The Most Electrifying Man In Sports Entertainment

Hey, wait a minute.....This isn't a WWE blog about The Rock!

I apologize if you feel mislead, but lets' move past that, and talk Devin Hester, and the fact that he didn't report to camp. Hester has decided to holdout of training camp, because he wants a new, and more lucrative deal.

"I can't go out and play this year making $445,000. Come on, man," -Devin Hester

Does Hester deserve a pay day for being the best kick returner in the league? It's a tough question to answer. What criteria should be used to evaluate his performance?

I don't think that he deserves a new deal, Yet.. Hester is no doubt the best kick returner in the league right now. In 2 seasons he already has 11 touchdowns (4 kickoff returns, 7 punt returns). However that's a special teams position, not a "skill position." Every team in the league would love to have a guy with Hester's ability to return kicks, but there not going to pay top dollar for it.

If Hester wants to get that proverbial "pay day" he needs to make a significant contribution as a receiver too. He doesn't have to be the #1, but he does need to be in the top three. If he is able to make an impact as a receiver too, then he will have the leverage he needs.

B-West to hold out? That's not an option

Brian Westbrook is unhappy with his contract, and he wants a new deal. So how is he going to achieve his goal? For starters he fired his agent Fletcher Smith. Then he may hold out of training camp..... There's only one solution to, and that is to Pay him accordingly.

The Eagles need Brian Westbrook. He deserves a new contract.

Lito, What are you doing?

I think that for his circumstances Lito Sheppard has handled the signing of Samuel like a true professional, and a guy who loves his team, but that could change in the blink of an eye. Sheppard has hired Drew Rosenhaus to be his agent.

I don't think that we are going to see another T.O. circus this time around. Both sides have stated that they do not want that to happen, but the potential for disaster is always looming when Rosenhaus gets involved.

Rosenhaus had better be mindful of what tactics he employs in handling the negotiations between the Eagles and Sheppard. He could end up missing.

Personally, I would have tested the trade waters for him before, and during the draft (as I'm sure they did), but now I think that it would be most beneficial to resign him. Should we keep him or deal him?

What set you from?

I like how Roger Goodell has gotten on player conduct, but this is a little on the ridiculous side. The NFL is reviewing film to identify hand gestures to determine if players are flashing gang signs! VP of security Milt Ahlerich said that the experts being consulted are looking for, "symbols, clothing, jewelry or other items that would signify an association with criminal gang enterprises." Although no punishment has been defined the league intends says that, "it will be dealth with harshly."

Really? The NFL is concerned about it's image, and the commissioner is driving to improve it, but this is bordering on paranoia. Here's and interesting scenario: What if a guy has a tattoo on his arm that is symbolic of the place he grew up. Not only that, but it's also known for its gang activity as well. Is the league going to continually fine/suspend him for having the tattoo? I'm not saying that it's OK for pro athletes to be throwing up gang signs on national tv. They are role models for kids. That being said the penalty should be no stiffer than the penalty for swearing or giving the middel finger. They have not broken any laws. So why punish them as harshly as those that do? What determines a gang sign from secret team communications?

In the league's effort to clean up its image they have become heavy handed in my opinion. You cannot wear those cleats, because they aren't league approved. You can't celebrate in the endzone. Where are they going to draw the line? Not that the NFL isn't concerned with their image, but the reality is that endorsements are driving the issue. The NBA and MLB have for more tarnished images than the NFL. Endorsement deals carry with them a lot of dollars, and the NFL doesn't want to do anything jeopardize that. Would head coaches wearing suits on the sideline promote a positive image for the NFL? Of course it would, but Reebok doesn't make suits. Jack Del Rio and Mike Nolan had to have them specially made, and the league only approved them to be worn a few times. Bill Belichick looks like a bum on the sidelines, and that's OK. The endorsement dollars are the driving force behind of fair amount of league policy, and really embracing the moniker No. Fun. League!

The floor is now open.