I like the avatar. You do know that Chung was a Duck right? Probably one of my top 5 favorite Ducks of all-time.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/10/07/report-pats-chargers-talking-vincent-jackson-trade/ looks like the Pats may already have a replacement for Moss
Adam Schefter on ESPN said that that rumour has no real legs. The Patriots don't tend to go after problem players (as Schefter notes) and the Chargers aren't likely to be interested in dealing Jackson to a team that could be standing in their way come playoff time. The Pats may consider a reunion with Deion Branch. That would be a pretty large downgrade from Moss, but a serviceable addition to their passing game. http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-...1/dont-expect-vincent-jackson-how-bout-branch
Moss wasn't labeled as a problem player prior to being traded to the Pats? Moss had a worse rep than Jackson currently does.
Schefter also said a Tom Brady contract rumor didn't have legs one day before he signed it. The Pats have gone after plenty of problem players. Rodney Harrison, Corey Dillon, Randy Moss, Quinn Ojinnaka, Donte Stallworth and plenty of others. The only thing standing in the way of a deal is AJ Smith asking for too much.
Maybe not league suspension, but he's definitely has some controversial times in his career. http://blastmagazine.com/2008/01/16/randy-moss-is-in-trouble/ There was also the time that he ran over a cop. I'm a big Moss fan, but its not true that his tenure in the league hasn't had its controversal moments.
Yeah, but a misdemeanor 5 years prior isn't exactly a major football issue. It's not really "problem player" as determined by fans/media. I've read quotes from Belichick and Pioli in the past (when Pioli was with the Patriots) where they said that they talk to and/or evaluate the attitude of prospective players they're interested in and decide whether they have the right attitude to fit into their system and chemistry. If they decide the player does, that's all that matter...not past issues or reputation. And if they decide he doesn't, again that's all that matters. So what's important is whom Belichick, at this point, feels is a "problem." This obviously doesn't provide any predictive power for fans, but that's where someone with good connections can provide some insight. Schefter obviously doesn't always get it right (as 44Thrilla noted) but he is a well-connected and well-regarded NFL reporter, so if he says that it's not going to happen...that doesn't mean it's in stone (since he can be wrong) but it does potentially provide a clue that Belichick doesn't view Jackson as a fit, attitude-wise. Whereas, Belichick obviously thought Moss was when he traded for him.
But why would BB even inquire about Jackson if he didn't think he was a fit? That's what I don't get about Schefter's logic. Does he think the Patriots are unaware of his history?
Oh, forget it...I see that Schefter said that BEFORE the reports that NE contacted SD. Schefter was wrong again. He won't be a Patriot, but its not because they don't want him. It's because SD doesn't want Mankins, and there's no way BB is giving up a 1 and a 2.
