KRIEGER: Henry's act finally broke Broncos' back
By Dave Krieger, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published June 2, 2008 at 6:31 p.m.
Chris Schneider © The Rocky
Travis Henry played in only 12 games with Denver before he was released by the Broncos on Monday morning after having signed a 5-year contract with the team last offseason.
Are the Broncos better off without Travis Henry?
A respected Broncos veteran who shall remain nameless let it be known during quarterback camp that simply by jettisoning Javon Walker and Ian Gold in the offseason, the Broncos became a better team.
This was a reference not to talent but to team chemistry, to that elusive sense of unity the Broncos used to know.
Mike Shanahan seldom admits a bad decision publicly, but he will correctify, as Larry Coyer would say, even while he defends the decision he's reversing.
Which will explain Monday's third and final shoe drop of the offseason, an early-morning farewell to the last surviving member of the Broncos' 2007 axis of knuckleheads.
As occasional column contributor Tony Lovitt of San Diego points out, Travis Henry could be forgiven if he was distracted from his football duties, what with Father's Day coming up and all.
"Travesty," as my colleague Drew Litton nicknamed him, can now devote full attention to his nine children by nine women across four southern states, assuming these numbers have not increased since last year's Georgia child support court case that exposed them.
Confronted with this information on the eve of the '07 season, Shanahan did not deny that it might offer a window into the man's character. He did say he had no idea when he signed Henry five months earlier.
When Henry came up dirty on a league drug test during the season, Shanahan defended him, explaining he'd put on his Andy Griffith badge and given Henry a lie-detector test, which he passed. When Henry's appeal to the NFL was upheld, it looked like vindication for both player and coach.
But behind the scenes, Henry's knuckleheadedness was slowly wearing on the organization. Teammate Andre Hall, one of the backs who will compete for Henry's touches, said his former teammate brought his release on himself. Asked what he meant, Hall trod carefully:
"I really can't say too much. I guess 'cause he didn't show. I don't really know too much about what's going on, what happened. He had a hamstring injury, I know that much. I know he's supposed to been out here, a lot of guys are out here hurt, and he didn't show up."
The camel's back was already pretty well loaded. Shanahan cut him on the spot, without waiting for an explanation. This became apparent when he was asked to characterize Henry's reaction.
"I haven't told him yet," Shanahan said after Monday's workout, the first of a two-week team camp. "I just released him. Haven't talked to him."
This was a marked contrast to his handling of the failed drug test, and a measure of how far Henry's credibility had fallen within the organization. Evidently, Henry exhausted a long list of excuses for missing the team's "voluntary" offseason workout program. In fact, I'm told he now holds the club's unofficial record for sick relatives.
This actually makes sense when you consider how many kids he has, although it requires believing that he also takes responsibility for them. Let's just say the Georgia court case raised some doubts about this. Documents in the case showed him spending $250,000 of his Broncos signing bonus on a Mercedes and gold jewelry while under court order to establish a trust for a 3-year-old for past failure to pay child support.
It would be nice to report that on second thought Shanahan regretted signing such an irresponsible fellow and cut him to improve his team's character quotient. Indeed, when I asked about the importance of character in his roster decisions this year, Shanahan offered the obligatory assurance that character wins championships.
Unfortunately, the veteran running back he signed last week in apparent anticipation of Monday's move, Michael Pittman, has a history of domestic violence almost as long as Henry's history of irresponsible paternity.
While attending Fresno State in 1997, Pittman was arrested for allegedly holding a former girlfriend by the neck and slamming her face into a car seat, according to The Associated Press. He was sentenced to a batterer's treatment program and two years' probation.
In the summer of 2001, as a member of the Arizona Cardinals, he was again arrested on domestic violence charges, after which the Cardinals released him, according to the AP.
In May 2003, as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittman was arrested in Phoenix and charged with ramming his Hummer into his wife's Mercedes, which was carrying his wife, baby sitter and 2-year-old son at the time.
