First of all, I was the one that essentially established somewhat of a diaglogue with his sister the day she came on. a lot of others who responded were being negative jackasses.
What she said was: essentially that there had been some "preferential" treatment or favoritism by some asst. coache(s). I don't remember any one specifically named, but it I pretty much supposed it was most likely, Kevin Ramsey, who was the DB coach here Stone's first 2 years. I think she did mention some kind of college affiliation involved, but I'd have to go back and find the thread to be sure.
I'm fairly sure Stone signed a 3 year contract, but being put on IR last year, meant it didn't count, so he really has 1 more year left on his contract. (If I've interpreted things correctly.)
He has all the measureables. Who knows? Maybe there was some truth to it. Ramsey was replaced last year, by Ron Milus, so maybe there was some truth to it. I think that's touching the crux of the "problem" with him.
He IS talented. He IS intelligent. So whose "fault" is it if he's been hired but not developed? Sure part of it has to be his responsibilty. But its also the job of the coaches to "develop" their players....that's what they're hired for.
Stone has never exhibited any blatant attitude problems, that I've ever seen. It has been inferred, I'm not even sure exactly by whom all, that he has not been "the quickest on the uptake", so to speak? To me, if the guy is talented, doesn't really demonstrate an overt attitude problem, yet communication is still lacking.....If I'm the owner/manager, I'm going to be on the coaches butt as much or more than the player.
To me its like in commercial enterprise.......It amazes me to sometimes see businesses invest a lot of money in advertising to get customers "through their doors", then treat them like crap when they do appear.
If a player's "mental receiver" is tuned to 101 FM but you keep trying to get him to listen to 606 AM, then YOU need to tune in to 101 to communicate with him, if you realistically want to get the communication established.
Remember too, that its only supposition that Stone might be one of those "not wanting to listen". I always thought any comments like that were generally more aimed in Wilson's direction. He's the one that's been "rumored" to be a little to much free lance "hot dog" at times.
I'm interested to see what happens with Stone with the new regime. He still could very well be a late blooming "gem".
HIs sister did say that he didn't start playing football until very late. I'm not sure if that is indeed true, but if it is, and remembering that he came out early, could also be contributing factors to him not picking up the "nuances of the pro game" the most rapidly.
For what they are paying him, there's no way they should cut him at this point. It's really a no-lose situation to keep him around until he definitely proves otherwise.
