Ugly ouster for Barksdale

by Ed Valentine on Jun 24, 2009 8:15 AM EDT in News Comment 7 comments

Have you head the story of the ugly way in which former Giants' cornerback Rashad Barksdale found out he had been cut by the team?

Via text message from a player.

"I heard you got released," Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas wrote to Barksdale. "Sorry about that."

Barksdale's agent said this kind of thing is not unheard of.

"This is the business side of the NFL," said Tony Agnone, Barksdale's agent. "Most teams contact you before they release you, but not all the time. It's the ugly side nobody talks about."

It should be unheard of. As Barksdale noted, telling someone directly is the "classy thing to do."

-- 'Kudos' to True Blue for the find.

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I'm on the fence with this one

It’s too bad that this type of thing is unheard of. At the very least, however it’s communicated to the player, give them the self respect or dignity you would want upon being given your walking papers. Rather than finding out from so-in-so.

On the other side, especially an UDFA, i’m sure the agents tell them not to get too comfortable, don’t unpack your bags because this day may come. It is a business and they should know this. Whether you find out from your former employers security guard (because they won’t let you in) or from a co-worker, it’s a harsh reality.

by Hootman on Jun 24, 2009 9:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

UDFA or not,

This is the Giants’s organization we’re talking about here. I would expect this story to fall under the Raiders, not a class act like the Giants. I think our Gmen dropped the ball on this one. Show the guy a little respect and thank him for trying out for the team.

by njgiant on Jun 24, 2009 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree 100%

I too, would expect this from a team like the Raiders and not from the Giants or even say the Steelers. I guess that i’m accepting the fact that this is seemingly common throughout the league and the Giants are not the exception. As a fan, i do feel embarassed in how they handled it.

Like you and Ed have stated, show the respect that he derserves for his time and effort that was applied.

by Hootman on Jun 24, 2009 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barksdale

spent all of last season with the Giants on the practice squad, and was on the active roster for the playoff game. He deserved better than that.

by Ed Valentine on Jun 24, 2009 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

does Rashad have any relatives named Avon

who might be able to return the favor?

Lets hope that when gut check time comes again the Mets will pass it with flying colors.

by kendynamo on Jun 24, 2009 10:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That Sucks,

did the Giants tell Thomas to tell Barksdale? or did Thomas just find out before they made the call, they just can’t “be let him find out on his own”; either way, its an HR no-no.

Conan!, What is good in Football?!

Daa.... to run between the tackles,
To drive the linebackers before you,
And to hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders.

by The Pale Scot on Jun 24, 2009 11:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs