SECTION 11
vibraslap
Though running back Emmitt Smith isn't regarded among NFL fans and observers as a turd, there's an element within the league that isn't particularly fond of the veteran running back, who now owns the all-time rushing record.
According to some league sources, the inside book on Smith is that he's a me-first guy, who cares far less about team goals and objectives than self-glorification. And the folks who hold this belief about Smith are bristling at the recent suggestion that he'll wait to hear from other team before finalizing a contract with the Cardinals.
The Cardinals, after all, are the only team that has expressed real interest in Smith. Moreover, the Cards are the only team that is willing to give the starting tailback job to a guy who'll be 34 in less than two months.
Smith visited the Cardinals last week, where he made a good impression and said all the right things. The Cards, in turn, quickly put an offer together, which was extended to Smith on Monday.
Since then, however, there has been no further activity, which has prompted Smith's critics to wonder whether he's pulling a Cris Carter, in a misguided effort to create competition for his services.
In our view, Smith either should move quickly to sign with the Cardinals, or he should announce that he's going to sit back and wait for a position to be created elsewhere once the inevitable snap, crackle, and pop of ACLs commences in offseason drills.
Then again, the latter approach would require Emmitt to concede that he's less desirable than the guys on the other teams who currently are in position to tote the ball. Many doubt that Emmitt ever will recognize that he's simply not the best current option in 31 cities.
Heck, he might not even be willing to admit that he's no longer the best back in the entire league.
According to some league sources, the inside book on Smith is that he's a me-first guy, who cares far less about team goals and objectives than self-glorification. And the folks who hold this belief about Smith are bristling at the recent suggestion that he'll wait to hear from other team before finalizing a contract with the Cardinals.
The Cardinals, after all, are the only team that has expressed real interest in Smith. Moreover, the Cards are the only team that is willing to give the starting tailback job to a guy who'll be 34 in less than two months.
Smith visited the Cardinals last week, where he made a good impression and said all the right things. The Cards, in turn, quickly put an offer together, which was extended to Smith on Monday.
Since then, however, there has been no further activity, which has prompted Smith's critics to wonder whether he's pulling a Cris Carter, in a misguided effort to create competition for his services.
In our view, Smith either should move quickly to sign with the Cardinals, or he should announce that he's going to sit back and wait for a position to be created elsewhere once the inevitable snap, crackle, and pop of ACLs commences in offseason drills.
Then again, the latter approach would require Emmitt to concede that he's less desirable than the guys on the other teams who currently are in position to tote the ball. Many doubt that Emmitt ever will recognize that he's simply not the best current option in 31 cities.
Heck, he might not even be willing to admit that he's no longer the best back in the entire league.
