PFT: Tank's Suspension is Shrinking

[WoodysGirl]

Info beat by Hos, only by a day....

POSTED 10:58 a.m. EDT, September 12, 2007
TANK'S SUSPENSION IS SHRINKING
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, responding to a Wednesday morning e-mail inquiry, tells us that the eight-game suspension imposed on defensive tackle Tank Johnson is being served, even though he's not currently on a team.
So, as a practical matter, Johnson apparently will be eligible to return after Week Eight.​

This news conflicts with our prior understanding that a suspension can't be served by a player who isn't under contract with a team. For example, we thought that receiver Andre Rison's NFL career ended prematurely had ended because he would have to serve a four-game suspension promptly after signing with a new team.​

We've believed the Rison rule to be accurate for so long that we couldn't recall how we first came to believe that it was the standard practice. To support our misimpression, we found a 2003 Tip Sheet from ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli, wherein Len writes as follows: "Rison, 37, faces a four-game suspension if he ever signs a contract because of past sanctions resulting from a repeat violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy."​

But, per Aiello, the standard practice is to give players credit toward their suspensions for games that are played even if the players aren't on an NFL roster. We've since confirmed, for example, that receiver Antonio Bryant's remaining two-game suspension from 2006 will be satisfied after Week Two, despite the fact that he is not currently on any team. ​

 

[burmafrd]

I frankly have grave doubts about the guy. With everyone watching he still went out and screwed up. How can you rely on someone like that?

 

[Bleu Star]

Info beat by Hos, only by a day....

POSTED 10:58 a.m. EDT, September 12, 2007
TANK'S SUSPENSION IS SHRINKING
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, responding to a Wednesday morning e-mail inquiry, tells us that the eight-game suspension imposed on defensive tackle Tank Johnson is being served, even though he's not currently on a team.
So, as a practical matter, Johnson apparently will be eligible to return after Week Eight.​

This news conflicts with our prior understanding that a suspension can't be served by a player who isn't under contract with a team. For example, we thought that receiver Andre Rison's NFL career ended prematurely had ended because he would have to serve a four-game suspension promptly after signing with a new team.​

We've believed the Rison rule to be accurate for so long that we couldn't recall how we first came to believe that it was the standard practice. To support our misimpression, we found a 2003 Tip Sheet from ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli, wherein Len writes as follows: "Rison, 37, faces a four-game suspension if he ever signs a contract because of past sanctions resulting from a repeat violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy."​

But, per Aiello, the standard practice is to give players credit toward their suspensions for games that are played even if the players aren't on an NFL roster. We've since confirmed, for example, that receiver Antonio Bryant's remaining two-game suspension from 2006 will be satisfied after Week Two, despite the fact that he is not currently on any team. ​

This is very good news. I say give the guy a look. The worst that could happen is he ends up out on the streets again (likely for good). It's no different than Randy Moss's current situation (last chance).

 

[CrazyCowboy]

Take a chance on me!

 

[austintodallas]

Take a chance on me!

Have you ever played Nosegaurd Crazy?

 

[TheSport78]

The Cowboys have all the leverage with Tank. Sign the guy to a 1 year deal and if he works out, go from there. If he doesn't work out, cut your losses. What's the worst that can happen?

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

I believe Tank would fit in perfect, bring him in Jerry!

 

[miamicowboy21]

The Cowboys have all the leverage with Tank. Sign the guy to a 1 year deal and if he works out, go from there. If he doesn't work out, cut your losses. What's the worst that can happen?

Bingo, and if the guy screws up this chance, which will probably end up being his last, he's a fool. Nothing humbles a guy more than nothing recieving a paycheck and being told to stay home. I like our chances here. Jerry can relate to the players and isn't afraid of any PR hit. Someone is going to sign the guy it might as well be us. We have a definite need at that position.

 

[DasTex]

The Cowboys have all the leverage with Tank. Sign the guy to a 1 year deal and if he works out, go from there. If he doesn't work out, cut your losses. What's the worst that can happen?

Him and Keith Davis become friends

 

[slick325]

That's interesting. I didn't think the suspension started until the player was on an active roster. So I guess Mike Vick will be back much sooner than people think unless the commish waits until his release from prison to start his suspension.

 

[Yeagermeister]

I believe Tank would fit in perfect, bring him in Jerry!

Other than he's never played in a 3-4 1 gap defense your right he's perfect

 

[YosemiteSam]

There is no point in signing him right now. He has several weeks before he can play, and the team isn't even sure they will even need him. If they sign him now, they could end up just cutting him before he even gets to play due to other roster spots.

First thing you do is watch your current situation. If things look bleak, then you may want to sign him as insurance before he comes off his suspension.

 

[03EBZ06]

I wonder if all suspensions are "Rolling" suspension or some are just suspension which a player has to have a contract with a NFL team?

I'm confused.

 

[TheSport78]

Other than he's never played in a 3-4 1 gap defense your right he's perfect

I'm almost positive this is the first year any player on the Cowboys current roster has played in a one gap 3-4 as well (Except Fergy, but he's gone). They just have a full training camp under their belts. Wade relates well with players and would put Tank in the best position to be successful. I don't feel comfortable going forward with Ratliff and Ayodele as the backup. Tank is solid against the run while Ratliff's best attribute is getting to the QB.

 

[peplaw06]

Boy we are on the cutting edge on this board. People all over the internet/league must come to this site to get their info. We have a debate about Tank's suspension running on Tuesday afternoon, and on Wednesday morning PFT sends an email to NFL offices to confirm what we found.

Not to mention Eatman's article on Tuesday evening about Tank being a possibility.

Coincidence? I think not.

I think Jerry must read the board too.

Hey Jerr.

 

[TheSport78]

Him and Keith Davis become friends

:laugh2: I can't believe Killa played w/ a bullet in his thigh during last year's training camp. Those guys would become best friends.

 

[Yeagermeister]

I'm almost positive this is the first year any player on the Cowboys current roster has played in a one gap 3-4 as well (Except Fergy, but he's gone). They just have a full training camp under their belts. Wade relates well with players and would put Tank in the best position to be successful. I don't feel comfortable going forward with Ratliff and Ayodele as the backup. Tank is solid against the run while Ratliff's best attribute is getting to the QB.

True but at least they had played in a 3-4

 

[AsthmaField]

Tank did play a 1 gap in Chicago... it was just a 4-3 rather than a 3-4. Still he played the NT position and Tommie Harris played the DT position in their defense.

I think he could make the switch just fine. If Ratliff can do it, I think Tank can.

He sure would be a big help come december push time.

 

[silverbear]

I think Jerry must read the board too.

We've been exchanging e-mails for years, ever since he read my work on the Cowboys' newsgroup... naturally he would have followed me in here...

It's a little bit of a PITA, really, seems the guy won't make a move any more without runnin' it past me first... been like that ever since he hired Dave Campo to be head coach... I tried to warn him about that one, but would he listen??

NOOOOOOOOO...

Aw, heck, I wasn't supposed to tell y'all that...

You didn't hear it here...

Hey Jerr.

Jerry says you should call him Mr. Jones... well, actually, he said you should call him "Lord Jones", but I try not to humor him when he gets megalomaniacal like that... I ain't kissin' that ring, I don't know where it's been...

 

[Yeagermeister]

We've been exchanging e-mails for years, ever since he read my work on the Cowboys' newsgroup... naturally he would have followed me in here...

It's a little bit of a PITA, really, seems the guy won't make a move any more without runnin' it past me first... been like that ever since he hired Dave Campo to be head coach... I tried to warn him about that one, but would he listen??

NOOOOOOOOO...

Aw, heck, I wasn't supposed to tell y'all that...

You didn't hear it here...




Jerry says you should call him Mr. Jones... well, actually, he said you should call him "Lord Jones", but I try not to humor him when he gets megalomaniacal like that... I ain't kissin' that ring, I don't know where it's been...

You prefer to kiss other things