LINCICOME: Time for Broncos to ready Marshall plan?
By Bernie Lincicome, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published June 26, 2008 at 8:14 p.m.
Photo by Jack Dempsey/Associated Press
Nothing Brandon Marshall has done on the field or off the field would indicate he is more trouble to the Broncos than he is worth.
Incompatible with the Broncos' freshly announced solid-citizen approach to football comes the Jerry Springer Show starring Brandon Marshall.
She had his cell phone. He wouldn't let the taxi leave until he got it back. Huh? Yep, that's what he said.
He had had enough, but if he tried to leave her, she would go out in the street and scream.
She slapped him. He never laid a hand on her. He does not lay hands on women. He's loved her since the eighth grade.
This is his version. Hers is apparently in police reports.
Even the NFL is looking into Marshall's last incident involving his longtime girlfriend, a grossly unpleasant bit of domestic conflict both private and public.
Hearing Marshall's explanation felt like putting on someone else's dirty laundry.
He's right. She's unreasonable. He's learned his lesson. It's all about money.
For a football player with one above-average season on a losing team, it might be a stretch to imagine a great many people really care about this.
It's not Brad and Angelina, after all, or even Melo and LaLa. The most improbable assumption made by either Marshall or his lawyer is that he is a great enough celebrity to matter.
Certainly, the law will sort this out, and if what Marshall insists is true, he will be absolved. If not, he will pay in one way or another.
At that point, the Broncos can determine just how uncomfortable and untidy it is to have Marshall in the family.
When the episodes are piled together, two charges of domestic assault and one DUI in a year, it does seem to present a pattern of bad conduct, undoubtedly careless behavior at the least and unforgivable conduct at the worst, but compared to some other incidents involving NFL players, hardly near the top of the blotter.
Just to bring up another recent issue involving running back Cedric Benson -- dismissed without a hearing by the Bears and a running back the Broncos could use, by the way -- at least Marshall was not pepper sprayed by the cops.
And Don Imus is in trouble again for carelessly commenting on the NFL's current poster bad boy, Pacman Jones. Imagine that. Pacman is the victim.
You can't separate the soap from the opera in the NFL.
The dilemma this presents for the Broncos is how to handle the poor image presented by Marshall. His efforts to establish himself as a good guy are clearly important to both him and the Broncos.
The one measurable offensive star on their team has seemingly breached their morals edict, offending the Broncos' newly and loudly proclaimed sense of decency.
Chances are that because Marshall caught 102 passes last season, if for only seven touchdowns, (that's one TD in nearly 15 catches, compared to Randy Moss' 23 TDs for 98, or about one in four) the Broncos will rely on that old mainstay of American justice, innocence is presumed.
This is a rather battered concept and did Todd Sauerbrun, to name one, no good, and was not just incidental to the Broncos getting rid of Travis Henry and Javon Walker.
If Marshall were Walker, on the way down instead of on the way up, a newer American option might be used, that innocence is pre-empted.
The Walker release now seems almost prophetic, since Walker found himself mugged and robbed after a late night of club hopping in Las Vegas. What happens in Vegas does not always stay there, since Walker is likely to take his scars into Raiders training camp. Walker is recuperating while yet to answer the question of why he got into an SUV with strangers.
Marshall might yet become a treasured Bronco, depending on how many of those 100-catch seasons he can string together. Rod Smith did it two years in a row. Marshall is only the fourth Bronco to catch that many in one year.
On the other hand, we recall Ashley Lelie having some big moments, if few, still at the time as promising as Marshall.
The issue is clear cut for fans and for the Broncos, too. It always comes down to a simple choice. To keep Marshall or to get rid of him.
Nothing he has done on the field or off the field would indicate he is more trouble than he is worth.
Yet.
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June 26, 2008
10:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
phillib writes:
Typical Linciome take. Oh, let's see, there's not any bad news, so let's dig some up from 5 months ago!
