LabattBlue Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 I know that you shouldn't feel bad for someone who is making millions of dollars doing something they love, but I feel bad for the guy. He played for the pitiful Bengals for 5 years. He finally gets the chance to escape from the Bengals in FA and chooses Buffalo. Now while the Bengals appear to have a team capable of making a playoff run for the forseeable future, Spikes is here in Buffalo trying to recover from an injury that is career ending(or career changing) for many players and is on a team that may be looking at a purging of veteran players on the wrong side of 30. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sound_n_Fury Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 Now while the Bengals appear to have a team capable of making a playoff run for the forseeable future, Spikes is here in Buffalo trying to recover from an injury that is career ending(or career changing) for many players and is on a team that may be looking at a purging of veteran players on the wrong side of 30. 508943[/snapback] Ironic, isn't it. I had the same thought watching yesterday's train wreck... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 I know that you shouldn't feel bad for someone who is making millions of dollars doing something they love, but I feel bad for the guy. He played for the pitiful Bengals for 5 years. He finally gets the chance to escape from the Bengals in FA and chooses Buffalo. Now while the Bengals appear to have a team capable of making a playoff run for the forseeable future, Spikes is here in Buffalo trying to recover from an injury that is career ending(or career changing) for many players and is on a team that may be looking at a purging of veteran players on the wrong side of 30. 508943[/snapback] I posted in another thread, despite all the talk about hating the losing in Cinci, he went to another bad team, why? Because the Bills offered him the most jack, thats why. Thats what all players do. I have no pity for that!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SF Bills Fan Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 Spikes is the one guy I really do feel sorry for. His leadership is really missed right now. At what point do we start losing out on top free agents that won't want ot coem to a bad situation? It's geting close. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sound_n_Fury Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 I posted in another thread, despite all the talk about hating the losing in Cinci, he went to another bad team, why? Because the Bills offered him the most jack, thats why. Thats what all players do. I have no pity for that!!!!! 508977[/snapback] I disagree. The Bills were making a significant push to sign FA talent when Spikes signed. They had one of the top defenses in the league his first few years here. The team was moving forward and Buffalo was a very attractive spot for many high profile vets. Revisonist history in the wake of this season's meltdown is BS... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluv Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 I know that you shouldn't feel bad for someone who is making millions of dollars doing something they love, but I feel bad for the guy. He played for the pitiful Bengals for 5 years. He finally gets the chance to escape from the Bengals in FA and chooses Buffalo. Now while the Bengals appear to have a team capable of making a playoff run for the forseeable future, Spikes is here in Buffalo trying to recover from an injury that is career ending(or career changing) for many players and is on a team that may be looking at a purging of veteran players on the wrong side of 30. 508943[/snapback] Those thoughts crossed my mind as I was flipping back and forth watching us getting stomped and the Bengals at least competiting.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 I disagree. The Bills were making a significant push to sign FA talent when Spikes signed. They had one of the top defenses in the league his first few years here. The team was moving forward and Buffalo was a very attractive spot for many high profile vets. Revisonist history in the wake of this season's meltdown is BS... 509004[/snapback] No revisionist history. Does not really matter what direction the team was heading. What I am saying is these guys all talk about how this situation was the best me, the team is on the rise, etcd. etc. etc. Now, outside of a couple of Pats, name one guy who didn't go where he was offered the most jack. Takeo was offered lots of money in Buffalo, and took it. Good for him, and he should have taken it. But please do not think these guys go somewhere, until they start chasing a ring later in their career, for any reason other than money. Now, i know what they say in the press, I just do not buy it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buftex Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 No revisionist history. Does not really matter what direction the team was heading. What I am saying is these guys all talk about how this situation was the best me, the team is on the rise, etcd. etc. etc. Now, outside of a couple of Pats, name one guy who didn't go where he was offered the most jack. Takeo was offered lots of money in Buffalo, and took it. Good for him, and he should have taken it. But please do not think these guys go somewhere, until they start chasing a ring later in their career, for any reason other than money. Now, i know what they say in the press, I just do not buy it. 509031[/snapback] Except, if memory serves me, Takeo didn't really talk to any other teams...he wanted to come to Buffalo all along. Even if he had talked with other teams, I am sure that somebody would have come close to matching the Bills offer. I really think Takeo, and others who came to Buffalo, really did see this as being a team on the rise...sadly, for him, it may very well be a team on the (slow) rise, but it may not arrive until Takeo is gone...his impending free agency, mixed with a bad injury, and the fact that he is not getting younger, will not make him a priority to be resigned... