As a football blogger, the summer is a slow time and I tend to live under the “no news is good news” theory when it comes to the Ravens. While it makes my life more difficult to find topics, quiet can be good (see Denver Broncos off season). So driving home today my phone blew up with numerous messages about Derrick Mason retiring from the Ravens and that nice quiet calm flew out the window.
Mason had the following statement on the website JOCKLife:
“I have had a tremendous career and I played for two great teams, I had fun. In my career, I have been able to do everything but win a Super Bowl. I’ve had the opportunity to play on great teams and with great players. After 12 years, I have seen it all and done it all,” Mason stated. “Right now, I am content with the decision I am making. All good things come to an end and I am ready to see what else life has to offer.”
“I have been thinking about this since the season ended. Emotionally I am just not that enthused. I have not been that enthused to get up and work out…it was getting to that point. This decision has nothing to do with the contract situation; I have made enough money, more than enough money. Emotionally there are things that are more important. It’s time right now. I don’t know what’s going to happen from here, but it’s going to be really nice to see what life has in store for me. What I want people to remember about my NFL career is that I played hard…played hard in practice and the game. I tried to make everyone better and would do anything to help.”
I have to say, something doesn’t smell right with this. The first thing that stands out is the fact he chose a blog site to make this announcement, not through a team press conference. If this has nothing to do with the contract discussion, why do you not tell the team first? Something tells me that there is a level of bitterness that is driving him to this decision. The way he handled this essentially burns the bridge between himself and the team. Not exactly you want to see a great career end.
I also have to consider the impact that McNair’s death had on him. These guys came up together and seeing one of your brothers pass away has to have an impact on you. He may have just determined that he needs to be with his family.
So where does the team go from here? I’m not going to get into the “we should have drafted a wide receiver this year” discussion in this blog. I’ve given it a little time and let my head cool off. While I’m bothered by the fact that the team didn’t target any of the middle/upper range receivers in the off season, I’m hoping the they can get through this. We will see the hype that Clayton is a rising star and Williams can be a #1 but that time is not here yet. Bottom line is that this move frees up about $3m in cap room with an unsigned Terrell Suggs. Don’t expect any flashy moves. Actually, I don’t know what to expect-your guess is as good as mine on this one.
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