It's Time to Cut Lynch Some Slack
by Brian Galliford on Jul 1, 2008 12:52 PM EDT
in Opinion
56 comments
In just over a month's time, Buffalo Bills RB Marshawn Lynch has gone from league up-and-comer to league poster boy; his admission of guilt to a hit-and-run accident which left a Toronto native injured has been five weeks of negative publicity for the second-year runner and his team.
Despite the fact that the legal process eventually led to a punishment for Lynch (a very modest fine and the revoking of his license), the runner is still being pounded on not only for his actions, but for the length of time it took to resolve the case. I'm here to tell you that the latter needs to stop, mostly because it's ludicrously unfair to Lynch and his attorney, Michael Caffery.
Leading the offensive against Lynch's reputation is none other than Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk - a blog that has made its name promoting controversial issues. The website is famous for its "All-Turd Team", a roster consisting of the league's biggest legal offenders in any given season. I'm not here to debate whether or not Lynch should have been on that roster, because I'm of the mind that he clearly qualifies; what bugs me is Florio's opinion on the situation:
Marshawn Lynch, RB, Bills: His hit-and-run incident followed by several weeks of refusing to own up to it could win him an automatic berth in the All-Turd Hall of Fame.
There are two things that are incredibly, unbelievably wrong with Florio's assessment that could lead to a misinterpretation of the Lynch situation. First and foremost, Lynch's "refusal to own up to it" was a legal decision protected by the Fifth Amendement of the Constitution - the right against self-incrimination. More importantly, Florio seems to be translating "refusal to own up to it" as "denial" - something Lynch clearly never did. He kept his mouth shut - again, completely legal, and never attempting to deny the accusations - and let the legal process play out. Lynch shouldn't take flack for keeping his mouth shut, because he had every right to do so. Once the investigations closed and the deal was in place, Lynch immediately released his statement admitting guilt. That's the best possible situation that could have occurred once the issue began to drag out.
Secondly - let's not mistake Lynch's legal issues as something that is damaging to the league's reputation. There was never any evidence presented that Lynch was intoxicated, and it's a bit cynical to assume that - especially since Lynch was spotted drinking water at bars that evening. Outside of Buffalo and PFT, Lynch's story has been virtually a non-factor. Meanwhile, Bears RB Cedric Benson is busted twice on alcohol-related charges, released by his team, and also lives with the fact that he's a Top-5 bust. That's All-Turd Hall of Fame. But Lynch gets ragged on because of an unfair public perception pushed forward by people like Mike Florio.
It's time to let go. Lynch received a very minor punishment, has issued a public apology, and it's assumed he'll receive more light punishment from the team and perhaps the league (that's still to be decided). Please don't misunderstand me, either - I'm not defending Lynch's actions. He made a horrible error, and deserves the punishment he's gotten. But it was an accident. He deserves the negative press for that accident. Everything after was done by the letter of the law. The kid's made his mistake; it's time to forgive him, move on, and hope he keeps his nose clean from this point forward.
0 recs |
56 comments
Email
Print
Comments
Lynch
While the “all-turd” hall of fame may be a few incidents away, his actions are indefensible.
Since when does following the weaselly advice of lawyers and agents after running over a person make someone anything less than a piece of crap?
He may not be in the Pacman Jones category, but he ran over someone and drove off and then let his lawyers speak for him.
The next Travis Henry?
by Marv Levy on Jul 1, 2008 1:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Again, this all falls under that public perception I’m talking about.
The “weaselly advice of lawyers” was and is legal. I don’t know how anything else comes close to relegating Lynch as above “piece of crap” status than doing something Constitutionally protected…
Also, “ran someone over” is completely different than what actually happened – he clipped the woman, who ended up with minor injuries. Also, it’s very important to keep in mind that he did it unknowingly. People aren’t willing to take Lynch at his word that he didn’t feel the impact – which is completely feasible given her minor injuries – because of that perception I was talking about.
The facts – and only the facts, without opinion – point to a resolved situation where a young kid went through a lesson he should learn from. If he repeats these actions, then you can call him the “next Travis Henry”, though I’m not sure how anybody can come close to touching his off-field issues. Lynch doesn’t deserve to be publicly crucified here. Punished, yes – but that’s it.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 1, 2008 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
a couple thoughts
Marshawn says he did it unkowingly. You could make a pretty compelling argument either way. I’m not sure what to believe, but I’m leaning towards he either realized or was too drunk to realize.
