own view. 

[ColoradoBills]

2 minutes ago, RiotAct said:

agree. I think people are projecting a lot on this situation of what they consume from the MSM, memes on social media, etc.

 

The players probably don’t care as much as a lot of us think, and just want to play ball.

 

Then the players should come out as a group and say that they are fine with players sitting out with Covid and the rules in place are OK.

[machine gun kelly]

10 minutes ago, 3rdand12 said:

has anyone considered that the locker room is fine? and that Coach was just sick of the questions that are not about football so much and can turn political ?

 I mean that never happens  lol
Interesting stuff to chew n though, for both media and Us here as well

 

I’m not on the habit of disagreeing with my 3-12 buddy.  Thanks for sharing bud as I know your enudicious in you’re reponses.  A habit I probably should learn.

[The Dean]

34 minutes ago, JGMcD2 said:

Players talk about controversial subjects on social media all of the time… there’s a little thing called Freedom of Speech? 
 

 

I'm guessing Constitutional Law wasn't something you studied, (or at least passed) while in school.

 

There is NOTHING here about the US Government suppressing Cole's freedom of speech. 

Edited August 26, 2021 by The Dean

[Victory Formation]

I’m just so sick of football being politicized. First it was the kneel down, now covid. Regardless of where you stand or which side you take, I just want the arguing to stop. I wish we could just get back to football again.

[transplantbillsfan]

I have a question:

 

I came into a thread entitled "McD's Presser" and expected to read direct quotes via tweets as to what he was saying.  Instead I don't really know what was said about the presser and I'm reading speculation and opinions about what was said as it relates to Buffalo.  I just thought the new policy here at TBD is that that is not allowed.

 

Is that still the case or was it a one day thing?

 

Sorry... but I just don't want to jump in a boat with a bunch of people violating CoC and get kicked out of the boat because I was the last one in.

 

 

 

 

 

Oh..... and can someone please post quotes from the presser, too?

[Patrick Duffy]

3 minutes ago, DCOrange said:

It seems that he has a bigger issue with it this year because vaccinated players don't have to follow the same rules as the unvaccinated. If we're to assume he has a consistent criticism, that seems to be it; he's saying he isn't anti-vax, but he's being vocal about this because he thinks the unvaccinated players are being treated unfairly.

As it should be. It makes sense that way. To me it's just simple common sense for those that are vaccinated shouldn't have do all that as much anymore. His choice is not to vaccinate, so by making his choice he should have to follow the guidlines in place due to that choice. Anyways, I agree with you and I'm in no way attempting to argue or belittle anyones decision.

 

Just saying it makes sense the rules are different for vaccinated and those that are not.

[Warcodered]

3 hours ago, YoloinOhio said:

Not necessarily. He said he had a mask on that whole day. Apparently he didn’t only for 5 steps from the entry door to the locker room. 

Wonder if he would of gotten nailed if he hadn't painted a giant bullseye on his back.

2 hours ago, YoloinOhio said:

Mckenzie said he is vaccinated … may still be in two week window, or nfl doesn’t have updated data. I assume the first. 

So trying find the positive spin maybe this is less of a major issue in the locker room so much as a series of unfortunate slip ups.

[GottaRun]

8 minutes ago, DCOrange said:

It seems that he has a bigger issue with it this year because vaccinated players don't have to follow the same rules as the unvaccinated. 

He actually has a good point to make, but he's not making it well and he strays from the point too often. 

 

If an unvaccinated player and vaccinated player can both make another player sick then everyone should wear masks and follow the same protocol if the goal is to keep everyone healthy.  That's his point, and on that point I think he's right. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

48 minutes ago, Billever76 said:

Sure punish the 80% of players who did the right thing for not only their teams but society as a whole..

 

*shrug* I don't think that's a productive perspective at all.

 

I think a more productive perspective is, "what do we got to do to get through the season and maximize everyone's availability?"

 

There were data based on the Covid variants at the time we were 2-3 months into vaccinations , and the NFL protocols appear to have been designed based upon that data (I put some calculations up over on the Covid Facts thread if anyone cares, but hit me in PM if you have questions).

 

That was then, this is now, and the data emerging based on the current Covid variants suggest different protocols are needed.

 

It would be like being told to expect a bright sunny day for a hike in the Rocky Mountains.  But while you're at the trailhead ready to depart, you see clouds thickening and the wind kicking up and your weather sense tells you to expect a storm.  So to keep on track for your hike, you better pack a raincoat and rainpants, maybe choose an alternate route that will keep you off exposed ridges in case of thunderstorms, maybe pack a RON emergency kit and a pile jacket in case it turns cold.

 

It does no good to complain that you're being "punished" by needing to lug along a pile jacket and a raincoat when the forecast "promised" a bright sunny day where all you carried was a snack and a bottle of water; you can't hike the forecast, you have to hike the weather you find.

[Warcodered]

4 minutes ago, Sheneneh Jenkins said:

As it should be. It makes sense that way. To me it's just simple common sense for those that are vaccinated shouldn't have do all that as much anymore. His choice is not to vaccinate, so by making his choice he should have to follow the guidlines in place due to that choice. Anyways, I agree with you and I'm in no way attempting to argue or belittle anyones decision.

 

Just saying it makes sense the rules are different for vaccinated and those that are not.

I mean it makes sense as incentive and would be less of an issue if everyone actually got vaccinated but as that is unlikely it in fact makes things less safe, especially for the unvaccinated but that is a bit of their own damn fault.

Edited August 26, 2021 by Warcodered

[Hapless Bills Fan]

4 minutes ago, driddles said:

He actually has a good point to make, but he's not making it well and he strays from the point too often. 

 

If an unvaccinated player and vaccinated player can both make another player sick then everyone should wear masks and follow the same protocol if the goal is to keep everyone healthy.  That's his point, and on that point I think he's right. 

 

Yes.  Beasley is correct on that specific point.  In fact it's my understanding that the NFLPA has asked the NFL to make changes to the protocols, and the NFL has refused so far.  We'll see if they change their viewpoint.

 

2 minutes ago, Warcodered said:

I mean it makes sense as incentive and would be less of an issue if everyone actually got vaccinated but as that is unlikely it on fact makes things less safe, especially for the unvaccinated but that is a bit of their own damn fault.

 

But see, pointing fingers and saying "fault" isn't constructive.  The question is "how do we keep the facility safe and maintain player health and availability?"

 

If vaccination is a choice for players, then the protocols have to protect players who choose to be unvaccinated. 

[3rdand12]

26 minutes ago, machine gun kelly said:

Mods I feel you’re pain trying to contain this one.  God bless and maybe we can learn from Sal and ask a football question.  Think about how Sal just went to #1 on McD’slist moving forward as he was looking for a lifeline.

 

after you ask th he same question 15 different ways, he just wanted a football question.

How about that Kumerow ?. With Diggs and now Sanders as 1-2 I feel we will be okay with most any of the WRs Bills have had showing in these practices. Strongest WR depth in years and years , and a good few we cannot likely  keep
But we also have Josh Allen. Seems he can make anyone look good if reporting so far is true !

 Go Bills 

[The Wiz]

1 hour ago, Gugny said:

 

As long as you don't tare me down, I think I'll be okay!  😉

And now I get to point out that you're being a grammar Nazi which is currently the least offensive thing you can do 😉 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

8 minutes ago, transplantbillsfan said:

I have a question:

 

I came into a thread entitled "McD's Presser" and expected to read direct quotes via tweets as to what he was saying.  Instead I don't really know what was said about the presser and I'm reading speculation and opinions about what was said as it relates to Buffalo.  I just thought the new policy here at TBD is that that is not allowed.

 

Is that still the case or was it a one day thing?

 

Sorry... but I just don't want to jump in a boat with a bunch of people violating CoC and get kicked out of the boat because I was the last one in.

 

 

 

 

 

Oh..... and can someone please post quotes from the presser, too?

 

Simon's thing is keeping the daily Practice Thread pure and we have had requests for a "Pure" Covid Impacts thread.

 

Other threads are fair game.