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluenews Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 I posted in another thread, despite all the talk about hating the losing in Cinci, he went to another bad team, why? Because the Bills offered him the most jack, thats why. Thats what all players do. I have no pity for that!!!!! 508977[/snapback] ............he left the Bengals for a "better organization" in Buffalo!!! it smells like horse breath to me!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sound_n_Fury Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 No revisionist history. Does not really matter what direction the team was heading. What I am saying is these guys all talk about how this situation was the best me, the team is on the rise, etcd. etc. etc. Now, outside of a couple of Pats, name one guy who didn't go where he was offered the most jack. Takeo was offered lots of money in Buffalo, and took it. Good for him, and he should have taken it. But please do not think these guys go somewhere, until they start chasing a ring later in their career, for any reason other than money. Now, i know what they say in the press, I just do not buy it. 509031[/snapback] Bupkis. Guys like Spikes want to win...and know they'll get their jack wherever they play. And by the way, here's the headline from TKO's first game as a Bill: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW BILLS RIGHT ON THE MONEY; DEFENSIVE ACQUISITIONS PAY INSTANT DIVIDENDS IN 31-0 ROUT OF PATS MARK GAUGHAN; News Sports Reporter Talk about instant gratification. Buffalo Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. is paying out $21.83 million this year alone for four new defensive starters -- Takeo Spikes, Sam Adams, Lawyer Milloy and Jeff Posey. What does Wilson think of his investment after watching the Bills' 31-0 season-opening destruction of the New England Patriots? "I tell you, it's better than the stock market," Wilson roared in the jubilant Bills locker room. That was the understatement of the day after one of the greatest coming out parties in Bills history. The Bills exorcised demons from last season and made a dramatic statement in scoring their most decisive opening-day victory since 1992 and their first opening-day shutout since blanking the New York Jets by the same 31-0 score in 1981. Attention football world: The Bills' rebuilt defense is for real. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 Except, if memory serves me, Takeo didn't really talk to any other teams...he wanted to come to Buffalo all along. Even if he had talked with other teams, I am sure that somebody would have come close to matching the Bills offer. I really think Takeo, and others who came to Buffalo, really did see this as being a team on the rise...sadly, for him, it may very well be a team on the (slow) rise, but it may not arrive until Takeo is gone...his impending free agency, mixed with a bad injury, and the fact that he is not getting younger, will not make him a priority to be resigned... 509036[/snapback] Hey Buftex, I know what your saying, but that is everything we heard in the press, but we have no way of really knowing. Now, most teams hate to negotiate with another teams transition guy, as they feel all they are doing is negotiating for them. TD may have been the only one willing to stand up with the type of money he was guaranteeing, and therefor the only one in the game. Listen, I am not saying TKO didn't want out of Cincy. What I am saying is that to think these guys take less money to play somewhere, especially thier first FA contract, I just do not buy it. I think in their 30s, they may, may take a little less jack to win. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 Bupkis. Guys like Spikes want to win...and know they'll get their jack wherever they play. And by the way, here's the headline from TKO's first game as a Bill: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW BILLS RIGHT ON THE MONEY; DEFENSIVE ACQUISITIONS PAY INSTANT DIVIDENDS IN 31-0 ROUT OF PATS MARK GAUGHAN; News Sports Reporter Talk about instant gratification. Buffalo Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. is paying out $21.83 million this year alone for four new defensive starters -- Takeo Spikes, Sam Adams, Lawyer Milloy and Jeff Posey. What does Wilson think of his investment after watching the Bills' 31-0 season-opening destruction of the New England Patriots? "I tell you, it's better than the stock market," Wilson roared in the jubilant Bills locker room. That was the understatement of the day after one of the greatest coming out parties in Bills history. The Bills exorcised demons from last season and made a dramatic statement in scoring their most decisive opening-day victory since 1992 and their first opening-day shutout since blanking the New York Jets by the same 31-0 score in 1981. Attention football world: The Bills' rebuilt defense is for real. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 509040[/snapback] I don't get it Sound. Please, I am not saying guys do not want to win, but like I said name me one FA who took less money outside a few Pats like Tedy. Just One is all i'm asking. Guys play where they get paid the most, plain and simple. All the Nuke LaLoosh chit in the paper claiming they went wherever because of the team is all just PR BS. Whens the last time you heard a FA say this" you know, i went there strictly for the money. I know the team is going to suck, and we won't win many games, but I need to make the most money I can right now." You don't here that, cause they would be crucified, especially in the NFL. But how many guys in their first FA contract do you really think take less money to play for a "winner" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sound_n_Fury Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 Hey Buftex, I know what your saying, but that is everything we heard in the press, but we have no way of really knowing. Now, most teams hate to negotiate with another teams transition guy, as they feel all they are doing is negotiating for them. TD may have been the only one willing to stand up with the type of money he was guaranteeing, and therefor the only one in the game. Listen, I am not saying TKO didn't want out of Cincy. What I am saying is that to think these guys take less money to play somewhere, especially thier first FA contract, I just do not buy it. I think in their 30s, they may, may take a little less jack to win. 509048[/snapback] If you think TKO's blowing smoke, that's OK. I happen to think he wants to win...and get paid, in that order: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPIKES BRINGS WARRIOR MENTALITY TO BUFFALO ALLEN WILSON; News Sports Reporter March 15, 2003 Takeo Spikes' first name means "Great Warrior" in Japanese. Seems like an apt description. For the past five seasons, Spikes displayed the fire and passion that made him one of the best young linebackers in the National Football League. However, he toiled in obscurity for a woeful Cincinnati Bengals team that didn't seem to share his desire to win. Maybe that's why Spikes was wearing a big smile Wednesday after being formally introduced as the newest member of the Buffalo Bills. Spikes took the high road when asked about the Bengals, though he looked relieved to finally be rescued from pro football's abyss. Wednesday was a time to look ahead. Any bad feelings about his past gave way to good thoughts about his new team, new city and a new beginning for a productive yet unfulfilled career. "I feel born again," said the 26-year-old Spikes. "I'm looking forward to meeting all of the guys, building up the camaraderie and enjoying life. I'm happy with where I'm at, I'm happy with everything that comes along with it and I'm looking forward to starting up." Spikes is pleased to be reunited with former Bengals head coach Dick LeBeau, who joined the Bills as assistant head coach this week. Under LeBeau's tutelage, Spikes led the Bengals in tackles four times and recorded 100 or more stops each of his five seasons. He missed only one of 80 games, and that was due to his father's funeral. An ideal combination of size (6-foot-2, 245 pounds), speed and athleticism, Spikes can deliver crushing hits at the line of scrimmage, run down ball carriers sideline to sideline and drop back into pass coverage. "He's an impact-type player who can do a lot of things," said John Guy, Bills' director of pro personnel. "He's also a solid character guy and a team guy. He doesn't have to carry the leadership of this team. There's a difference when you can contribute and not have to carry the burden. I think he had to carry the burden before, and now all he has to do is play his game and contribute." The burden of losing was tough on Spikes. The Bengals have won just 19 games since drafting him out of Auburn with the 13th overall pick in 1998. He had grown tired of the Bengals' losing ways. He was even more offended by teammates who had become "Bengal-lized," a common affliction in which players go through stages of shock, anger, frustration and ultimately acceptance of their fate. Spikes refused to accept mediocrity. "I have a quote that I always live by from the great Joe DiMaggio," Spikes said. "He always said you always want to give a great performance because you never know who's watching for the first time. You always want to leave a great first impression in somebody's mind." Spikes certainly made a strong impression on the Bills, who last week signed him to an offer sheet that the Bengals chose not to match. "It's a fresh, clean start for Takeo," said agent Todd France. "He's very excited about it and he can't wait to get started." Spikes already has an acquaintance on the team. He and left tackle Jonas Jennings are Georgia natives and have been close friends for about seven years. Jennings was enthusiastic about Spikes coming aboard. "This is the same guy we studied three, four hours for," Jennings said of recent games against the Bengals. "His name was No. 1 on the Cincinnati (game plan). Now we just get to play with him in practice." Spikes joins Jeff Posey as the Bills' new starting outside linebackers, joining middle linebacker London Fletcher. They are expected to be an upgrade over Eddie Robinson and Keith Newman, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday. "I enjoyed playing with Eddie and Keith, but I'm excited to be able to line up with Takeo Spikes and Jeff Posey," Fletcher said by phone from Cleveland. "I've played with some good linebackers, but never someone of Takeo's caliber. I can't wait for the season to start. It's going to be fun." Although Spikes has never made the Pro Bowl, his six-year, $32 million contract means the pressure will be on him to perform at an all-star level. But Spikes insists his motivation stems from something other than money. "What motivates me is the love I have for the game," he said. "I want to be great. When I walk away from the game, I want somebody to say, 'Takeo Spikes did everything possible that he could do to be the best player that he wanted to be.' I want to be looked at as a guy who will do whatever it takes to win -- a total team player." I have a lot of personal goals. But I know my personal goals will never be accomplished without