LeVeon Bell doesnt get it...

[madinsomniac]

Bell Takes shot at Pittsburgh in this article:
http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2018/03/leveon_bell_takes_apparent_sho.html


My Take:
Perception, they say, is reality to most people. That is why I totally get how Leveon Bell’s idea of his contract situation is far away from the general take on it. RB’s in the league are grossly underpaid based on the other glamour positions, and somehow he believes his stance should be viewed as some freedom fighter fighting for the rights of some woeful, oppressed working class…. I get it… that is to say I get that he doesn’t get it.

Running backs used to be a premium position in the league. And entire offense was centered around it. Those days are dead… the first reality that Bell, and other RB’s have to accept is that RB is by far the most simplistic position to play and the easiest to fill with a capable player who can generate enough stats to win. It’s a passing league. Having a superb future HOF player at the position is simply a luxury these days… RB just doesn’t have the need for exceptional skill sets like WR, QB or even TE. That is why you often through the years seen players from one position like QB or WR or even defensive players in college translate to the RB position in the pros… the athletic ability and vision are not exactly rare qualities…
Because of that, a team can easily move from one RB to another and even if there is a drop off, its not often enough to matter if the rest of the team is well constructed…
The second hard truth Bell has to accept is that because of the salary cap, he isn’t going to ever be viewed as fighting for fairness for his position, because he isn’t just pulling more money from the profits of some nameless corporation, he is literally taking funds that could be divvied up among other players for himself… he is always going to be viewed as robbing from his teammates… and to the fans who understand that depth matters to winning a championship, pulling vastly greater money into a position that isn’t viewed as critical in this day and age is basically kneecapping the team… not some heroic altruistic stance as he seems to view it..

The third point he just doesn’t grasp is that in the eyes of most fans, he isn’t the proven commodity he thinks he is… the Suspension and injury history along with the fact that he hasn’t even made it to a superbowl team seriously makes one question whether he is the guy to give all that money to… I am a Bell fan, but even I agree that its hard to defend this point. He hasn’t proven he can do it yet… and there are questions about his ability to stay on the field . on top of that RB isn’t exactly a position that players play till they are 35 with any regularity… any long term contract is a definite risk.

The fourth thing he seems obtuse to is that his combined position demads are beyond ludicrous in most people’s eyes… a great running QB doesn’t get RB pay on top of his QB play… a Dual purpose TE who blocks and catches well doesn’t get OL and WR pay… a LB that covers well isn’t getting Safety or CB pay too…. Its part of the position… moreover, if Bell was just a WR, he would at best be a #2 or #3 guy, not a top end WR… so asking for top end wr and top end RB money just seems greedy to most… its not a winning argument
The final point I don’t think he or most NFL players get , is that the fans they are railing to or about aren’t ever seeing the money they get… Most NFL players will go bankrupt in their lifetime because they don’t understand the financial reality of the world in general. The average Pittsburgh household makes under 40 grand a year. Most scrub NFL players will make more in one season than these people will earn during their entire working careers…

Regardless of his real intent, Bell complaining about 14.5 million dollars or 12 million… or even 10 is always going to come off as an ignorant, greedy, and entitled person acting like a spoiled brat… he may not be any of the above things… he is likely a great if not slightly immature dude, but as I started out with… perception is reality and that’s the perception of him not only here, but in every NFL city ive been to this year….

 

[Coryea]

Had he just signed the deal last season, he would've helped change the market for RBs, but turning down 6+ million more per season than the next highest RB and then bitching and complaining and asking for 17 so you're paid just as much as another player definitely isn't going to sit well with anyone

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[Steelr4evr]

Please please please draft another RB! Focus on the defense and move on from this crap.

 

[Bigappleyinzer]

I find it hilarious that fans are in such a tizzy over this. The owners have been screwing over RB's for years now.

Just think about it:
1.) These guys take some of the most punishment of all players
2.) They have some of the shortest careers
3.) A good RB is critical to a good offense
4.) Now they're asking these guys to be pseudo WR's??

Some of you act like its your $$$ being spent.

 

[Lloyds legend]

I don't think that's it at all.

Many fans don't want to see their team in cap hell because of it.

These guys are well aware of what their job description is and what it entails.

What was offered was more than fair.

 

[Supersteeler]

I find it hilarious that fans are in such a tizzy over this. The owners have been screwing over RB's for years now.

Just think about it:
1.) These guys take some of the most punishment of all players
2.) They have some of the shortest careers
3.) A good RB is critical to a good offense
4.) Now they're asking these guys to be pseudo WR's??

Some of you act like its your $$$ being spent.

Yawn.

They are making multi millions to play a game. Cry me a river.

 

[Atlsteelers]

I find it hilarious that fans are in such a tizzy over this. The owners have been screwing over RB's for years now.

Just think about it:
1.) These guys take some of the most punishment of all players
2.) They have some of the shortest careers
3.) A good RB is critical to a good offense
4.) Now they're asking these guys to be pseudo WR's??

Some of you act like its your $$$ being spent.

My issue isn’t that he’s wanting more money. It’s been the way he’s gone about it. The Steelers organization has been fair to everyone in my opinion and especially guys who show up and do what they need to do in spite of being in negotiations. Rapping about what you want and threading to possibly retire and sit out doesn’t go over with the fans and organization. He only has himself to blame at this point.

Technically it is my money being spent. I pay nfl ticket. I pay for merchandise. I pay for tickets. Not complaining but I don’t have any sympathy.

 

[wig]

If he can find somebody who will pay him 17 million a year, more power to him. He's about the 6th or 7th best back in the league behind one of the better lines.

Another runner may not do quite as well as Bell, but I suspect the drop off won't be a 15 million dollar drop off.

 

[AggieSteel]

I find it hilarious that fans are in such a tizzy over this. The owners have been screwing over RB's for years now.

Just think about it:
1.) These guys take some of the most punishment of all players
2.) They have some of the shortest careers
3.) A good RB is critical to a good offense
4.) Now they're asking these guys to be pseudo WR's??

Some of you act like its your $$$ being spent.

Disagree on point 3. RBs by committee have been winning SB's

And to the last point, it's not about being cheap or not wanting to pay the money. If there was no cap I'd say pay Le'Veon $30m, what do I care? It's about cap flexibility. Just as it is Le'Veon's best interest to get paid as much as he can get piad, it is the fan's best interest for the entire team to be good, not just 5 guys on offense.

 

[ZonaBurgh]

Please please please draft another RB! Focus on the defense and move on from this crap.

This.... Tired of the drama and ego involved. Frankly I don't believe raising the pay standard for other RB's is as high on his list as he's portraying.

Run the wheels off him and let's see how great he is in Tampa Bay, Chicago or Arizona in 2019.

 

[warriors42]

I find it hilarious that fans are in such a tizzy over this. The owners have been screwing over RB's for years now.

Just think about it:
1.) These guys take some of the most punishment of all players
2.) They have some of the shortest careers
3.) A good RB is critical to a good offense
4.) Now they're asking these guys to be pseudo WR's??

Some of you act like its your $$$ being spent.

It is our dollars being spent. where in the hell do you think the owners get the money to pay these divas. EVERY DOLLAR the league makes comes from the fans. Also the amount of money these guys make is crazy, and I personally fine it offensive to listen to someone like Bell whining because 14 million a year isn't enough money.

 

[SteelerSask2]

Can anyone explain why there seems to be a trade market for OBJ and not Bell? The Giants seem to want more than a first. Id take a first in a heartbeat. They dont seem to be in totally dissimilar contract situations.

 

[Coach]

If he can find somebody who will pay him 17 million a year, more power to him. He's about the 6th or 7th best back in the league behind one of the better lines.

Another runner may not do quite as well as Bell, but I suspect the drop off won't be a 15 million dollar drop off.

And makes how much more than the 6-7 backs you are talking about?

I think most of the starting backs can do better than 4.0 per rush. Well actually over 25 of them did most of whom run behind inferior lines.




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[Drink IRON City]

Both LeVeon & Odel do have something in commen,........they are both VERY good at what they do but they also share another trait..................... OFF FIELD antics seem to be deficient. All about the me me and NOT about reality. I too wonder why not the trade..... I think the STEELERS are holding strong on their commitment of long term or compensation after this year, a risky proposition.

I hope Bell shows up and comitts fully but question that as to him not signing the tag.

Salute the nation

 

[stillwright]

Can anyone explain why there seems to be a trade market for OBJ and not Bell? The Giants seem to want more than a first. Id take a first in a heartbeat. They dont seem to be in totally dissimilar contract situations.

Bell is a RB who wants $17 mill a year way over double of the next paid RB. Odel is a WR and is asking for a modest raise above the highest paid WR 2 offseasons in.

 

[fogdoctor]

Running back may be an easier position to replace than kicker at this point (I'm exaggerating but seriously). Just take one of the two Georgia backs or pick one from LSU/Auburn in the second and be done. Or run with the dogs we have because it does not matter. We will win/lose based on the passing game and making 1 damn stop on defense.

 

[SteelerFan448]

Can anyone explain why there seems to be a trade market for OBJ and not Bell? The Giants seem to want more than a first. Id take a first in a heartbeat. They dont seem to be in totally dissimilar contract situations.

The Giants are terrible and could be a couple of seasons away from contending. An extra draft pick or two will help build the team. The Steelers are a contender and their best chance to make a deep run is with Bell.

 

[MTC]

It is our dollars being spent. where in the hell do you think the owners get the money to pay these divas. EVERY DOLLAR the league makes comes from the fans. Also the amount of money these guys make is crazy, and I personally fine it offensive to listen to someone like Bell whining because 14 million a year isn't enough money.

If 14 mill isn't enough.
Then cut his ***.

 

[TDX27]

The difference between OBJ and Bell, at this point anyhow, is that Bell seems to have given 100% on each play - although he typically avoids contact when possible to preserve his body. OBJ plays when he wants to play. He definitely takes plays off, especially when he gets in one of his ***** moods. That's why I wouldn't pay OBJ what he wants either. He isn't the best WR and he doesn't give 100%.

 

[steelpastor]

Can anyone explain why there seems to be a trade market for OBJ and not Bell? The Giants seem to want more than a first. Id take a first in a heartbeat. They dont seem to be in totally dissimilar contract situations.

Odell is under contract... the fifth (and final) year of his rookie deal. He can be traded by the Giants or they can give him a new contract (or not).

Bell is technically not under contract. We franchise tagged him... but he has not signed it yet. Hence, he is currently not under contract (which is why he doesn't need to show up at any preseason activities UNTIL he signs). Although he cannot sign with another team (because he has been franchise tagged)... we still would not be able trade him until he signs the franchise tag.

.

 

[antdrewjosh]

I understand why Le’Veon Bell feels frustrated with some fans in Pittsburgh who want the team to pull his franchise tag or simply “run the wheels off of him,” and allow him to leave in 2019.

But he really needs to stay off of social media. Or at least, as Ben Roethlisberger does, hire somebody to do his social media for him.

It would save him a lot of trouble from posting stuff like this:


I get it. Nobody likes to have bad things said or written about them. And social media has made it possible for fans to have direct interactions with players like never before. That works in both a positive and negative direction, as this story by SI.com points out.

Bell got a lot of backlash for that latest tweet. And I get it. It was an ill-thought-out post.

But the flippancy at which some people think an All-Pro running back can be replaced and/or the comments they make about his future are sometimes just as cringeworthy.

• The Steelers are worth hundreds of millions of dollars. And Bell has made $14.5 million in his career, with $12.2 million of that coming last season. Of that $14.5 million, he’s probably pocketed about half of that once taxes, union dues, agent fees and everything else are taken out.

And he plays a position that, for ordinary players, has a shelf life of about three years in the league. He’s 26 and has perhaps four or five more years to do this as a living before he has to get on with his life’s work — which, sorry, won’t be in the music business.

I’ve seen too many players who played in the league for multiple years have health problems from their playing days, trouble walking, brain trauma, etc., to say that any player is being “greedy.” These guys put their bodies on the line on a daily basis. They risk life and limb every time they step onto a football field to entertain us.

https://www.dkpittsburghsports.com/2018/03/31/lolley-nfl-helmet-steelers/

 

[Supersteeler]

I understand why Le’Veon Bell feels frustrated with some fans in Pittsburgh who want the team to pull his franchise tag or simply “run the wheels off of him,” and allow him to leave in 2019.

But he really needs to stay off of social media. Or at least, as Ben Roethlisberger does, hire somebody to do his social media for him.

It would save him a lot of trouble from posting stuff like this:


I get it. Nobody likes to have bad things said or written about them. And social media has made it possible for fans to have direct interactions with players like never before. That works in both a positive and negative direction, as this story by SI.com points out.

Bell got a lot of backlash for that latest tweet. And I get it. It was an ill-thought-out post.

But the flippancy at which some people think an All-Pro running back can be replaced and/or the comments they make about his future are sometimes just as cringeworthy.

• The Steelers are worth hundreds of millions of dollars. And Bell has made $14.5 million in his career, with $12.2 million of that coming last season. Of that $14.5 million, he’s probably pocketed about half of that once taxes, union dues, agent fees and everything else are taken out.

And he plays a position that, for ordinary players, has a shelf life of about three years in the league. He’s 26 and has perhaps four or five more years to do this as a living before he has to get on with his life’s work — which, sorry, won’t be in the music business.

I’ve seen too many players who played in the league for multiple years have health problems from their playing days, trouble walking, brain trauma, etc., to say that any player is being “greedy.” These guys put their bodies on the line on a daily basis. They risk life and limb every time they step onto a football field to entertain us.

https://www.dkpittsburghsports.com/2018/03/31/lolley-nfl-helmet-steelers/

Boo hoo. Not feeling the sympathy. He could have signed an extremely lucrative contract two years running and chose not to. Then he chose to run his mouth about it for two years running. He also chose to skip training camp and played like **** for a month last year and will do the same this year. I won't be sad to see him take his talents elsewhere. Then he can rap and ***** about his new teams city and fans.

 

[stillwright]

I understand why Le’Veon Bell feels frustrated with some fans in Pittsburgh who want the team to pull his franchise tag or simply “run the wheels off of him,” and allow him to leave in 2019.

But he really needs to stay off of social media. Or at least, as Ben Roethlisberger does, hire somebody to do his social media for him.

It would save him a lot of trouble from posting stuff like this:


I get it. Nobody likes to have bad things said or written about them. And social media has made it possible for fans to have direct interactions with players like never before. That works in both a positive and negative direction, as this story by SI.com points out.

Bell got a lot of backlash for that latest tweet. And I get it. It was an ill-thought-out post.

But the flippancy at which some people think an All-Pro running back can be replaced and/or the comments they make about his future are sometimes just as cringeworthy.

• The Steelers are worth hundreds of millions of dollars. And Bell has made $14.5 million in his career, with $12.2 million of that coming last season. Of that $14.5 million, he’s probably pocketed about half of that once taxes, union dues, agent fees and everything else are taken out.

And he plays a position that, for ordinary players, has a shelf life of about three years in the league. He’s 26 and has perhaps four or five more years to do this as a living before he has to get on with his life’s work — which, sorry, won’t be in the music business.

I’ve seen too many players who played in the league for multiple years have health problems from their playing days, trouble walking, brain trauma, etc., to say that any player is being “greedy.” These guys put their bodies on the line on a daily basis. They risk life and limb every time they step onto a football field to entertain us.

https://www.dkpittsburghsports.com/2018/03/31/lolley-nfl-helmet-steelers/

And after this season he will have made over $29 million. What's your point? He played out his rookie deal and these last 2 years he has will have been handsomely paid. Probably only Pererson has been paid as much in a 2 year window(over $26.5 mill) or he actually might have.. I think the Steelers have taken care of him. They have used the rules in place. So has Bell. All Bell needs to do is sign and report. Hopefully before a week before the season so he can be in football shape. If not. Well that is his choice I guess. And then after this season he can pick his next contract/team. I will wish him well. With a salary cap you can not pay everyone. You have to pick and chose. I personally would have liked if the Steelers would have let Bell explore trade partners, but I truly believe they were trying to sign him long term. What has Bell's demands been though? $14.5 mill a year? $17 mill a year? I don't know if he really knows. Sad really. He has done everything a true professional doesn't do. Tweet tweet tweet. Rap a song. Smoke a joint. Yep. Us as fans should be ashamed of ourselves for getting tired of Bell's ****. SMH

 

[Ron Burgundy]

Boo hoo. Not feeling the sympathy. He could have signed an extremely lucrative contract two years running and chose not to. Then he chose to run his mouth about it for two years running. He also chose to skip training camp and played like **** for a month last year and will do the same this year. I won't be sad to see him take his talents elsewhere. Then he can rap and ***** about his new teams city and fans.

Heard on the radio yesterday, IIRC, that the salaries of the starting three RB's on both Super Bowl teams, that's six RB's, combined was less than $14.5 mill.

 

[ExUSAF]

If we sign Bell under the franchise tender, I think the season is over before it starts. Cap constraints will prevent any significant improvement in the defense, which will have to depend on rookies to fill the gaps. What I will never understand is why we didn't use the non-exclusive tag that would have allowed Bell to at least explore how much he was really worth on the open market.