The St. Petersburg Times reported that Pittman's wife, Melissa, told investigators she was subjected to 30 or 40 incidents of domestic violence she never reported to police.
So cutting Travis Henry was not a statement about character so much as a choice between character flaws. It was Henry's bad luck that his character flaw - a con man's fixation on serving himself - happens to be a locker room liability, too.
Featured
-
DNC in Denver
Complete coverage of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
-
The Crevasse
A five-part series that examines one tragic day on Mount Rainier.
-
Deadly denial
Sick nuclear workers applied for government compensation but most haven't seen a dime.
-
Final Salute
The Rocky followed Maj. Steve Beck as he took on the most difficult duty of his career.
-
'Colorado's burning'
Coverage of the state's worst wildfires.
-
Columbine shootings
Coverage of the April 20, 1999, shootings at Littleton's Columbine High School.
-
The Crossing
Colorado's deadliest traffic accident killed 20 children on Dec. 14, 1961.
-
Osveli's journey
Osveli Sales left Guatemala for a better life. Two months later, he came home in a box.
-
Wake for an Indian warrior
Oglala Sioux bestow a tribute to the first tribal fatality in Iraq.
June 2, 2008
8:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
Jaeks75 writes:
Last year not many people could have seen his demise coming. It was just a tragic landslide. Somebody had to go at running back. Better him than the young talent we have. I think Selvin YOung might actually put up 1200 to 1400 yards. I like the guy. Henry just had it coming. 9 kids from 9 different women is shocking. What a jerk!
June 2, 2008
9:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
Broncoflow writes:
I would rather the Broncos organization take care of their in-house issues first. This is a good move in the long run. I wonder if Ryan Torain has impressed Shanahan far more than we think. He's 222 and loves to bang. Well see come pre....
June 2, 2008
10:05 p.m.
Suggest removal
6_is_the_new_7 writes:
Love it. Wish they didn't get Pittman though. Don't need his baggage.
June 2, 2008
10:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
mmmark217 writes:
Hey you guys, give Pittman a break. Yes there is absolutely no doubt he's made mistakes. But his latest incident was over 5 YEARS AGO. Let it go, he appears to have righted his ship. He's still with his wife and she is with him. Let it go already. It is way Way WAY in the past.
June 3, 2008
1:46 a.m.
Suggest removal
flybys writes:
Travis Henry, known as an NFL running back also proved to be an All Pro linebacker who took out, well, Travis Henry. Self sabotage. Self destruction.
Henry had other legal problems outside of his breeding service he ran on the side of playing football. Sex with an underage girl was once a charge levied against him while in Buffalo.
Michael Pittman being on the roster is yet another example that coach Mike Shanahan, for all his claims of desiring high character, really is willing to sell his soul at the crossroads for a better opportunity to win.
And it's not just Henry and Pittman. The past is littered with talented bodies with mental defective behavior with Dale Carter and Darryl Gardner being just two "highlights."
The key for the organization is taking Shanahan's free agency and trading credit card away because of his irresponsibility.
The obstacle here is that owner Pat Bowlen, for all his positive attributes, and the man has helped bring two world titles to Denver, is simply a serving partner in his marriage with his coach, blindly loyal.
Now there is nothing wrong with loyalty. Everyone knows of the power and romance of the quality. Yet when reason gets pushed to the waist side at the detriment of the relationship, cancer starts growing.
If human resources keeps hiring bad apples on a regular basis, then that person must be re-assigned or let go. Maybe that can't happen in Denver but until it does, the Broncos will continue to be pretenders in their stated desire to be champions once again.
June 3, 2008
5:41 a.m.
Suggest removal
ham writes:
9 children from 9 different women is all the "character" reference anybody would ever need. I wouldn't care if he ran for 2,000 yards after that revelation. 9 kids from 9 different women is a low-life. NOBODY could possibly be a FATHER to 9 kids from 9 different women. To those who defended Travis Henry, saying he could be a "Dad" to those kids? Those are 9 kids without any kind of father at all.
