Jon Gruden had no say in whether the Raiders drafted kicker Sebastian Janikowski in 2000. He had full say on whether Janikowski remained with the Raiders next season and, perhaps, through the end of his career. So much for familiarity, loyalty and sentimentality, it appears. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Wednesday that the Raiders informed Janikowski
I get it 100%. Still had though
So he was asked to take a pay cut then not activated after he was off IR last year but this somehow an indication that coach Gruden is total control now ? Because he coached him ? Not salary , age or injury . Huh , Sorry don’t see that . He was gone this year regardless as was Amerson now cut Conely or Joseph and I’ll buy it
I’d have to agree with you. A resounding message?? That may be a little overstated. Asking the guy to slash his in salary in half a week before the season starts then basically benching him was a pretty clear cut sign that Jano was gone. As he should be.
That was before Jon Gruden was hired to be the head coach. Gruden has a long history with Janikowski, and he could have easily brought back Jano as a link to the past, played up that he was going to retire a Raider, etc. Instead, he ended any such talk and thoughts right out of the game. That’s a resounding message, in my book. Thanks for the feedback, as always, Marvin.
Cork
I love Jano. His was the only jersey i bought in our 12 futile year nightmare. However, his time has come as they do with all great players. BTW, Sylvester Morris was a total bust so Al made the right decision. I never even heard of the dude and had to look him up.
http://www.nfl.com/player/sylvestermorris/2504325/careerstats
Understand the move, but a part of me wanted Jano to retire a Raider.
As much as we all love seabass. He cost us several close games each year. It’s time to move on and Gruden was right.
Tough to argue, Noah. He wasn’t so good toward the end that he can’t be replaced, especially if the Raiders can find a comparable kicker, if not better, for $500,000 or so per year. Tough calls have to be made. This was one of them.