Here's a "Bernie" plan for ya. Get rid of our only promising wide receiver draft pick before he has his day in court, then get rid of Cutler 'cause he's damaged goods with Diabetes, then get rid of Scheffler cuase his foot injury still twinges from time to time so he's damaged goods, then, let's see, drop Dumerville cause his name is Elvis and there's only one Elvis and I'm sure if we dig hard enough we might find some old lady somwhere who Champ accidently bumped into in a supermarket giving us cause to question his character too. Then go into the season with what's left. Let's see Bernie, any one else we could get rid of for ya? Maybe we should have let Elway stay in Baltimore too 'cause he walked pigeon-toed.
He want's the team to be awful so he can write about it every day. That makes his job easy. It's tougher to find something positive to write about and keep the reader interested. Can anyone here remember the last time this guy had ANYTHING good to say about our beloved Broncos? He alwasy takes the easy way out and trashes someone like I just did, and I'm not even a writer. That's how easy it is. I'm so sick of Bernies garbage.
Marshall has had some issues with an ex-girlfriend who may or may not be causing trouble for him. Before we instantly blame him and make him the bad guy, let's see what her part turns out to be. It certainly wouldn't be the first time and unstable person reported false claims to try to get their way about something. Been there done that. Of course, that would take a little more effort and digging then pulling a 5 month old police report off the web does.
June 26, 2008
11:12 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Just don't post to his articles. If we stop, he will go away.
June 26, 2008
11:17 p.m.
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BornOrange writes:
I didn't even bother to read the article (based on significant past history). Bernie, you're a moron and I have no interest in your take on this issue, or any other. Don't go away mad, just go away (Oakland seems like an appropriate place). Oh, and shut the hell up!
June 27, 2008
1:49 a.m.
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LarryB writes:
I don't know what anyone can say at this point that can take away the bad taste in one's mouth.
Good article, Bernie. Thanks.
June 27, 2008
5:47 a.m.
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Bronco6 writes:
Give it up Bean-head...get a Job, cause you can't do this one!
Go Broncos
June 27, 2008
7:21 a.m.
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DenverBroncosFan writes:
I don't know what kind of person Rasheedah Watley is, but her lawyer David McGill represented Randy Moss's ex girlfriend when she was suing him and her other lawyer Mark Issa represented Lisa Ann Taylor, a former Penthouse Pet of the Month.
Brandon probably isn't a saint, but I think these guys specialize in ambulance chasing.
June 27, 2008
7:35 a.m.
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DavusX writes:
I didn't read the article either... but I hear that Bernie gets his stories from reading squirrel droppings... that's why his articles are always so nutty.
But seriously, Bern... just go away. We'll take up an offering and buy you a ticket to Guam or something.
June 27, 2008
7:44 a.m.
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CourtneyBrown98 writes:
it amuses me that they treat this guy like a mass murderer. not thinking if he keep posting 100yard receptions i dont care what he does. numbers always matter. all that other bs. is exactly what it is. if we cut marshall i'd hate the broncos organization. the kid is a phemon
June 27, 2008
8:33 a.m.
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CoLoradoCitizen writes:
the tandom of B-Marshall & J-WaLker was unquestionably the most physically talented duo ever to set the field as Denver Broncos. Eddie Mac & Rod Smith weren't nearly as physically strong and fast. But Rod & Eddie were good Men. They appreciated the fact that they played a game for a living. Rod had some issues early on but actually GREW UP. (Take note Walker). Physically talented, more often than not, also ends up being mentally punk. In love with thy self. Not motivated. Takes everything for granted. Over-hormoned. Doesn't think straight. A few wires loose. A few french fries short of a happy meal. I'm sick of hearing this behavior from Walker is new. It's not. Green Bay LAUGHED good-bye to J-Walker because of his personallity when he headed to Denver.
June 27, 2008
8:57 a.m.
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R8R_H8R writes:
Sounds like this woman is mentally insane. I used to have a neighbor who's wife is just crazy. She's a cop. She has temper tantrums. Over absolutely retarded things. He was raised a gentleman and would NEVER hit a woman. He would walk toward his truck to leave and she would tackle him in the yard and just start beating him. Waking up all the neighbors. He is a big ol boy straight off the farm so she couldn't hurt him, but what B-Marshall says has merit, all he wanted was his cell phone. Nothing wrong with blocking the car to get it before the CRAZY WOMAN leaves.