I don’t get this Marshawn should of admitted guilt the next day stuff. I’ve heard an absurd amount of calls to WGR saying that if it was one of us we would have been in handcuffs the next day. I then yell at the radio “only if you were dumb enough to admit guilt the next day!”. If Marshawn had done what so many fans wanted him to do he would probably be looking at a suspension of some kind and maybe even 30-45 days in jail. We should all be very thankful that he followed the advce of his “weasly lawyer”.
Henry has made mistake after mistake after mistake (almost all of which involved marijuana and getting girls pregnant), but none of them were this bad. I think you could make the claim that Marshawn and Henry have both struggled with issues of maturity, but I don’t see how their situations are comparable other than that.
by kaisertown on Jul 1, 2008 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree kaisertown
You can’t have your cake and eat it too, Brian. It would be very hard to believe he was not DUI. If we was not DUI, then he should have known he hit someone. The all turd team stuff is a bunch of crap. With that said, I agree, it is time to get it go.
by Joe P. on Jul 1, 2008 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ridiculous
i agree with brian whole-heartily. as a person in law school, lynch did EXACTLY what he was supposed to do. if more clients would listen to the “weasily advice of their lawyers” we wouldnt have as much problems in the legal system. his lawyer had lynch’s best interest in mind and obviously it paid off with lynch receiving a misdemeanor and a small fine. everyone hates on the lawyers until you get pushed around by the cops, DA and media.
look marshawn made the mistake, and since then he did everything he was supposed to do, shut up and let the law figure it out. the worst thing he could have done is come out early and start spouting off things that didnt need to be said. if it was DUI it would be in the report. obviously its not. why do people need to make up facts to the story. he probably side-swiped the woman and that was that. he wasnt tryin to hide it, he parked his car outside in his drive way. come on people, this pales in comparison with 98% of the crap nfl players do out there. pacman jones ring a bell. arrested like 6 or 7 times, and paralyzing someone? how does that not make the all turd team.
Bills make me wanna SHOUT!
by silverstreak3k on Jul 1, 2008 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
I’m glad you aren’t my lawyer.
So you think Lynch should have come out and talked to the media and police within a few days of the incident? He’d have to be an idiot to do something like that.
I didn’t realize he ran someone over either. He hit a woman who had a few bruises and needed a few stitches. I don’t doubt that he didn’t realize he had run into her either.
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 1, 2008 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
seriously
and honestly, seven stitches? not to sound mean, but thats not really alot. not to say she wasnt hurt, but folio is acting like he left lifelong scars all over her body or something. stupid media BS
Bills make me wanna SHOUT!
by silverstreak3k on Jul 1, 2008 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This topic is starting to remind me of...
Losman vs Edwards, WRs in the first round, and Belicheat. Am I missing any others?
by krytime on Jul 1, 2008 1:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't agree
Sorry, Brian, I disagree. He hit and ran a pedestrian at 3:30 am after leaving a bar. He refused to be interviewed by the police. You make it sound like it is not ok to hit a pedestrian with a car and running away (i.e., stop and talk to the victim to make sure she is ok or help her get to the hospital), but it is ok to, after having run away and becoming a suspect (i.e., got caught), to refuse to talk. Sure he has the right to refuse to incriminate oneself - that helped him get a lesser penalty (possibly from the NFL, as well). But I don’t want to cut Lynch some slack because he made a legal maneuver that helped him get away with it. I guess if any one of us hits a pedestrian, we now know that what we should do is run away, refuse to talk, and get away with a slap on the wrist - because if we tried to help the woman and took her to the hospital, they would arrest us for driving drunk and hitting a pedestrian—just great.
by labill on Jul 1, 2008 2:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Again, Lynch did it unknowingly. He unknowingly hit a pedestrian and unknowingly drove away – that’s a far cry from those actions being a conscious decision. How could he have talked to the police immediately after the incident when he had every reason to believe he was innocent? He was smart to not say anything at that point; had he denied, he could have been in more trouble.
Also, I’ll reiterate: there is NO evidence that alcohol was involved in this case.
I’m not coming close to defending his actions – the accident was unfortunate, and I’ll say it again, he deserves to be punished for it. But NOT crucified. The kid made a mistake, but because of this perception that you just threw at me, people can’t let it go. It’s time to let it go.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 1, 2008 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And why
is there no evidence? Because he left the scence and didn’t answer the door.
by Joe P. on Jul 1, 2008 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
how is that evidence?
seriously? how?