Good riddance, Travis Henry.
June 3, 2008
6:47 a.m.
Suggest removal
markhead writes:
Even so, with all the negative press, I hope he heads on a positive path somewhere, it is never too late to improve (personal life). Take care.
June 3, 2008
7:28 a.m.
Suggest removal
Spider writes:
Give Pittman a break????? I wonder how many breaks he gave his wife and former girlfriends? Come on coach!!!!! Quit trying to convert these low lifes into being someone that they're not. Hope this guy is on a short leash!
June 3, 2008
9:06 a.m.
Suggest removal
fuzzyjim writes:
Please help the uninformed on one of the other released offenders. I clearly don't keep up enough. Aside from perhaps not being as good as he needed, what were Ian Gold's transgressions?
June 3, 2008
9:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
HE5t writes:
As long as Shannahan is making personel decisions, you're going to have a team of people who can't win. Maurice Clarrett, couldnt win. Dale Carter, couldnt win. Daryl Gardner, couldnt win. 99% of our draft picks in the last 12 or so years, couldn't (can't) win. Look at what happened in Seattle when Holmgren reliquished his power to make personel decisions, they became a powerhouse. Shanny is a good coach, but a miserable general manager. If we wanna get back on top, we need someone to bring in people who are high quality now, not works in progress.
June 3, 2008
10:04 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cowboy63 writes:
Enough of all the "get rid of Shanahan" comments!
How many active coaches have won back-to-back championships? If I'm not mistaken; 2. Belichek and Shanahan. And who is the only coach with a winning record against Belickek? Shanahan.
Shanahan is the best pure coach in the league and he's not going anywhere. However, I do think someone else needs to make the personnel decisions. Let Mike stick to coaching.
June 3, 2008
11:02 a.m.
Suggest removal
MarcoPolo writes:
"Let Mike stick to coaching."
The only problem is, I don't think Mike would agree with you on that statement.
June 3, 2008
11:04 a.m.
Suggest removal
Ted_in_Vegas writes:
Be sure your sins will find you out.
June 3, 2008
11:16 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cowboy63 writes:
I hear you MarcoPolo...
When Mike just sticks to the clipboard, I think he's the best in the business.
Unfortunately, too many coaches decide they want to run the whole show and that just ain't their strength.
June 3, 2008
11:42 a.m.
Suggest removal
myerda00 writes:
What you GHE fans forget is that Shanahan does NOT make personel decisions in the dark. His staff does have input. Yes he does have final say. Ex-Browns Defensive line coach Johnson recommended the Brown linemen. Remember Dennison thought Foster was a perfect fit (still ok in Detroit). Bobby Turner loves Torain but a cheap insurance is needed (Pittman), who may not make the team.
Soooooooooooooo when you haters get through blogging against personel decisions remember to go back to Oakeylan and Deigo.
June 3, 2008
11:57 a.m.
Suggest removal
DJRMTNSPF writes:
Shannahan is a good coach but his attempt to be 'everything' is affecting his game-day decisions and ability to coach. It is time to give up the GM role.
June 3, 2008
3:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
BigRedCelt writes:
OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!! If I hear one more stupid, inane comment about Shanny inheriting a SB team I'm going to explode. You people are beyond idiotic and probably were not fans before the SB wins. There was a coach named Wade Phillips between Reeves and Shanny. Shanahan inherited an 8-8 team. Enter Shanahan. He and John Beake (sp) bring in Rod Smith, Eddy Mac, Gary Zimmerman, Brian Habib, T-Bone, Neil Smith, Keith Traylor, Alfred Williams, Romo, TD, Vaughn Hebron (excellent on kick returns), Darien Gordon (excellent on punt returns)...etc.
I'll agree there have been some poor personell decisions. I'd like to see a powerful GM in the position as Beake was. However, If you guys want to bad mouth at least get your facts straight.
OneCreek..just give up the game. You're too stupid to watch football
June 3, 2008
3:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
rc writes:
Creek, how much NFL experience do you have? Just curious, since you're so good at grading out the coach's acts, or lack thereof.
And it sounds like 'somebody' is jealous. Otherwise, why bring up another's digs? It's ok...I'm sure your trailer is well furnished.
Until a BETTER, PROVEN coach is available, Shanny is the best option. And at this point, there aren't any, imo. Not every coach can win the SB. I know that's an old cliche', but I think there are some morons that don't quite 'get-it'!
And name me ONE coach/GM, that has NEVER brought in a player with questionable character/history, and wins games. Having a bunch of girlscouts WON'T win many championships, let alone, games.
June 3, 2008
4:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
BigRedCelt writes:
Creek..Huh..what's a movie about a dog have to do with the football conversation? Oh, I know, you know nothing about the game so you must divert.
You couldn't handle a real conversation. You couldn't even stay on subject with this one. "pen a missive"...oh goodness whatever does that mean. Geez try again doorknob
June 3, 2008
4:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
JohnnyBallgame writes:
One creek I read your post and I am now dumber because of it, so thanks. You said Shanny used Reeves players and you talk like Reeves was so great, answer me this than smart guy, how many superbowls did Reeves win? Another example, San Diego has the most talent by far in the NFL and how many superbowls do they have too show for it in the last 5 years. I will help you with the answer 0!!!!!!!!! So everything you said about Shanny is inaccurate because even with some talented players that were on the roster (as they are for every coach that takes over a team) he was able to win a superbowl.
Hey One creek, Oakland just called and they need a fan like you so please go!!!
June 3, 2008
5:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
AKuser writes:
Come on one creek, is your goal to prove that Mike Shanahan is twice the coach of Dan Reeves and Wade Phillips? You just did.
Shanahan and company made plenty of personal mistakes and they are well known. When the injuries piled up last year the lack of depth killed the team. Shanahan and company also have made many good decisions and put together probably the best draft in team history in 2006 (Cutler, Sheffler, Marshall, Dumerville, & Kuper). People seem to forget all the trades that allowed Denver to move up to snag Cutler. I much prefer the Shanahan rebuild program, a AFC title game appearance with Jake, to that of the other teams that won multiple super bowls and then lost a hall of fame qb to retirement (see Cowboys and Niners)
June 3, 2008
7:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
Bronco6 writes:
Why do all the nerds from San Diego & Raiders read the Bronco's post,Oh, they are all wannabee's, get a life, up the creek Jerk!!!
GO Bronco's....
June 3, 2008
8:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
heykyleinsf writes:
No sense in having Pittman. Trading the
mumps for the measles. Come on Shanahan,
why wait until he disappoints you?
I really wish the broncos would step above
the scum of the league like raiders and
patriots.
It would seem the lesson learned with Dale
Carter a decade ago would have been enough.
But every year, we get another scumbag.
It's not to late to cut Pittman. I am tiring of
defending Shanahan when he continues to collect
these bags of crap around the league.
Take out the trash before the mess gets too
out of control to clean up.
Say goodbye to Pittman and apologize for even
thinking of it. Bring respect back to the
rockies. And while we're at it.. there's a
few nuggets that are polluting the mile high city...
June 4, 2008
9:42 a.m.
Suggest removal
JohnnyBallgame writes:
Hey One SH** Creek, I dont blame you for coming on here as a Raiders fan, Oakland is not worth talking about and you have won no more than 5 games in like a decade. We feel bad for you!!
June 4, 2008
2:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
Kechter writes:
One Creek, kill yourself and take all your kind with you. I'm sure your team will win MAYBE 4 or 5 games this year just none against the Broncos!