Broncos' Marshall says his best is yet to come
Receiver insists he'll 'get past' what led to suspension
By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published August 6, 2008 at 12:59 p.m.
Photo by Chris Schneider © The Rocky
Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall indicated during a news conference Wednesday he’s ready to turn over a new leaf in terms of his off-field actions.
Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall didn't run from his past Wednesday, but he certainly tried to shove it aside.
"You can't worry about the past," Marshall said. "All you can worry about is the future, getting better on the field and in the community -- show my teammates that I'm still here every day no matter what's going on and I come to play."
And that is how Marshall faced down his punishment the day after he was suspended for three games by the NFL for violating the league's personal-conduct policy. The suspension can be reduced to two games if Marshall complies with the league's wishes written into the penalty.
Without delving into the things that led to the suspension or the possibility of an appeal, Marshall did promise to toe the league's disciplinary line from this point forward.
"Being more responsible, just being the best player I can be in the community and on the field," Marshall said. "That's all it is. It's not hard, it's not rocket science. Like I said, I have a job to do and I plan on getting it done. . . .
"I'm just going to do everything I'm supposed to do, whether it's off the field or on the field, and get past this."
On Wednesday morning, Marshall's attorney, Harvey Steinberg, received the suspension letter, which outlined the terms of the penalty.
Steinberg has said Marshall would appeal the suspension, but he did not return a call.
Marshall referred all questions about a potential appeal to Steinberg. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan also referred questions about the appeal to Steinberg.
"He's represented by somebody, and that has nothing to do with us . . . ," Shanahan said. "It's like I told him, 'Brandon, you can't worry about something you have no control over.' "
By league rules, Marshall has 10 days from the time he received the letter from the league to file an appeal. The conduct policy states a player will receive "a prompt" hearing.
League spokesman Greg Aiello said Wednesday that would mean Marshall's appeal hearing almost certainly would take place before the start of the regular season, on a date when NFL officials and Marshall's attorney were available.
Barring any changes, Marshall's suspension would begin just after the Broncos' Aug. 29 preseason finale in Arizona. He would be eligible to return Sept. 22 in preparation for Denver's Sept. 28 game at Kansas City. Denver's first three games are at Oakland, then at home against San Diego and New Orleans.
"We're going to have to make do," Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler said.
During the suspension, Marshall cannot use the team's facilities or practice with the team.
He will practice for the remainder of the preseason and play in the Broncos' four preseason games.
"All I can do is come out here every day and be the best player I can be," Marshall said. "My job right now is to be a leader on this team and to get the guys out there better. I believe in our system and I believe in what we're doing around here, so I expect those other guys, those young guys, to go out there and have no drop-off at receiver."
Said Shanahan: "(He) can't do anything about the past, but he can do something about the future. And I like the way he's handled himself both on and off the football field. That's what he's got to concentrate on."
Shanahan added Marshall was going to have to prove he could avoid trouble to earn the public's trust and, perhaps, even that of his teammates.
As a third-year receiver, Marshall also has some business incentive.
Marshall, currently in the third year of a four-year contract, has had some success and flashes plenty of potential for more. That's typically a situation where the player is approached by a team for a long-term extension before he enters the final year of his deal.
And Marshall would be an unrestricted free agent after the 2009 season.
"He's a natural leader," Shanahan said. "But he's got to show people in the community that this isn't talk. This is something he's going to prove to not only Denver, but the country, that he is not only a great football player, but a quality person.
"Brandon, to me, is doing things the right way. . . . It's a great challenge to him. I like the way he's handled it thus far and, hopefully, he can keep it going."
Big difference
The drop-off from Brandon Marshall's 2007 numbers and the next receiver in line is pretty drastic.
CATCHES
1. Marshall 102
2. Tony Scheffler 49
YARDS
1. Marshall 1,325
2. Brandon Stokley 635
TOUCHDOWNS
1. Marshall 7
2. Scheffler 5
Stokley 5
CATCHES OF 20-PLUS YARDS
1. Marshall 13
2. Stokley 10
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August 6, 2008
1:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
dilligaf writes:
Brandon
Please don't appeal. Face your medicine like a man. Do your part and go get your counseling and we will see you in week 3. You say you are willing to clean up your act. Well start now and face the music please. I'm a big fan of yours. You could end up one day on the ring of fame. And in Canton. Don't mess with it. You will be a star here and Denver fans love their stars. Don't tarnish that.
August 6, 2008
1:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
kmeissner writes:
“One thing about our organization and team is I can come out here and not have the weight of the world on my shoulders,” Marshall said. “Like I said, I gave that weight for someone else to carry.”