thinking through a team concept. I've learned as a player, you never reach your full potential unless you have other great players around you. All that will take care of itself because I'm going to do the things necessary that put me in position to make plays and help this team win." Before meeting the media, Spikes visited patients at Women's and Children's Hospital for a couple of hours. Spikes was active in child-related causes in Cincinnati through his TKO (Taking Kids On) Foundation. "It's something I've always done ever since I got into the league," he said. "It's kind of how I've been brought up. I always feel you should always give back because you are a role model whether you like it or not. I enjoy putting a smile on someone's face." Newman's signing with the Falcons comes as no surprise. He had his best season in Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense, recording a career-high eight sacks in 2000. Phillips is Atlanta's defensive coordinator. Newman, who also visited the Houston Texans, had just 6 1/2 sacks in two seasons in Gregg Williams' 4-3 alignment. There is still no news on free agent Pro Bowl defensive tackle Sam Adams, who visited the Bills last week. Adams' agent, Angelo Wright, is optimistic a deal can be reached. Adams has other teams interested, but the Bills remain his first priority, Wright siad. Wide receiver/kick return specialist MarTay Jenkins, who was scheduled to visit Wednesday, is expected to arrive today. Jenkins may be a better option than Kevin Dyson, who met with the Bills earlier this week, but is talking to other teams. He was scheduled to sit down with the New York Jets today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zow2 Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 Basically Takeo F__ked up. He was on an up and coming team with an up and coming new coach and he opted out. He didn't trust the talen that they were bringing in there. He is an NFL insider so to speak. He should have known not to come to B-Lo where team "greatness" never happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sound_n_Fury Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 Basically Takeo F__ked up. He was on an up and coming team with an up and coming new coach and he opted out. He didn't trust the talen that they were bringing in there. He is an NFL insider so to speak. He should have known not to come to B-Lo where team "greatness" never happens. 509094[/snapback] Yeah sure. Like Mike Brown and Ralph are the same guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 If you think TKO's blowing smoke, that's OK. I happen to think he wants to win...and get paid, in that order: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sound, please, I am not saying TKO is not passionate about winning. But he ain't passionate enough to give back some of his money and say"please take this and sign a stud D lineman". If you want to believe that these players do not take the highest available dollar contract available, that is your perogative. I do not place tham on that high a pedastal. I see you highlighted an area that says" I am not playing for the money" Duh, when was the last time you heard an athlete say" I only play for the money" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fezmid Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 No revisionist history. Yes it IS revisionist history! The Bengals slapped their transition tag on Spikes and wanted to pay him THE EXACT SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY to stay with them. He begged them not to match the Buffalo offer. You can't fault TKO for it -- the Bengals had a long history of being crappy, even when they were supposed to be good. Sometimes you just have to move on. CW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 Yes it IS revisionist history! The Bengals slapped their transition tag on Spikes and wanted to pay him THE EXACT SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY to stay with them. He begged them not to match the Buffalo offer. You can't fault TKO for it -- the Bengals had a long history of being crappy, even when they were supposed to be good. Sometimes you just have to move on. CW 509100[/snapback] What? If they wanted him to stay for the exact same amount of money, he would be there. I really do not get what you are trying to say here. Transition tag simply means they have a right to match any offer. The Bills paid TKO a lot more than the avg of 10 highest players for a yr required under the transition tag Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fezmid Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 What? If they wanted him to stay for the exact same amount of money, he would be there. I really do not get what you are trying to say here 509108[/snapback] I'm saying TKO begged the Bengals not to match. If it was just about the money, he wouldn't care which team signed him. CW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 I'm saying TKO begged the Bengals not to match. If it was just about the money, he wouldn't care which team signed him. CW 509110[/snapback] Allright, I must be doing a piss poor job of explaining myself. I am not saying TKO did not want out of Cinci.However, did you see him go to the Pats, or Eagles, or Colts,or Stellers and say hey, I'll take less to play for you cause I think your going to win? I know this converstaion started around TKO, but I guess I am trying to amke it broader. Like I said, name me one player on his first FA contract who took less money to play somewhere, just one. Forget what they in the press about this is where I want to be and all the other BS they say after they sign, just name one who took less money. And BTW, I do not blame them, I agree that is what they should do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts