Avril won't cut Lions any breaks

[RS12]

08:07 AM ET 02.17 | Soon-to-be free agent Cliff Avril hit satellite radio Thursday, making a few points absolutely clear. 1. He wants to say with the Detroit Lions. 2. He wants to get paid. And not in that order. The defensive end will become a free agent next month, unless the Lions can lock him up first. He's expected to be one of the higher-profile players available and could command more money than the Lions are willing to spend. ... "I want to be there. We have a young D-line. But I know it's a business, and you only hit free agency once or twice in your career, so you definitely have to take advantage of it." Asked whether he would give the Lions a hometown discount, Avril didn't hedge. "There's no such thing as a hometown discount in the NFL."

Detroit Free Press



Read more: http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/323853-avril-wont-cut-lions-any-breaks?eref=sihp&sct=hp_bf2_a4#ixzz1merByC8f

[casmith07]

While he isn't saying anything false, this is not what you want to hear.

[John813]

Well, at least he is being honest.

If we are going to spend coin on a OLB in FA I rather go after Williams.

[basstapp]

I don't understand why you don't want someone to say that. Just like at my job I want to be paid what I am worth and I am not going to give someone a hometown discount unless I didn't want to leave the area I was in.

[Future]

I don't understand why you don't want someone to say that. Just like at my job I want to be paid what I am worth and I am not going to give someone a hometown discount unless I didn't want to leave the area I was in.
This isn't like your job :laugh2:

He's probably just echoing what a lot of players think, but if I were a fan, this is a bit insulting imo.

Can you imagine if Ware hadn't done the Cowboys a favor by signing when he did? Or Tony? That's part of the reason people love them.

[cowboy_ron]

I wish he wanted a star on his helmet

[realtick]

Avril is probably the guy I want most in free agency since there are good OGs to be had in the draft and I'm not enamored with the free agent corners, nor do I think Jerry will pay top dollar for one. Avril is likely better than any of the pass rushers available in the draft.

[dalexa1824]

Avril is probably the guy I want most in free agency since there are good OGs to be had in the draft and I'm not enamored with the free agent corners, nor do I think Jerry will pay top dollar for one. Avril is likely better than any of the pass rushers available in the draft.
Spencer also fits the above description.

[burmafrd]

Brady supposedly gave the pats a discount- but then it was in his own self interest to stay there. And taking less money meant a better team around him.

[viman96]

I have no problem with a player having an opinion like this. It is not like the contracts are guaranteed. Teams cut players all the time for salary reasons.

If it were me the only way I'd give a home town discount would be if the entire contract was guaranteed.

[baj1dallas]

This isn't like your job :laugh2:

He's probably just echoing what a lot of players think, but if I were a fan, this is a bit insulting imo.

Can you imagine if Ware hadn't done the Cowboys a favor by signing when he did? Or Tony? That's part of the reason people love them.

No it's not, got nothing to do with it for me. These guys deserve every red cent they earn. This isn't Russia. In America we believe in the free market.

[koolaid]

Avril is a good player. I seem to remember Avril blowing up Tyron Smith in the 4th quarter of the lions game. Not an easy thing to do.

[realtick]

Spencer also fits the above description.

No, not really.

[big dog cowboy]

No, not really.

Spencer is better than any pass rushers in this draft? Not sure I agree with that either.

[Future]

No it's not, got nothing to do with it for me. These guys deserve every red cent they earn. This isn't Russia. In America we believe in the free market.
I agree that they deserve everything they earn.

BUT, giving a team the home town discount is a good "moral" move. I don't really fault guys for testing the open market, but the guys I covet more are the ones who are willing to sacrifice some money for love of the city, fans, organization, or chance to win a title.

Realistically, with what a guy like Avril is going to get, we aren't talking about making life changing sacrifices. Maybe Detroit locks him up for 45 where some other team might give him 50 mil? If he's smart, that shouldn't really have a long-term impact.

[BraveHeartFan]

I don't have a problem with him having that opinion or mindset but I personally just don't think that's the kind of thing you voice out loud.

To each their own but I certainly wouldn't go around broadcasting that those were my feelings on the subject.