Bills make me wanna SHOUT!
by silverstreak3k on Jul 1, 2008 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This comment doesn’t make sense. Joe said there wasn’t any evidence…
by Brian Galliford on Jul 1, 2008 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i was under the impression he was sayin that the fact that he left the scene and didnt answer the door was evidence of him drinking, maybe i read the comment wrong. sorry
Bills make me wanna SHOUT!
by silverstreak3k on Jul 1, 2008 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that’s not how I perceived it, but I could be wrong. No worries. :)
by Brian Galliford on Jul 1, 2008 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe that's exactly what he was saying...
that’s how I took it
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 1, 2008 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you got my point
but to clarify. Just because evidence was not collect, does not mean it did not exist. Should we convict Lynch because of that? Of course not. I don’t know and have no evidence that the sun will rise in the morning, other than my past experience that it does. I can tell you that I know when I hit something small, like a squirrel. How can you hit something like a person, throw her backward, break off parts of your car, not be drunk, and not know you hit anything. That stretches the boundries of what I can realistically believe. So, I assume Lynch was drunk, did not know he hit her, and when he got home and saw the damage, called his lawyer and followed his advice which was; If they find out you were drinking (doesn’t even need to be drunk) you are screwed. Stay home with the lights off, don’t talk to anyone. Was this smart? Yes. Would I follow my lawyer’s advice? Yes. Does this make me think less of Lynch? Yes. Why, because he did something wrong and followed the path that would guarentee the lowest possible punishment. It just feels wrong. Would I do the same? Yes. Would I get away with it like Lynch. I am not sure, thus the resentment. Do I think Lynch is a piece of crap? NO. Is it time to let this go? O MY GOD YES!!!!
by Joe P. on Jul 1, 2008 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't buy the unknowingly bit...
Remember, he left pieces of his car at the scene. How many times have you left pieces of your car on the road without knowing that something had happened?
by Ron From NM on Jul 1, 2008 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Remember, also, that Lynch made the statement that he had his radio on in the car – and we all know how 22 year old guys play music in their cars. It’s very plausible that he didn’t hear anything over the radio, and depending on his rate of speed, may not have felt anything, either.
Here come all the “Marshawn’s just covering his bases” remarks…
by Brian Galliford on Jul 1, 2008 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Left pieces without feeling anything?
Again, when’s the last time that’s happened to anyone on this list? I don’t buy Lynch’s story that he had no idea anything was amiss—particularly since he immediately sought counsel. I’m glad the story (except for the lawsuit part) seems to be over but while the Sergeant Schultz routine works in (legal) court it doesn’t fly in the court of public opinion. People, especially those disposed not to like the Bills, are going to judge Lynch unkindly.
by Ron From NM on Jul 1, 2008 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, we may not believe it entirely
but apparently the cops and DA do. Does it matter what we think, especially considering we don’t have all the information??
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 1, 2008 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can't really believe that
Cops have better things to do than chase wild geese that they probably don’t want to catch. No blood (or very little), no foul!
by Joe P. on Jul 1, 2008 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry Brian
I don’t know anyone who could (1) unknowingly hit a pedestrian, and (2) unknowingly drive away, and (3) not have drunken alcohol at 3:30 a.m. after leaving a bar, and then (4) not speak with the police to tell them I didn’t know I hit someone and is strange that I didn’t know that I did because I wasn’t drinking at 3:30 a.m. after leaving a bar (I do see that my big SUV is quite damaged, though) and, even though all of that is the case, I want to protect my constitutional rights (even though I didn’t know I did it and I wasn’t drinking).
by labill on Jul 1, 2008 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clearly, I can’t change your beliefs, labill – all I know is that there hasn’t been any evidence of alcohol being involved, but there HAVE been reports of Lynch drinking water that night at the bar. That’s what’s public record – the rest is speculation, and I’m not a huge fan of that game.
See my above response to Ron from NM as to why I believe it’s possible that he unknowingly hit her without knowing, and without alcohol being involved.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 1, 2008 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Poor attempt at humor coming right up.
Are you sure he was seen drinking water? With his past, he probably smuggled in a bottle of Grey Goose, and tossed it in an Aquafina bottle!!
by krytime on Jul 1, 2008 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He claimed that he did it unknowingly.
In the big scheme of things, this is not a major happening.
But if you make a mistake and then hide behind others because you aren’t man enough to admit the mistake… you have to expect to get lambasted.
No one was killed, no one was seriously injured, but just because someone has a “constitutional right” to act like an ass, doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.
