2013 NFL Off-Season Thread

[Gothamite]

Is KFC franchised? I honestly don't know. But if it is, then that franchise's owner might have a negative opinion of his employee (if such a high-profile employee is possible) publicly identifying with another branch of the corporate tree, one that he has no stake in and which directly competes with his business. Presuming a franchise model, employees don't work for Yum. They work for the franchised entity. Just as quarterbacks don't work for the NFL, they work for an independent team that competes within that organization.

In this land of revenue sharing, they are on the same team.

And it is called the NFLPA and their marketing arm, NFL Players, Inc.

How is that any different than an industry union that spans multiple employers?

Revenue sharing only goes so far - the 49ers and Dolphins are direct competitors. On the field as well as at the cash register.

There is no perfect analogy, due to the franchise model, but Dolphins players do not draw their salary from the same company as 49ers.

[dfwabel]

Is KFC franchised? I honestly don't know. But if it is, then that franchise's owner might have a negative opinion of his employee (if such a high-profile employee is possible) publicly identifying with another branch of the corporate tree, one that he has no stake in and which directly competes with his business. Presuming a franchise model, employees don't work for Yum. They work for the franchised entity. Just as quarterbacks don't work for the NFL, they work for an independent team that competes within that organization.

In this land of revenue sharing, they are on the same team.

And it is called the NFLPA and their marketing arm, NFL Players, Inc.

How is that any different than an industry union that spans multiple employers?

Revenue sharing only goes so far - the 49ers and Dolphins are direct competitors. On the field as well as at the cash register.

There is no perfect analogy, due to the franchise model, but Dolphins players do not draw their salary from the same company as 49ers.

There is not a perfect one, but I really do not think that Alan Mulally, the Fordlast CEO, goes out on the weekend and would feel disappointment if he sees a Ford exec or a UAW hourly he has met before in a GM car they have restored. Since it is the NFL, William Clay Ford knows which cars his staff drive to Allen Park and they all are not the Blue Oval. Even with agreeing to a new deal today, I'm pretty sure that Matt Stafford has a garage with a non-Ford product.

A comparison to the NFLPA and UAW in most likely the most accurate one in terms of labor force.

[dbadefense1990]

Whole situation could have been defused by saying "I'm a Niner, but who doesn't love throwbacks?"

He could have, at that point, donned this "chalk-line" jacket for support:

[Lee Noire]

"Is this the hat y'all mad at? I'm gonna wear what I want regardless of what you think."

Pretty well put, IMO.

Also, lol wait what, this isn't well put at all. He sounds like when Cartman went on Springer. I DO WHAT I WAWNT

In that quote he also said something to the effect of all fans need to worry about is the effort I give my team on the field. He is 100% correct. Fans care far too much about things that don't matter. For most athletes it's just a game they are fortunate enough to get paid for and that's really all it should be. Especially when the concept of team loyalty stretches only as far as a players value to the team. Ask Alex Smith about that.

Fans have to let this idea go that the blood runs deep for players in relation to teams like theirs does. Players play a game they love for a paycheck(and a ring), regardless of what team is paying them.

[BlueSky]

Forgive me if I disagree with Kaepaernick.

As for the discussion, there have been an orchard's worth of apples and oranges dropped in here. There's really little comparison between employees of one company wearing the gear of another because who cares if Joe Blow from American Airlines wears a Southwest hat on his time off? Few, though it might raise a few eyebrows among any colleagues that became aware of it. But if ten years go by and Joe Blow is now a senior VP of American who is well-known by many in the industry and he does the same thing, that's a horse of a different color. And if Joe Blow becomes the CEO and is on the cover of Fortune and does that...well, now we're a bit closer to fitting the Kaepaernick scenario.

If Kaepaernick was a third-string running back or even still the backup QB, this is all a footnote. But he's not. Remember Spiderman's Uncle Ben? "With great power comes great responsibility" and all that? Colin Kaepaernick is now the face of the San Francisco 49ers. As such, he needs to let go of his "lighten up, Francis" attitude and try to view the things he does through the eyes of his teammates, the fans, and the people who sign his checks. What he did wasn't horrible or evil or life-changing for anybody. The Dolphins aren't even a Niner rival. Still, it sends the wrong message, plain and simple. It shows a lack of maturity. It shows a disregard for the fact that it's not all about Kaep. Ever hear "don't bite the hand that feeds you"?

