Pacman Jones has grown up a lot this past year. That's what he wants people to think, anyway. After sitting out last season for various off-field transgressions, the former Titans first-rounder claims that he is now reformed, presumably because he wants to play in the NFL again, preferably in 2008.
Jones took his case to the Michael Irvin show last week with mixed results, and until recently, the Cowboys seemed to be on their way to trading for him. Meanwhile, not everybody's convinced Mr. Pacman is new and improved.
Yahoo.com's Jason Cole confirms as much: "I wouldn't have him on my team," Kansas City coach Herm Edwards said Wednesday, waving his hand dismissively. "I just wouldn't. I won't get into the reasons why."
Say what you want about Edwards' in-game coaching style, or his aversion to hippies, but it's hard to find fault with him here. And the Chiefs are a team that could use a shutdown cornerback. And if you scoff at the notion that Jones is that, here's what Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan told Cole: "Top five in the league when he's on his game, no question." I think Ryan's seen enough kick-ass defenders to have a sense for who's good and who's garbage.
Perhaps the most indicting comments on Jones came from an unnamed front-office type:
"Most guys who are trouble like that, you can get them to pay attention and step right for a year or two, maybe ... But after that, they just go back to what they really are."If these sentiments represent most league executives, that could explain why there's not much interest for Jones. And although the Cowboys and Titans have yet to reach an agreement, it's not like Tennessee is asking for all that much given what Pacman can do when he's not shooting up strip clubs.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-02-2008 @ 9:48PM
sports bettor said...
I can't blame Herm for this.
Reply
4-02-2008 @ 10:34PM
tobrien28 said...
Can't wait to see the Pacman trade blow up in Jerry's face. His arrogance is refreshing.
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4-02-2008 @ 11:21PM
Charlie said...
I have only seen him play on highlights and one time against the Patriots but he is certainly one of the best punt returners in football. As for being a good cornerback I have not seen him enough to judge. The thing is this guy is too much of a wild card to depend on if you have a chance to compete for a championship. He makes Owens look like a choir boy as far as being a character guy. I just think he may be poison but hope I am wrong because in the NFL you only have so many seasons of being a top performer and it would be a shame to see him waste any more time. I would just say if I am Jerry Jones that if I trade for you the posse that followed you up til now is fired and it is one and done on this team. Invest a low round pick for the kid and if he causes any problems whatsoever dump him and do not look back.
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4-03-2008 @ 12:58AM
George B Vieto said...
A reformed Pacman Jones would help any team with his punt returns and defense prowess. I don't blame Herman Edwards if he doesn't like bad boys on his team who are going to be headaches instead of good role models.
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4-03-2008 @ 1:08AM
Richard Chilson said...
You know its bad when one of the worst coaches in the league doesnt want you.
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4-04-2008 @ 10:54AM
BOB said...
A guy with his past and who goes by the name Pacman... I wouldnt want him either, especially on a team in the middle of a youth movement- Herm wants this team young and hungry( especially the defense) and having a potential cancer wouldnt be the idea recipe for chemistry. From a True Chiefs Fan I'm with you on this Herm
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4-06-2008 @ 8:19PM
BIGPOUNDER said...
Who cares what Herm Edwards has say? After this season his ass won't have a job anyway.
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