Doesn't sound like a star to me when he says this. A star should be able to handle this a little better. In fact, a star wouldn't have been in trouble in the first place.
August 6, 2008
2:03 p.m.
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dilligaf writes:
kmeissner
I said he will be a star. Did not say now. This guy has more raw talent then any WR we have ever had. Once he grows up and can stay out of trouble he is a potential Hall of Famer.
August 6, 2008
3:18 p.m.
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Landman08 writes:
dilli - Mr. Marshall's ability to grow up and stay out of trouble is far from assumed. You're going far down the "ifs and buts and candy and nuts" road on that one.
Brandon is currently a full-fledged self indulgent punk. Everything is all about Brandon. He does not yet show any sign of the Rod Smith "Team" gene. It takes some real doing to turn that around. Not impossible, but far from predictable. His agent would do him a great favor if he would demand that Brandon serve out his punishment and act like a man going forward.
August 6, 2008
3:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
RockyMts69 writes:
Hey my sixteen year old made a vow to clean up her room and get good grades! But that was after we took the car away from her!
It sounds like Mr. Marshall needs a different type of baby sitter...and it's called the United States Marine Corps!!!
No way will he ever be a HOF. You have to have the numbers. And missing out on games does'nt help. He'll never be that caliber of reciever. You know...Lynn Swan, Tim Brown, Jerry Rice, Rod Smith.
August 6, 2008
4:19 p.m.
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Jar74 writes:
First off, athletes need to take full responsibility for their actions, marshall needs to deal with his punishment and learn from the consequences, this is a big wake up call that has been needing to happen, this behavior is unacceptable, stop acting like children broncos, you are grown men. marshall will get more respect if he just shuts up and deals with it, yes it is bad that he will be gone from rival games --oakland and san diego, but each team needs to learn to survive at times without key players. Marshall's goal shouldn't be to stay out of trouble for the summer but for his whole career, learn now and grow up and hopefully no more problems will arise.
August 6, 2008
5:28 p.m.
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mdnantkes writes:
A guy gets a DUI and has baby momma drama and he misses 3 games but you can test positive for drugs and not miss a day (first offense). Something is wrong with this picture. It would be one thing if Marshall was convicted of anything. Im not justifying his actions but think that the NFL is off base with some of their guidlines.
And PLEASE appeal the ruling that way his suspension can happen later in the season rather than the first two games against division rivals.
August 6, 2008
5:43 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
RockyMts69, how do you figure he can never be a HOF? Too early to say what he will or won't do. But saying he will NEVER make it is waaay too much of a guess on your part. Missing 2-3 games is not going to make or break him. Now, if he continues to do stupid stunts and get a permanent suspension from the NFL, sure. Look at Jim Brown. He was known for spousal abuse but he is a HOF. I'm just saying that your future glimpse is really reaching. Too much of a prediction.
August 6, 2008
6:10 p.m.
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AKuser writes:
RockyMts69 I am certainty not going to put Brandon Marshall in the HOF but your argument is clearly not well thought out. You claim you need #'s to make the HOF? Here's some #'s for you Marshall had 102 receptions his 2nd year (one of the best 2nd years in the history of the NFL). Lynn Swann never had a 100 reception season, Jerry Rice got his 1st 100 reception season in his 6th year, Tim Brown in his 10th year, & Rod Smith in his 6th year. So on stats alone (the basis of your argument) he is shredding your list.
August 6, 2008
6:25 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
AKuser, well spoken. I just watched stats on ESPN the other night and he beat out Randy Moss and Owens. I would say that is pretty impressive for a 2nd year guy. He was #1 in the league for receptions.
August 6, 2008
9:51 p.m.
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RockyMts69 writes:
All of your points are respectfully well taken, and maybe I've jumped the gun a little.
But here's the thing that I want to make clear, Jerry Rice, Tim Brown, Rod Smith, and Lynn Swan were gentlemen ON and OFF the field.(And they still are) They played the game with a lot of passion and respect. And they had respect for their fellow team mates, and the coaching staff. And too this day they are role models, and leaders in their communities. Brandon Marshall is playing a game that most of us dream about. And he's getting paid quite well too.
What's so hard about being professionall?!
August 6, 2008
10:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
jvill writes:
RockyMts69 writes: But here's the thing that I want to make clear, Jerry Rice, Tim Brown, Rod Smith, and Lynn Swan were gentlemen ON and OFF the field.(And they still are) They played the game with a lot of passion and respect. And they had respect for their fellow team mates, and the coaching staff. And too this day they are role models, and leaders in their communities. Brandon Marshall is playing a game that most of us dream about. And he's getting paid quite well too.
----
He's 24.
People, give it a rest.
Marshall did some stupid things, now he's paying for it, and showing contrition and trying to clean up his act in the process.
News flash: That's how its supposed to work.
August 6, 2008
11:18 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
jvill, So true. A person can make mistakes and be childish. But it's how he/she overcomes those mistakes and handles his/her life from that point on that will define them. This is the beginning of the rest of Brandons life.
August 7, 2008
6:17 a.m.
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KneeDeep writes:
RockyMts69 Before you open your mouth and expose your ignorance of your football knowledge you should at least be sure of your facts! You make a ridiculous statement in regards to the HOF and list players that were “Gentlemen on and off the field”. Did you know that Rod Smith was accused of an act of domestic violence and in 2000, pleaded guilty to verbal harassment? I point this out because I find it unbelievable that there are those who place athletes on pedestal and expect them to be to be paragons of personal responsibility. If this was a qualification for the HOF, a majority of the members would not be there!
You are dealing with kids, many who have been treated and protected their entire lives and who suddenly have more money than most us can only dream of! These guys are jocks, football players who make a living from knocking people down! Your answer is to have them join the Marines so they can then be trained as killers! Dude, get a life! Marshall made a mistake, don't be so quick to cast stones!
August 7, 2008
7 a.m.
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jthomashall writes:
Brandon, I hope you watched the Hall of Fame inductions last Saturday, especially Art Monk and Darrell Green, to see what real men and role models are made of. This is not about you and until you acknowledge that you will not cross the road to the 'right' side. Start by not appealing and lining your attorney's pocket with more money.
August 7, 2008
7:50 a.m.
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RockyMts69 writes:
KneeDeep, he's 24. Playing professional football. That does'nt make him a kid anymore. And as far as the Marines...they're only looking for a FEW GOOD MEN!!!
jthomashall makes a valid statement. Darrell Green was AWESOME!!! In some ways he reminded of Walter Payton, or Reggie White.
August 7, 2008
8:54 a.m.
Suggest removal
kens101 writes:
I keep reading about how Brandon had so many run in's with the law......
No he didn't, he had run in's with his ex and he was never charged with breaking the law. In fact, when there is a domestic issue, police will arrest one of the people involved just to force some time apart from the individuals.
As far as the DUI goes, it is in the CBA that the first offense is not punishable so that goes out the window.
This is just plain stupid of a suspension. All Brandon needs is a swift kick in the butt, no dating allowed, and a designated driver which he should be able to afford. Let's save the suspensions for the REAL PUNKS in the NFL that have to use drugs or actually commit criminal acts (aka Travis Henry, Pacman, Chris Henry, Ricky Williams, Vick, etc....).
August 7, 2008
9:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
TruthHurts writes:
At what point did this story turn into a recruiting opportunity for the Marines? I understand you are proud of the Marines RockyMts. We all are. And yes we want our athletes to be exemplary in the community. But some of these kids come from nothing and all of a sudden find themselves expected to act like gods from the likes of you. Time will tell whether or not Marshall is a Hall of Famer and a gentleman in the community. He made his mistake, he will do his "time" and we will see if he grows as a result of it.
August 7, 2008
1:27 p.m.
Suggest removal
ltbusby writes:
I respect the armed forces, but the individuals that enter into these are not angels going in or coming out. I have many friends in the service and yes they too have gotten into fights in bars and fights with girlfriends. Believe it or not they have also gotten into trouble with alcohol. Marshall has not been charged or convicted of a violent crime or with drugs. He got a DUI but did not slide into a family of six doing it.
Remember, the suspension also means a suspension in pay. His punishment would be equal to you being kept from work for 2-3 months without pay. No, he will not get into financial hardship, but do you think it would be fair for your job to do that? The punishment is too severe for the "crime." He should definitely appeal. The NFL is over-reacting in this case especially with people like pac-man still in the league.
August 7, 2008
8:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
Itbusby, he will lose more then 2-3 months worth of a normal persons salary. Here is a breakdown:
Based on his US $445,000.00 salary, Marshall would forfeit $52,352.00 for two games or $78,529.00 for three. Many don't make $52K in a year. No small chunk of change. It sure would wake me up if I was misbehaving.
August 9, 2008
2:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
dirkle writes:
When will Marshall learn that his mouth is getting him nothing but more trouble. If I was him, every time I saw a reporter coming, I would RUN.
He needs to shut up, straighten up, clean up, and just PLAY.