What's funny is how many people here tore up Jeff Fisher for his Manning-jersey gag. It was lame, sure, and though it was clearly intended as a joke it fell flat, didn't it? Because you just don't wear the enemy's colors when you're the face, or one of the faces, of your franchise.

Showing respect is a good thing. Understanding what it is and why it's a good thing is even better. I won't pretend I knew what it was at his age or that I didn't do very stupid things myself. But if you're lucky, the years going by do more than make your hair fall out or put a few more pounds on your a***. They help you understand how little you knew about the world compared to what you thought you knew. Hope it works that way for this guy because as it is, he comes across as a self-absorbed clown.

[fouhy12]

This offseason is so stupid!

Alfonzo Dennard was arrested for a DUI, and HE IS ON PROBATION! How stupid do you have to be to do that?

[Eye]

Forgive me if I disagree with Kaepaernick.

As for the discussion, there have been an orchard's worth of apples and oranges dropped in here. There's really little comparison between employees of one company wearing the gear of another because who cares if Joe Blow from American Airlines wears a Southwest hat on his time off? Few, though it might raise a few eyebrows among any colleagues that became aware of it. But if ten years go by and Joe Blow is now a senior VP of American who is well-known by many in the industry and he does the same thing, that's a horse of a different color. And if Joe Blow becomes the CEO and is on the cover of Fortune and does that...well, now we're a bit closer to fitting the Kaepaernick scenario.

If Kaepaernick was a third-string running back or even still the backup QB, this is all a footnote. But he's not. Remember Spiderman's Uncle Ben? "With great power comes great responsibility" and all that? Colin Kaepaernick is now the face of the San Francisco 49ers. As such, he needs to let go of his "lighten up, Francis" attitude and try to view the things he does through the eyes of his teammates, the fans, and the people who sign his checks. What he did wasn't horrible or evil or life-changing for anybody. The Dolphins aren't even a Niner rival. Still, it sends the wrong message, plain and simple. It shows a lack of maturity. It shows a disregard for the fact that it's not all about Kaep. Ever hear "don't bite the hand that feeds you"?

What's funny is how many people here tore up Jeff Fisher for his Manning-jersey gag. It was lame, sure, and though it was clearly intended as a joke it fell flat, didn't it? Because you just don't wear the enemy's colors when you're the face, or one of the faces, of your franchise.

Showing respect is a good thing. Understanding what it is and why it's a good thing is even better. I won't pretend I knew what it was at his age or that I didn't do very stupid things myself. But if you're lucky, the years going by do more than make your hair fall out or put a few more pounds on your a***. They help you understand how little you knew about the world compared to what you thought you knew. Hope it works that way for this guy because as it is, he comes across as a self-absorbed clown.

This was too long. Are you angry or ok with logoed hats of other teams being worn?

[FiddySicks]

Forgive me if I disagree with Kaepaernick.

As for the discussion, there have been an orchard's worth of apples and oranges dropped in here. There's really little comparison between employees of one company wearing the gear of another because who cares if Joe Blow from American Airlines wears a Southwest hat on his time off? Few, though it might raise a few eyebrows among any colleagues that became aware of it. But if ten years go by and Joe Blow is now a senior VP of American who is well-known by many in the industry and he does the same thing, that's a horse of a different color. And if Joe Blow becomes the CEO and is on the cover of Fortune and does that...well, now we're a bit closer to fitting the Kaepaernick scenario.

If Kaepaernick was a third-string running back or even still the backup QB, this is all a footnote. But he's not. Remember Spiderman's Uncle Ben? "With great power comes great responsibility" and all that? Colin Kaepaernick is now the face of the San Francisco 49ers. As such, he needs to let go of his "lighten up, Francis" attitude and try to view the things he does through the eyes of his teammates, the fans, and the people who sign his checks. What he did wasn't horrible or evil or life-changing for anybody. The Dolphins aren't even a Niner rival. Still, it sends the wrong message, plain and simple. It shows a lack of maturity. It shows a disregard for the fact that it's not all about Kaep. Ever hear "don't bite the hand that feeds you"?

