From such a positive training camp comes some not so positive vibes.
Javon Walker wanted to quit and Al Davis talked him out of it. Wow. Why? Walker clearly doesn't have that burst he used to have and clearly he is questioning his own desire for football and Al Davis refused to take back the money for probably our most suspect signing of the offseason? It could still be something Walker is mulling, perhaps Davis just convinced Walker to do more work in camp and practice twice a day, get back into it so much that he blocks out the other stuff.
For all Davis' so called faults, he does care about his players well being. I think Davis knows that even if Walker does quit and he gets out of his $11 million flub, that its not better for Walker. Walker's problems will only haunt him if he enables himself to sulk in them. The best thing for Walker is to dive headfirst into football and really get himself going. If he can never regain that magic again, at least Javon Walker will get past this tough stage of his life.
If Walker can't get past it and focus on football I do respect him for going to Davis and offering to return the money, that is a classy move on his part. It wont go over that well in the lockeroom that a guy wanted to quit, but I think maybe even in the lockeroom guys understand, his friend's died in his arms, then he nearly received the same fate when he was beaten. He's been injury hampered, the guy has been demoralized in every way.
It could still happen that Walker walks away, but at least Davis is making sure Walker is doing what is best for Walker. Hopefully that will also be what is best for the Raiders.
Javon Walker wanted to quit and Al Davis talked him out of it. Wow. Why? Walker clearly doesn't have that burst he used to have and clearly he is questioning his own desire for football and Al Davis refused to take back the money for probably our most suspect signing of the offseason? It could still be something Walker is mulling, perhaps Davis just convinced Walker to do more work in camp and practice twice a day, get back into it so much that he blocks out the other stuff.
For all Davis' so called faults, he does care about his players well being. I think Davis knows that even if Walker does quit and he gets out of his $11 million flub, that its not better for Walker. Walker's problems will only haunt him if he enables himself to sulk in them. The best thing for Walker is to dive headfirst into football and really get himself going. If he can never regain that magic again, at least Javon Walker will get past this tough stage of his life.
If Walker can't get past it and focus on football I do respect him for going to Davis and offering to return the money, that is a classy move on his part. It wont go over that well in the lockeroom that a guy wanted to quit, but I think maybe even in the lockeroom guys understand, his friend's died in his arms, then he nearly received the same fate when he was beaten. He's been injury hampered, the guy has been demoralized in every way.
It could still happen that Walker walks away, but at least Davis is making sure Walker is doing what is best for Walker. Hopefully that will also be what is best for the Raiders.
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