Colts 2010 mini-camp begins today

by Brad Wells on Jun 4, 2010 8:39 AM EDT in Colts Minicamp

The first big mandatory event for the Colts and their players begins today with their 2010 team mini-camp. Remember, tomorrow's mini-camp practice will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium, and it is free to the public. So, if you can, I highly recommend you go to the stadium on Saturday.

Unfortunately, one player you will not see at mini-camp practice is Reggie Wayne. While we all like Reggie and root for him, he's acting like a schmuck right now by holding out from mini-camp over this stupid contract thing. Apparently, six million dollars a year is not enough for him.

Two other players who might skip mini-camp are Antoine Bethea and Robert Mathis. As far as I know, Bethea has not signed his tender, which the Colts offered him on March 3rd. Since Bethea has not signed, he cannot attend camp. Mathis has held out of OTAs because, like Wayne, he is somehow upset with his contract. According to Paul Kuharsky, Jim Caldwell is not sure if Bethea or Mathis will attend camp.

Of course, all three of these holdouts are dumb. The Colts can, and likely should, fine each player for missing an event that is mandatory. Holdouts like these do nothing but create unwanted distractions. They impede the team's chances to win, and winning is the bottom line in this business. Plus, it's not like Robert Mathis and Reggie Wayne are hurting financially.

Well, OK, maybe Reggie has a little credit card debt, but since 2006 Reggie has pocketed tens of millions of dollars. So, no offense, but this holdout over more money is bull.

That said, if Jim Caldwell truly believes in "open competition," then players like Anthony Gonzalez, Jerry Hughes, and Melvin Bullitt should have a leg up on winning the jobs Wayne, Mathis, and Bethea respectively held last year. Unlike the guys holding out from mini-camp, Gonzo, Hughes, and Bullitt will likely attend. Want to send a strong message? The guys who show up win the coveted jobs.

Tweet Comment 9 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Bethea

Pretty sure you can’t fine Bethea since he isn’t under contract and therefore has no obligation to be at camp. I agree about the other two. They are out of line and have no leg to stand on. Both signed very lucrative deals and I don’t think that anyone (other than perhaps their agents) thinks that they are underpaid.

Bethea, I understand his gripe. He is criminally underpaid. He was a victim of the CBA. The Colts tendered him because they knew they weren’t required to give him any more than that. Even so, I think the Colts are in the wrong on this particular issue. They have always rewarded players who have played well and fit the system. They are using the CBA as leverage to the detriment of a guy who has excelled at his position and earned a big money contract Get to the table and find Antoine his new long term deal!

by invisibulman on Jun 4, 2010 9:57 AM EDT reply actions

I guess the COLTS are actually trying to work out a long-term deal with Bethea....

If you see my smilieys, think of E.M.H. - our COLTs King of Smileys!

by Manning4ever on Jun 5, 2010 2:01 AM EDT up reply actions

That last paragraph has me pumped!

I would get a huge thrill out of seeing Wayne and Mathis planted on the bench while the 1st teams are out on the field. You signed the freaking contracts, now play them out you bums!

by Aerostar193 on Jun 4, 2010 10:19 AM EDT reply actions

Why?

Why would you want worse players on the field?

This isn’t high school, people.

18to88.com

by deshawn zombie on Jun 4, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, you're right

Reggie Wayne and Robert Mathis are bums. They certainly aren’t integral pieces to the great success the Colts have enjoyed the last several years.

Anyone who has a problem with Joseph should stop watching Colts football. It's unfair to expect a back to replace Edge, and Addai has been excellent in all areas when he is healthy.

by DontHateAddai on Jun 6, 2010 2:56 AM EDT up reply actions

My sarcasm meter is buzzing me.

"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: In the average lifetime, a person will walk the equivalent of 5 times around the equator.

by Cassieper on Jun 6, 2010 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Nate broke it down really well

http://www.18to88.com/2010-archives/june/archimedes-had-it-right.html

I wouldn’t call these holdouts stupid. What should have been perfectly normal contract negotiations have been screwed all to hell by the uncapped year and the very real threat of a lockout next year. Bethea, Wayne, and Mathis all want to get paid and they feel that this is their best chance to get what they’re worth.

The other thing is, St. Peyton of Manning will be getting a new contract soon. His contract negotiation will go like this: Peyton walks into Irsay’s office and writes “1” on a piece of paper, then tells Irsay, “Just start putting zeros after that and I’ll tell you when to stop.” Wayne and Mathis see the writing on the wall. They know the team will cry poverty with everyone else for the sake of making Peyton the highest played player in the history of Earth.

It’s unfortunate, it’s regrettable, but it’s hardly all on the players who are skipping mini-camp. Also, it will probably come to nothing. Peyton is the only player on the team who is truly, utterly irreplaceable.

"The best defensive player is the sideline." - Trevor Pryce, on how to stop Peyton Manning

by szquirrel on Jun 4, 2010 1:52 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed!

If you see my smilieys, think of E.M.H. - our COLTs King of Smileys!

by Manning4ever on Jun 5, 2010 2:03 AM EDT up reply actions

Great article BBS

Agree 100%!

Bizarre time to take this stance IMO when
(1) the Colts spent a first round pick on a DE,
(2) the receiving corps performed so well last year and Gonzo’s now healthy and
(3) Bob’s [hopefully] fit.

I trust Bill to do the right thing and keep the Colts the best team in the AFC South and a contender for the Superbowl

by TartanColt1 on Jun 4, 2010 6:54 PM EDT reply actions