June 27, 2008
8:58 a.m.
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R8R_H8R writes:
Fox 31 had an exclusive interview with Marshall and Broncos execs. They said that this whacked woman even sent the Broncos a letter demanding $500,000 or she would go to the media and say that B-Marshall hits her. That's black-mail. That's extortion. That's illegal. That's the sign of a CRAZY WOMAN.
June 27, 2008
10:01 a.m.
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BigRedCelt writes:
Bernie you're an absolute idiot. Comparing Ashlie and Brandon? Are you kidding me. Adn a 100 catch season is way abouve average. Yes, Brandon needs to get his act together, but theres seems to be fault on both sides here. I'm hoping he cleans it up or he's got to go.
But Bernies still an idiot.
June 27, 2008
10:14 a.m.
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southpaw writes:
I hate Bernie so much I almost avoided reading this article, but I must admit that it's very well done. His point is that the Broncos ought to stick with this guy while he grows up, assuming he grows up. While it's true that innocence is presumed until proven otherwise, it's also true that Marshall seems to lack the maturity to avoid problems.
'BigRedCelt', Bernie also compared Marshall to Randy Moss. They both have a lot of talent and Moss got into his fair share of trouble in the early part of his career. Hopefully Brandon will figure it out or he'll have to find another way to make a living.
June 27, 2008
10:18 a.m.
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sixshooter writes:
The article stated "Nothing he has done on the field or off the field would indicate he is more trouble than he is worth" and I agree. Last I checked the police reports were nothing more than her making accusations with no evidence and Marshall has letters and police reports that defend his side of the story. I really hope that Marshall did not do anything to get in trouble and the more news that comes out, the more I think he will not be in trouble but he needs to stay away from this girl and stay out of trouble. It sure sounds like she is getting revenge for a broken heart and wants a blank check in return. I hope he gets his life turned around and the Broncos need this guy on their team.
June 27, 2008
10:51 a.m.
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cpd writes:
Why should anybody care about what this guy did or didn't do. It is only the league that cares about behavior and that is only to protect the mountain of money it and the owners sweep into the coffers each week. Far as I'm concerned the guy could be an ax murderer as long as he can run his routes, catch the freaking ball, make mucho yards after the catch, and help put Jay-boy into the hall of fame.
June 27, 2008
12:31 p.m.
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phillib writes:
DenverBroncosFan writes:
"I don't know what kind of person Rasheedah Watley is, but her lawyer David McGill represented Randy Moss's ex girlfriend when she was suing him and her other lawyer Mark Issa represented Lisa Ann Taylor, a former Penthouse Pet of the Month.
Brandon probably isn't a saint, but I think these guys specialize in ambulance chasing."
R8R_H8R writes:
"Fox 31 had an exclusive interview with Marshall and Broncos execs. They said that this whacked woman even sent the Broncos a letter demanding $500,000 or she would go to the media and say that B-Marshall hits her. That's black-mail. That's extortion. That's illegal."
See that Bern. Even the readers here do more research than you do.
June 27, 2008
3:49 p.m.
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JSpicoli writes:
You should get rid of the bum. The precendebnt was set with the other dude (forgot name) who Shanny cut this spring due to legal troubles. I guess you all think Marshall gets a pass since he is a good player. That is fine, but means your franchise is still s sewer for the NFL. Don't tell me you are cleaning things up. Cya all opening night in OAK.
June 27, 2008
5:14 p.m.
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incognitoboy writes:
yo, spicoli.....
don't you have some shoe-to-the-head exercises to do?
use the steel-toe boots, dude......and make sure you follow through with each stroke.
b-marsh is WAY younger than the trash we threw oakland's way, and still has a CHANCE to learn his lesson and GROW UP. at least HIS problems involve a gold-digger girlfriend, and therefore are not LIKELY completely self-inflicted. unlike, well, you know.....
if walker's petty little-girl revenge talk holds real sway in the oakland locker room before the opener, your team has more problems than you realise!