What's funny is how many people here tore up Jeff Fisher for his Manning-jersey gag. It was lame, sure, and though it was clearly intended as a joke it fell flat, didn't it? Because you just don't wear the enemy's colors when you're the face, or one of the faces, of your franchise.

Showing respect is a good thing. Understanding what it is and why it's a good thing is even better. I won't pretend I knew what it was at his age or that I didn't do very stupid things myself. But if you're lucky, the years going by do more than make your hair fall out or put a few more pounds on your a***. They help you understand how little you knew about the world compared to what you thought you knew. Hope it works that way for this guy because as it is, he comes across as a self-absorbed clown.

Hmm, nope. Not buying it. As long as he continues to run all over other NFL teams from August to February, nobody associated with the 49ers, from the front office to fans, is gonna care what cap he wears in July. The kid is devoutly religious, extremely disciplined and dedicated, has ZERO criminal record, and just led his team to a Super Bowl in his first season starting. That shows plenty of "respect" if you ask me.

Now really, can we please stop ripping on him for having tattoos and snapbacks and focus on important things like how he's going to shred the Saints in week 11?

[BlueSky]

@Bucfan Tattoos & snapbacks? Couldn't care less.

I guess we'll agree to disagree. About respect, I don't know how old you are but it's true that different generations have different views. But I know something the young 'uns don't: in most cases, their views will evolve over time...to be much more like mine. BWAAA HA HA HA HAAA!

Shredding the Saints? We'll see. IMO his and the other read-option QBs' days of success are numbered. Their effectiveness will gradually fall below average as NFL defenses adapt. Add to that the fact that even the sturdiest NFL QB isn't going to have a very long career if he carries the ball on a regular basis. May not happen this year but sooner or later these guys will have to change their game.

[Sport]

I get what both sides are saying. I don't like that dopey look on his face in the instagram picture with the "I wear what I wanna wear" line. It's not hard to understand where 49ers fans were coming from so I don't know why that response from him was necessary.

One time in 05 or 06 Carson Palmer wore a Lions turtleneck for an interview and a lot of Bengals fans were upset about that. He explained that they gave it to him at a predraft workout. He probably should've chosen a different shirt and Kapernicus should've chosen a different hat, but I don't think it's that big of a deal.

I don't really care though. The NFL is my third favorite league, and I don't really want to know who these guys are as people. I once saw Andy Dalton signing autographs at Chipotle, I shrugged and ordered my 1,000 calorie burrito. All I want is for 50 or so football players wearing tiger striped helmets to win a Lombardi trophy once in my life.

[IceCap]

Is KFC franchised? I honestly don't know. But if it is, then that franchise's owner might have a negative opinion of his employee (if such a high-profile employee is possible) publicly identifying with another branch of the corporate tree, one that he has no stake in and which directly competes with his business. Presuming a franchise model, employees don't work for Yum. They work for the franchised entity. Just as quarterbacks don't work for the NFL, they work for an independent team that competes within that organization.

Then why does the NFL handle labor disputes rather than the individual teams?

Well as Goth said, it's convenient for the NFL to appear as a single, unified entity for the sake of avoiding anti-trust lawsuits.

The NFL is a collection of 32 independently owned and operated teams that have bannded together. In order to protect themselves as a whole each independent team gives up certain rights to the collective whole for the betterment of all the teams. This does not constitute a single entity, however, but 32 entities engaged in business practices to protect their circuit. It's also skirting dangerously close to being illegal by the strictest definition of the law, so that's why they like to pretend they're a single entity. One large company with 32 franchises isn't as fishy as 32 companies conspiring to prop themselves up.

...and just led his team to a Super Bowl in his first season starting. That shows plenty of "respect" if you ask me.

He's also the first 49ers QB to make it to a Super Bowl and lose.

He's no Joe Montana, is what I'm saying.

[STL FANATIC]

I don't think wearing a Dolphins cap has anything to do with Kaepernick's commitment to his team, but I think this situation does show a great deal of not respecting the situation he is in and some immaturity in how he's dealt with it.

Wearing the cap in public was silly because he should have seen this coming. Fans care. Maybe some team officials care. Team officials certainly care because fans care. It's just not the image you want to be projecting as the franchise QB—or really any player. Sometimes you have to dress for the part even if it doesn't affect how you perform the part. The President of the United States shouldn't walk around in jeans and a once trendy UK flag shirt. (Unless he's taking part in an informal even in the UK.)

But worse than showing a lack of understanding was the way he responded. Once he saw the controversy things should have clicked for him. He should have realized that there are people who will care, and that their reasons for caring aren't entirely invalid (not in the weird and unexplainable world of sports in which a lot of illogical things make perfect sense). But his response was to be rebellious. To tell fans they were wrong and say that he was going to wear what he wants. And the photo of the item in question just made it worse.

So no, it's not the biggest deal in the world. And no, it's not particularly relevant to his play on the field. But it shows a lack of understanding and maturity. And maybe that is relevant to his play on the field. It's certainly relevant to his role as a 49ers ambassador to the community.

[pcgd]

Forgive me if I disagree with Kaepaernick.

As for the discussion, there have been an orchard's worth of apples and oranges dropped in here. There's really little comparison between employees of one company wearing the gear of another because who cares if Joe Blow from American Airlines wears a Southwest hat on his time off? Few, though it might raise a few eyebrows among any colleagues that became aware of it. But if ten years go by and Joe Blow is now a senior VP of American who is well-known by many in the industry and he does the same thing, that's a horse of a different color. And if Joe Blow becomes the CEO and is on the cover of Fortune and does that...well, now we're a bit closer to fitting the Kaepaernick scenario.

If Kaepaernick was a third-string running back or even still the backup QB, this is all a footnote. But he's not. Remember Spiderman's Uncle Ben? "With great power comes great responsibility" and all that? Colin Kaepaernick is now the face of the San Francisco 49ers. As such, he needs to let go of his "lighten up, Francis" attitude and try to view the things he does through the eyes of his teammates, the fans, and the people who sign his checks. What he did wasn't horrible or evil or life-changing for anybody. The Dolphins aren't even a Niner rival. Still, it sends the wrong message, plain and simple. It shows a lack of maturity. It shows a disregard for the fact that it's not all about Kaep. Ever hear "don't bite the hand that feeds you"?

What's funny is how many people here tore up Jeff Fisher for his Manning-jersey gag. It was lame, sure, and though it was clearly intended as a joke it fell flat, didn't it? Because you just don't wear the enemy's colors when you're the face, or one of the faces, of your franchise.

Showing respect is a good thing. Understanding what it is and why it's a good thing is even better. I won't pretend I knew what it was at his age or that I didn't do very stupid things myself. But if you're lucky, the years going by do more than make your hair fall out or put a few more pounds on your a***. They help you understand how little you knew about the world compared to what you thought you knew. Hope it works that way for this guy because as it is, he comes across as a self-absorbed clown.

Hmm, nope. Not buying it. As long as he continues to run all over other NFL teams from August to February, nobody associated with the 49ers, from the front office to fans, is gonna care what cap he wears in July. The kid is devoutly religious, extremely disciplined and dedicated, has ZERO criminal record, and just led his team to a Super Bowl in his first season starting. That shows plenty of "respect" if you ask me.

Now really, can we please stop ripping on him for having tattoos and snapbacks and focus on important things like how he's going to shred the Saints in week 11?

Technically he's only done it from November to February so far...

[Billy B]

Well I think we can now all agree that Kaepaernick didn't make the stupidest hat related decision of the off-season.

[NJTank]

Morons

[NEW.ERA]

Who are those asshats?

[ninersdd]

The Pouncey brothers

[Kramerica Industries]

Between Tebow's shenanigans and media coverage, Hernandez, Urban Meyer, the Pouncey twins, and a few other factors, those late '00s Gators teams have become surprisingly unlikeable for even Gators fans.

[HedleyLamarr]

Between Tebow's shenanigans and media coverage, Hernandez, Urban Meyer, the Pouncey twins, and a few other factors, those late '00s Gators teams have become surprisingly unlikeable for even Gators fans.

Don't forget Percy "Harvey" and Chris Rainey.....

"Irvin Myers" was running a regular Boys Town during his time in Gainesville. Don't think that'll change too much in his time at Ohio State before he leaves for more health reasons....

[theSLVRBCK]

Yep, I still believe to this day that he knew the inmates had taken over the asylum at Florida and that was why he cut bait and hauled butt. There was plenty said about the locker room environment down here when Muschamp came in ad had to start cleaning house.