 

Presser:

 

 

[Warcodered]

9 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Yes.  Beasley is correct on that specific point.  In fact it's my understanding that the NFLPA has asked the NFL to make changes to the protocols, and the NFL has refused so far.  We'll see if they change their viewpoint.

 

 

But see, pointing fingers and saying "fault" isn't constructive.  The question is "how do we keep the facility safe and maintain player health and availability?"

 

If vaccination is a choice for players, then the protocols have to protect players who choose to be unvaccinated. 

Yes from a purely logical most effective stance perspective, which is what policy should be made on, it is irrelevant, but I'm still going to feel that way.

Edited August 26, 2021 by Warcodered

[3rdand12]

24 minutes ago, Sheneneh Jenkins said:

It's weird...Didn't he wear a mask last season and followed rules for the most part? I don't recall him having much of an issue last season.

It was not an issue last year I suppose.
Has been since he drew attention to himself and The Bills  with his goofy rant ...

[ColoradoBills]

7 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

That was then, this is now, and the data emerging based on the current Covid variants suggest different protocols are needed.

 

Totally agree with that fact.  This will be my last time commenting on this.

 

The Bills players are adults and can, on their own, come up with any enhanced procedures if they choose.  Waiting for the NFL, NFLPA, Bills

Management or anyone else is not their only option.  They have that power all on their own.

 

I'm sure McDermott and Beane would welcome that type of response.

[The Dean]

24 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

It seems no one wanted to comment on my point regarding the players to have a "players only" meeting about all of this and how they would like

to see thing going forward.

 

If this team is a family and the majority have done their part either by being vaxed or following the protocols (which by themselves may not

be enough) they now know what can happen.  Any given week a critical part of this team could be sitting at home.

 

They ARE part of a union and as such they should get together in private and come up with a general consensus and report back to Beane 

and McDermott.  Putting all the responsibility on the Bills management is a bit of a cop out.  IMO.

 

 

 

 

I agree with the suggestion, but what makes you think this hasn't been discussed, possibly on many occasions, among the players themselves? 

[WhoTom]

16 minutes ago, transplantbillsfan said:

I came into a thread entitled "McD's Presser" and expected to read direct quotes via tweets as to what he was saying.

 

Cliff's Notes version:

 

He spent 12 minutes answering questions about Covid protocol and 2 minutes saying Josh would start on Saturday, and most of the starters would get some playing time. He was noncommittal about how much time each player would get.

[Patrick Duffy]

7 minutes ago, BeastMaster said:

Why though when you can still catch and transmit the virus even when vaccinated?

 

It makes zero difference, so rules should be for all or for none.

Because those vaccinated can still spread it, also if by small chance a vaccinated person still gets it, the symptoms are mild large majority of time. Un-vaccinated are subject to serious symptoms that are life threatening for many.

 

So that's the difference

[Saint Doug]

I’ve had about enough of this. I certainly don’t want this, but if the Bills lose out during the AFC Championship game or even the Super Bowl due to multiple players in the Covid protocol, I won’t shed one tear. They’ll deserve it and besides money, losing the biggest game of their lives is the only thing they’ll understand. I’m for personal choice, but being one of the least vaccinated teams in the NFL is pitiful. We wanted a team of high character players, but it’s appears they are the opposite. 

[3rdand12]

25 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

It seems no one wanted to comment on my point regarding the players to have a "players only" meeting about all of this and how they would like

to see thing going forward.

 

If this team is a family and the majority have done their part either by being vaxed or following the protocols (which by themselves may not

be enough) they now know what can happen.  Any given week a critical part of this team could be sitting at home.

 

They ARE part of a union and as such they should get together in private and come up with a general consensus and report back to Beane 

and McDermott.  Putting all the responsibility on the Bills management is a bit of a cop out.  IMO.

 

 

I did reference your point. in that they likely already have had internal (players only) meetings
 and that they are supporting each other.
stuff we may never know. Though. The Bills want to win, They seem to be a very tight knit Team as compared to others and certainly previous regimes.
 McD having to defend his Plyers et all . may be the painful part. and yes to all above. It is relevant to our Bills SB season !