VY benched

by ctnyc on Aug 12, 2007 12:31 PM EDT

According to the Tennesseean, Vince Young was benched for last night's game due to violating the team's curfew (apparently he stayed at home rather than with the team in the hotel).

http://www.rctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070812/SPORTS01/708120402/1002/MTCN0302

I almost didn't post this -- it's just a preseason game and it's not like staying at home is criminal behavior -- but I decided to given our recent debates about VY's leadership qualities. For all those who believed that VY showed great leadership by getting into a scrape with a teammate, what do you say to this?

A big part of being a leader is leading by example. The example VY set in this case is that he doesn't think the rules apply to him, or at the very least that it's not a huge deal to ignore the rules. I realize that the infraction is not terrible (it's not like he was out all night at a strip club or something), but it's the principle that's important. A leader helps guide others to the proper behavior at all times, not just when it's convenient. You don't want your starting QB benched for disciplinary reasons, even in a preseason game. It just doesn't look good, and it doesn't project leadership.

VY obviously has a long ways to go before he can be taken seriously as a leader.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors.

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You're Right

Ok, you nailed him. Vince is just a rule-breaking thug who can't be taken seriously.

He broke a rule. He took his punishment. This takes nothing away from him being a leader.

by Navin R. Johnson on Aug 13, 2007 2:22 PM EDT reply actions

Did you even read

my post? Where did I say he's "just a rule-breaking thug?" In fact, I said I almost didn't post it because it isn't really a huge deal. My point is that breaking rules and subsequently getting suspended is not what any team wants in a leader. This is true whether you accept it or not.

by ctnyc on Aug 13, 2007 2:46 PM EDT reply actions

Right

I never once tried to stand up for him. I admitted that this was a mistake, however, it doesn't take away from him being a leader as a football player. When his teammates come to the huddle late in the game they are not going to think "Man, I would really believe in this guy's ability to lead us to victory if he hadn't broken that rule in preseason".

I really wish you hadn't posted it. The thug comment may not be you're personal opinion but I truly feel that it is some of the other reader's, so I appologize for taking my frustrations out on you. I just hate coming to a Colts site to read about something not relevant to the Colts. This is virtually my only outlet for Colts news. There are plenty of other outlets for Vince news.

by Navin R. Johnson on Aug 13, 2007 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Fair enough

I don't think he's a thug, I just think that a good leader should set a good example, and this is another instance where Young has not set a good example.

And I get your point about Colts news. I debated about whether to post it, and maybe I shouldn't have reopened this can of worms. But I figured it was relevant because Tennessee is a big division rival, they've hitched their wagon to VY's ability, and his success in leading the team will have an big impact on their fortunes. And since we play them twice a year, I'm interested in how good they are going to be.

Ultimately, I like a little smack talk mixed in with the news, as long as it doesn't degenerate into name-calling and ridiculous homerism. Of course it's the Colts news that is most important, but I think there's room on the site for a little "competitive banter" as well.

Anyway, it's all good. Great quote from "The Jerk" on your sig, by the way....

by ctnyc on Aug 13, 2007 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions

True

I'm not saying there is not room on the site for discussions of other league news. The Titans are relevant to an extent to the Colts as they are in the same division. However, I don't think anyone expects them to compete with the Colts to win the AFC South. To me, Jags talk would be more relevant.

Obviously, this is a negative for VY. I feel that him being a good example would make him a better "Role Model" but not necessarily a better "Leader". When you hear all of the Texas fans and other VY followers talk about his leadership, they are referring more to his leadership between the lines - both in practice and in games. I don't think this event changes the way his players look at him, so I don't think it has any effect on his leadership. You definately don't want your QB breaking the rules, but I don't think this has any impact on his leadership.

I wrestled for a good time between this sig and "He hates these cans!".

Yes sir! I damn thee!

by Navin R. Johnson on Aug 14, 2007 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions