Dennard Learns About the Law

[Shelterdog]

Hitting the cop was one incident where there was some confusion about what actually happened and where Dennard could somewhat credibly say he learned from his mistake.
 
Now there may have been a second incident, while on probation, and one that is going to make him unavailable to the team (if he was driving under the influence)
 
The situation has changed.
 
Prepare to be disappointed, he's getting cut.

 
Where are you getting that? It's certainly possiible but I haven't seen enough to say that it's even close to a foregone conclusion that he misses substantial time even if he was driving under the influence, but if you have something more concrete, I'm all ears.
 
Herm Edwards would cut him, so the smart move is obviously to keep him.

 

[JayMags71]

If the Hernandez stuff didn't happen, there is 0 chance he would get cut.

Setting aside Hernandez, what about the fact that Dennard is already on probation for a violent offense? He's already facing legal hassles, and he demonstrates questionable judgement with this incident. He's already on his second chance. You honestly believe that cutting him is off the table? Bear in mind, I'm not offended by his conduct, so I don't consider myself a pearl-clutcher. But this dude has a pattern of stupidity off the field.

 

[shoosh77]

If this results in Tom Brady growing a black beard and coming out of the tunnel to "Voodoo Child," I'm all for it.

 
Who plays Hall and Nash?

 

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

Setting aside Hernandez, what about the fact that Dennard is already on probation for a violent offense? He's already facing legal hassles, and he demonstrates questionable judgement with this incident. He's already on his second chance. You honestly believe that cutting him is off the table? Bear in mind, I'm not offended by his conduct, so I don't consider myself a pearl-clutcher. But this dude has a pattern of stupidity off the field.

 
Not only is he likely heading to jail for probation violation, but the wrath of Sheriff Goodell undoubtedly awaits, 4- or 8- game suspension in hand.

 

[dcmissle]

Where are you getting that? It's certainly possiible but I haven't seen enough to say that it's even close to a foregone conclusion that he misses substantial time even if he was driving under the influence.

 
Agree that at this point we don't know that he'll be charged and, if so, with what.  If they don't have enough to press a DUI, and the only thing that flows from this is license suspension over refusal to take the test, maybe he dodges this bullet, which would be his second one.
 
But if he is charged, don't you think the original sentencing judge punches his ticket for a few months?  It's the same goddamn state, and he has put its citizens at risk of bodily harm.  The contempt/indifference/stupidity is mind boggling.

 

[Stitch01]

Setting aside Hernandez, what about the fact that Dennard is already on probation for a violent offense? He's already facing legal hassles, and he demonstrates questionable judgement with this incident. He's already on his second chance. You honestly believe that cutting him is off the table? Bear in mind, I'm not offended by his conduct, so I don't consider myself a pearl-clutcher. But this dude has a pattern of stupidity off the field.

 
This is where I am.  Arrests happen in the NFL, I dont think questionable character guys are untouchable and hope the Pats don't move in that direction.  I wouldnt be saying he's going to get cut if he was Revis.  In this specific case though, pretty certain he's a goner.
 
Im not doom and gloom either, losing Dennard presents some challenges but its not like the season is over or anything.
 
 

Where are you getting that? It's certainly possiible but I haven't seen enough to say that it's even close to a foregone conclusion that he misses substantial time even if he was driving under the influence.

 
Depends on what you call substantial time. Between probation and Goddell it seems really, really unlikely he doesn't miss time (if he did DUI)

 

[Shelterdog]

Agree that at this point we don't know that he'll be charged and, if so, with what.  If they don't have enough to press a DUI, and the only thing that flows from this is license suspension over refusal to take the test, maybe he dodges this bullet, which would be his second one.
 
But if he is charged, don't you think the original sentencing judge punches his ticket for a few months?  It's the same goddamn state, and he has put its citizens at risk of bodily harm.  The contempt/indifference/stupidity is mind boggling.

 
I agree that the stupidity is mind boggling--DUI is stupid, DUI while on probation is stupider, and DUI when your bosses may be on the war path because the world just figured out your former coworker is scarface is even stupider.   But where, when and how the Nebraska criminal justice system handles this is such a specific type of question that you really need to hear from Cornhusker Romine.

Interestingly the commissioner may not be able to suspend players for DUI-related infractions and hasn't done so in the past: apparently the language in the CBA is murky and the NFLPA contends that DUI falls under the substance violations part of the CBA where the Commissioner's powers are circumscribed.

 

[mauf]

I'm more upset about the moralizing crap that's going to cross my Twitter feed in the next 48 hours than I am about Dennard getting cut. Even in a parallel universe where the AH thing didn't happen, Dennard isn't good enough to put up with distractions -- and his legal problems and the Commissioner's likely intervention would be distractions, even without the mediots drawing parallels to AH.

 

[mauf]

I agree that the stupidity is mind boggling--DUI is stupid, DUI while on probation is stupider, and DUI when your bosses may be on the war path because the world just figured out your former coworker is scarface is even stupider.   But where, when and how the Nebraska criminal justice system handles this is such a specific type of question that you really need to hear from Cornhusker Romine.

Interestingly the commissioner may not be able to suspend players for DUI-related infractions and hasn't done so in the past: apparently the language in the CBA is murky and the NFLPA contends that DUI falls under the substance violations part of the CBA where the Commissioner's powers are circumscribed.

 
If Goodell wants to suspend him, he'll say he's doing so for the assault on the police officer, assuming that Dennard's probation is going to get revoked over this.

 

[mt8thsw9th]

Frankly, the good news is he didn't resist. So he's got that going for him at least.

 

[mauf]

Btw, the Globe's Ben Volin reports (via Twitter) that Dennard will only count $43k against the cap if he's cut. At least they won't be carrying dead weight.

 

[j44thor]

Particularly in light of the Cowboys incident last season where a teammate was killed due to a players DUI I have to think Goddell comes down hard and fast on this one.  

 

[DJnVa]

This is where I am.  Arrests happen in the NFL,

 
The equation has changed with the AH situation, especially with the Patriots.

 

[bougrj1]

Frankly, the good news is he didn't resist. So he's got that going for him at least.

AND, he didn't punch the cop as well. Learning.

 

[bankshot1]

They were duped!

 

[Dogman]

Holy dumbfuck, Batman.

 

[H78]

My God. It just won't stop. It seems like if a guy's a risk, he's living up to it this offseason. Should be any day now that Talib punches a baby in Walmart.

 

[bankshot1]

Is this the type of situation where the Pats adopt a paternalistic stance, get the kid into a substance abuse program, try to rehab the kid, or just say screw it and cut ties?

 

[shoosh77]

Take away Spikes Webcam and Twitter accounts stat!

 

[Stitch01]

The equation has changed with the AH situation, especially with the Patriots.

Eliminating questionable character players entirely from the roster is impossible and probably counterproductive.
 
I think they should cut Dennard now, but would hope they dont have the next guy that profiles like Dennard off their draft board entirely.
 
To me, the key is making sure that you can move on from those players if necessary with minimal cost. 

 

[CoffeeNerdness]

Future Broncos exec.

 

[Yaz4Ever]

Most importantly, can I trade his jersey for a Wilfork?

 

[mascho]

A little bit of news:
 
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000217242/article/alfonzo-dennard-of-patriots-arrested-on-dui-charge
 
Three charges:  DUI, refusal of a chemical test, and straddling a lane line.
 
First hearing is August 12.

 

[H78]

Is this the type of situation where the Pats adopt a paternalistic stance, get the kid into a substance abuse program, try to rehab the kid, or just say screw it and cut ties?

 
He's not a kid. He's a soon-to-be 24 year old man. Cut his ass; if they keep him they're allowing other young guys, somewhere in the back of their minds, to think if they screw up and they're good enough of a player they'll get reprimanded but at least they'll still have their job.
 
Cut him and show the rest of the team it's time to focus on football. Will the message sink in? Probably for some, and not others. But the message still needs to be sent.

 

[Mugsy's Jock]

Most importantly, can I trade his jersey for a Wilfork?

Fantastic... 

 

[Van Everyman]

Even if you cut him, you still got more than you normally get out of a 7th rd pick.

 

[SemperFidelisSox]

The concerned citizen in the other lane who called the authorities to alert them of the drunk driver? Yup, you guesse it. Bernard Pollard.

 

[mascho]

Nebraska DUI penalties, FYI:
 
http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/nohs/pdf/al3dwi.pdf

 

[steveluck7]

 Cut his ass; if they keep him they're allowing other young guys, somewhere in the back of their minds, to think if they screw up and they're good enough of a player they'll get reprimanded but at least they'll still have their job.

That's the way sports have operated for decades (at least), though.  Keeping Dennard won't likely sway anyone in either direction. IMO it'd take a lot more than releasing a 7th rd pick, "good" player to reverse that notion

 

[Dogman]

Phragle must be on the Tobin right now.

 

[JayMags71]

The concerned citizen in the other lane who called the authorities to alert them of the drunk driver? Yup, you guesse it. Bernard Pollard.

Kudos

 

[Fishercat]

I'm more upset about the moralizing crap that's going to cross my Twitter feed in the next 48 hours than I am about Dennard getting cut. Even in a parallel universe where the AH thing didn't happen, Dennard isn't good enough to put up with distractions -- and his legal problems and the Commissioner's likely intervention would be distractions, even without the mediots drawing parallels to AH.

 
I'm pretty much equally upset, but I think it's telling that Dennard is the top story for his DUI while the Broncos guys barely made the run down.
 
I mean, the Broncos director of pro personnel blew double the legal limit (.16) SEVEN hours after the arrest, hit a median, and almost hit a stop light. The Broncos' director of player personnel had a BAC at 3x the legal limit after his arrest, was driving with an open container, hit two cars (including a cop car), and injured a cop.
 
I know, player v. staff, but the difference in emotional response is showing the AH effect, and arguably the different standards we're holding Dennard to over older, more experienced, high-level employees of another team.
 
Dennard is still an idiot of course, but it's an interesting difference.

 

[Ralphwiggum]

Wasn't his last incident right before the draft?  The guy has the worst timing ever.  What an idiot.
 
I hope they don't cut him until they learn more about whether he'll be available this year or not, but I fear they will cut him.

 

[H78]

That's the way sports have operated for decades (at least), though.  Keeping Dennard won't likely sway anyone in either direction. IMO it'd take a lot more than releasing a 7th rd pick, "good" player to reverse that notion

 
After Hernandez, if you cut Dennard, you have every guy on that roster second guessing everything they do. Some of them may still slip up because the NFL is well-stocked with morons who like to piss away their golden tickets, but if you have guys second guessing all of their actions you've done your job as a coach, GM, owner.

 

[mascho]

Whatever the Patriots decide to do will be wrong in the eyes of the National and Local media.

Really going out in a limb there, I know.

 

[jsinger121]

 

Tom E. Curran ‏@tomecurran1m
The Patriots are waiting to get more details on Alfonzo Dennard's arrest before issuing a statement. #PatriotsTalk

 

[kenneycb]

Whatever the Patriots decide to do will be wrong in the eyes of the National and Local media.

Really going out in a limb there, I know.

Pretty much.  If they cut him, they're giving up and the secondary is going to suck and they didn't let due process and yada, yada, yada.  If they don't, they're harboring more criminals, rabble, rabble, Patriot Way is dead, rabble, rabble.

 

[Valek]

Pretty much.  If they cut him, they're giving up and the secondary is going to suck and they didn't let due process and yada, yada, yada.  If they don't, they're harboring more criminals, rabble, rabble, Patriot Way is dead, rabble, rabble.

 
I think at this point I'm ok with losing a few games next season we could have won to clear the decks of this kind of BS.  I didn't ever think I'd get to this point with a sports team, but organizational integrity is the Patriot's way under Kraft.  From Kraft down through they talk about volunteering, charities and helping build better communities.  He must be absolutely ripped...  
 
Absolutely pathetic see ya Dennard, don't let the door hit you on the way out.  Just absolutely pathetic waste of talent, WTF is wrong with these guys.  Worst off-season ever...

 

[kenneycb]

Yeah we're not clearing the decks of this kind of BS by getting rid of two people.
 
And it's not a waste of talent as he will likely play again in the NFL.  Not the best use of talent but, christ people, get away from the ledge and stop using so much goddamn hyperbole.

 

[DJnVa]

Eliminating questionable character players entirely from the roster is impossible and probably counterproductive.

 
You're no longer eliminating someone with questionable character.  You're eliminating a guy that was arrested for the 2nd time.
 
EDIT: I say this as someone that doesn't care either way.  I just think it would be justified based on what's happened lately.

 

[Shelterdog]

Yeah we're not clearing the decks of this kind of BS by getting rid of two people.
 
And it's not a waste of talent as he will likely play again in the NFL.  Not the best use of talent but, christ people, get away from the ledge and stop using so much goddamn hyperbole.

 
I'm not sure that cutting Dennard is going to make a difference becasue they've already shown again and again this off-season that they'll cut a problem fast: they ditched Hernandez as fast as possible, they got rid of Deaderick and Lloyd for apparently being lazy/bad teammates, they cut Love (which, according to some reports, was partially about effort and partially about the diabetes). Making an example of Dennard isn't going to tell the other 85 guys something they don't already know.
 
Now if you don't want someone this galactically stupid on your team, by all means give him the axe.

 

[Ed Hillel]

I was mad at first, but have decided this was likely a case of DWB.

Free Fonzy!

 

[Stitch01]

You're no longer eliminating someone with questionable character.  You're eliminating a guy that was arrested for the 2nd time.
 
EDIT: I say this as someone that doesn't care either way.  I just think it would be justified based on what's happened lately.

I dont think you are reading all of my posts. 

 

[HomeRunBaker]

This is the end of the Patriots taking questionable character guys going forward. With Hernandez and Dennard time to get back to the no a-holes on this roster mentality.

 
You want to build an NFL roster without a-holes and criminals?  Let me know how that works out.

 

[Corsi]

 

[mascho]

I am disappointed that their statement did not include the words "dumbass" or "moron."
 
Otherwise, it is appropriate.  

 

[Morning Woodhead]

Why did they issue a statement on a grocery list?

 

[Dogman]

Looks like an Iphone note.
 
WHY ARE THEY NOT TAKING THIS SERIOUSLY???!

 

[mascho]

Why did they issue a statement on a grocery list?

Looks like it was written in "Notes" on someone's iPhone.  

 

[Dogman]

Beat ya