June 27, 2008
10:58 p.m.
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josan writes:
I am sick and tired of all this trash and lies I keep hearing: read this:
I just happen to live across the street from this jerk! I guess when he and his brother were in the streets fighting in the middle of the street rolling around like animals, the police had to be called. The neighbors couldn't even break it up. Oh and a gun was involved also. Great Family, Not to mention, I saw the ambulance come and take some pregnant girl to the hospital, she looked pretty messed up to me. Like she had the crap beat out of her. Or maybe that was the brothers girlfriend not Marshalls. Whatever! But she came back not pregnant, we're still wondering what happened. Even so their whole family must be really messed up. Not his ex-girlfriend.
Wasn't it his dad that said he would ruin his career. I guess Marshall was so embarrassed that came out that he thought that sounded good to pin on the ex-girlfriend. Didn't his dad say like four or five times, so Marshall just borrowed one for the ex.
He is not only and as_ hole, but he is very abusive, don't believe me, check with the police department. They probably have a whole drawer just for Marshall incidents. So anything he said his girlfriend "allegedly" did or said is 100% a lie on his part. HIS WHOLE FAMILY IS CRAZY!!
But I'm sure the press is hot on the trail, they'll find all the real evidence, not the fabricated evidence by MARSHALL and his attorney. How does an attorney lie along with his client? And I can only see Marshall and his attorney blabbing everything all over the world. Not the ex-girlfriend. So they are the ones letting him be tried in the press.
Oh Yeah what a great superstar attorney, actually has his client lie on public TV, knowing that he will be uncovered, and but naked. With nothing. So the girlfriend will get nothing and Marshalls career will be ruined. But he can catch a ball. I wonder what other jobs they have out there like that running and catching a football.
Oh and another thing, he chased the taxi all over the subdivision for 15 to 20 minutes, blocking him in everywhere he tried to go. He did not tap lightly on the window, he pounded on it. HUH! I wonder why his hand didn't go thru the glass? Because there way no McDonald’s bag around to slip on.
And I bet his ex slapped him in his pinhead and said now get in your car and drive drunk, your not in enough trouble yet. Now go down this one way street the wrong way to.
SO ALL OF YOU PUT THAT IN YOUR PIPE AND SMOKE IT.
June 28, 2008
5:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
kgroney writes:
Just an unrelated observation.
I can't remember Lelie ever showing flashes of greatness that even touch what marshall has done at times. I can remember every once in awhile he'd make a circus catch downfield, but other than that Lelie was a flat-out first round bust. Marshall at times shows flashes of brilliance that he could hang with any wideout in the league. (Please note i said 'at times'). Just hope he pulls his head out.
June 29, 2008
10:01 a.m.
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Mighty_Mile writes:
Nice try josan.
June 29, 2008
10:46 p.m.
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templar_mac writes:
Well the courts will decide I am sure. But it is obvious at this point the man is more than likely guilty. Maybe he just need to take some anger management classes anyway!!!
They should toss him or trade him..if anyone wants to deal with him and his issues. I mean they don't call it the National Felon League for nothing you know. Besides why should his talent be his saving grace...i have talents but they damn sure are not my saving grace! Why should it be any different for him?
July 1, 2008
6:20 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
josan, if he is such a violent person and disturbing the peace, as you stated (I wasn't there to see for myself), then I'm willing to bet that as such a "concerned" citizen, as you are, you peeked from your window and never bothered to call the police, yourself. As far as I'm concerned, those who do nothing, are just as guilty. It's that "New York" type, attitude, that has got this country screwed up. Turn your head and pretend nothing happened, all the while, someone is being harmed. Unless you picked up a phone and called the police, your visual account of the different incidents, mean nothing. How do you know he chased the taxi all over the subdivision for 15-20 minutes? Were you there? Then why didn't you get involved? Or were you too busy trying to put the battery pack on the cam? I'm not saying you have to physically get involved, but you mention nothing of calling the police, yourself. You seem to see a lot and yet, take no action. Sheesh.