News on Fred Smoot from St. Paul Pioneer-Press

[sportscurmudgeon]

Here's what Charlie Walters of the Pioneer-Press has to say about Smooty:

Team officials won't talk, but a little birdie says the reason Vikings controversial cornerback Fred Smoot was in full uniform on the Metrodome sideline but didn't play a down Sunday in the team's season-ending victory over the Chicago Bears is because he blatantly disregarded the team's curfew the night before, on New Year's Eve. Word is Smoot placed a couple of pillows under his bed's blanket as a decoy at the team hotel.

Smoot is under the impression the Vikings will have him back next season. But considering his alleged involvement in the Vikings' infamous Lake Minnetonka boating escapade, and the emergence of free agent Brian Williams, plus missing curfew, it will be interesting to see whether team owner Zygi Wilf tolerates Smoot for another season or makes a statement by trading him.

Working in Smoot's favor is that he received a $10.8 million signing bonus a year ago as part of a six-year contract, and the salary cap hit the Vikings would take by letting him go would be huge.

[MTK]

I won't be surprised if he's cut.

My how far poor Smooty has fallen.

[Schneed10]

That's about a 7 or 8 million cap hit to cut him or trade him. I doubt it would happen, but then again, Gibbs ate $9 million to get rid of Coles, so I suppose anything is possible.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

That's about a 7 or 8 million cap hit to cut him or trade him. I doubt it would happen, but then again, Gibbs ate $9 million to get rid of Coles, so I suppose anything is possible.

You mean Snyder took a 9 mill hit. If I'm correct the Vikings are way under the cap so they could take the hit but I may have them confused with another team.

[amorentz]

Originally Posted by firstdown

You mean Snyder took a 9 mill hit. If I'm correct the Vikings are way under the cap so they could take the hit but I may have them confused with another team.

No, you are quite right...Vikes are expected to have among the most cap room of any team next year (estimates put it at $20-25m). So if they wanted too they could can Smoot cap-wise.

[AnonEmouse]

Let's trade Arrington for him?

:yeahright

[Hog1]

Damn if Joe and GW don't get smarter EVERY DAMN DAY!

[skindogger47]

Let's get him back on the cheap.

[Southpaw]

Originally Posted by Hog1

Damn if Joe and GW don't get smarter EVERY DAMN DAY!

These issues wouldn't have happened if he were still in Washington. Gibbs runs a tight ship, and even Sean Taylors' off the field problems were mild compared to Smoots'. Minnesota has always been lax with it's stars, and until something changes, they'll be considered a joke of an organization.

[jgalecpa]

Originally Posted by Southpaw

even Sean Taylors' off the field problems were mild compared to Smoots'.

Sorry, I consider shooting at people more serious than hiring some willing hookers to entertain some consenting adults.

IMHO

[jdlea]

Originally Posted by jgalecpa

Sorry, I consider shooting at people more serious than hiring some willing hookers to entertain some consenting adults.

IMHO

First of all, Sean Taylor didn't fire a shot at a person, he fired into the air. And I don't think trying to scare someone who committed a crime against him is all that bad.

Review the "Love Boat" incident a little more closely, because the women on the boat were strippers, not "willing hookers". And all of Fred Smoots' incidents happened during the season, and the first one obviously caused a distraction with the team.

[offiss]

Originally Posted by jgalecpa

Sorry, I consider shooting at people more serious than hiring some willing hookers to entertain some consenting adults.

IMHO

Im sorry but you forgot about the pillow decoy.

[Hog1]

Originally Posted by Southpaw

These issues wouldn't have happened if he were still in Washington. Gibbs runs a tight ship, and even Sean Taylors' off the field problems were mild compared to Smoots'. Minnesota has always been lax with it's stars, and until something changes, they'll be considered a joke of an organization.

The truth of the matter is neither one of us knows what would have happened. I know that many "team" truths are not released to the public. I also know that Joe had the oppurtunity to keep Champ, Fred, etc. Regardless what was said to the public, they chose not to keep them. Obviously, Joe is a big character guy and he did not think these guys and some others were worth it or eventually would bring problems he did not need

[RunRunPass]

I think taylor was given an ultimatum for this year. In referance to his off the feild problems. He has responded amazingly. He is clearly a great asset. It seems that Smoot just does as he pleases and has never really been told NO! Smoot is still a good player some team will take another chance on him.

[bedlamVR]

Maybe these are the very issues Gibbs and GW saw with Smoot remember Smoots attitude was what cost him in the draft, he should in many peoples oppinion have been a first round pick put terams steared well clear of him allowing Marty to pick him up in the middle of round 2