I
by Marv Levy on Jul 1, 2008 3:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How, in any way, was Lynch “acting like an ass” by keeping his mouth shut? It’s not like he was denying he did it; he was waiting for an investigation. He wasn’t sitting at his locker, diabolically rubbing the tips of his fingers together thinking “I’m an NFL player, so I don’t have to talk to the cops”. He wasn’t hiding behind others, either; if he hadn’t made a statement once the investigations were over, THEN you can make that accusation.
Yeah, he claimed he did it unknowingly, but currently, there’s no evidence to the contrary, either.
Your viewpoint of this situation is very typical of that public perception I was referring to. Lynch doesn’t deserve to be “lambasted” for something he did that wasn’t wrong, but the majority of people think was immoral. It wasn’t – legally, he did what was right.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 1, 2008 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Accurate or not
There is a perception that rich and/or famous people get treated differently by police and in court than the common man. That leads to resentment when things like this happen.
Thanks to people like OJ and Bill Clinton, people have little faith in the legal system. Innocent and couldn’t be proven guilty may be the same in a court of law, but not in the court of public opinion. People have too much sense for that.
by Joe P. on Jul 1, 2008 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure if “sense” is the right word (esp. in regards to Florio), but I’ll stop there before this discussion gets too far outside of the realm of football. Political discussions are frowned upon here, after all.
I’m just saying that the time to blast Lynch publicly has passed. It’s over. Move on. (And no, I wasn’t speaking directly to you in that sentence.) :)
by Brian Galliford on Jul 1, 2008 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Moved on
Had anyone mentioned it on the boards since Lynch made his statement?
by Ron From NM on Jul 1, 2008 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lord yes. See the Obligatory Smorgasbord post.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 1, 2008 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I flamed that fire - my bad.
I’m ready to move on as well. At first, I had anger like Jim Norton did in the first Spiderman. I’m still very disapointed at how everything played out. But, I’m ready to “get over it” as well.
The only time I’ll probably comment on the subject again is if there is a suspension. Or, at least I hope so…
by krytime on Jul 1, 2008 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brian
You are on an airplane, and see someone trying to light his shoe. What do you think he is doing? He gets scared and runs off the plane. The police can’t find him, but later his lawyer tells us his feet were cold on the plane, but he doesn’t remember where he lost the shoes he was wearing. Are you buying that? What should this guy be charged with? Terrorism or smoking on an airplane?
by Joe P. on Jul 1, 2008 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The appropriate phrase is
“Innocent until proven guilty”. That’s how it’s supposed to happen in a democratic society, Mr. Florio. While I doubt that this act was done unknowingly (you can accidently hit a squirrel with your car and hear it, what about a woman who takes a piece of your vehicle? Sounds like drinking and driving to me, or else he panicked and took off from the scene), I believe the punishment fit the crime once the facts were established. Lynch got his license suspended and paid a fine. He also faces a possible civil suit.
I agree it’s time to move on as well, Brian. But if this sort of thing happens again, I will start to change my high opinion of Marshawn…
With all that being said, there are many more examples that would qualify better for Mr. Florio’s RB, Travis Henry among them.
Get the Bills back to the big game!
by Blitz on Jul 1, 2008 3:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What about all the other minor traffic infractions and the booze in the bars?
Brian, up to this point I did not think of you as a homer. Now…
I think it’s a little too glib to say that Lynch made one mistake, it’s time to move on, and Lynch should be given a pass unless more bad behavior turns up.
The Hamburg police already have a book on this kid: poor driving, including apparently driving into a light pole in the stadium parking lot. He had a leased car impounded. He’s got family members in trouble with the law. And he’s got a stupid habit of bringing his own booze into the Chippewa bars, despite being warned.
This is not the lifestyle of your typical altar boy.
Now, I’m willing to cut him a break, but Brian, this latest deal was a warning to Bills fans: you may have a potential top 10 NFL running back on your roster, if all the pieces fall into place. But you’re going to have to put up with Party Boy when he’s not racking up the yards on Sundays.
Hoo boy.
by Defensewinsgames on Jul 1, 2008 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve always considered myself a homer, DWG. Not sure how defending Lynch’s execution of his legal rights makes me more of a homer, though…
I don’t believe I’ve ever made the claim that Lynch is an “altar boy”, either. I’m not defending Lynch 100% here, folks – just the fact that he kept his mouth shut for three weeks.
It always cracks me up how when something like this happens, every little minor thing the guy’s ever done comes back up… not saying it’s a bad thing, but it’s just inevitable. I don’t consider the things that DWG brought up to be alarming. Definitely worth noting, but nothing that would change my opinion of Lynch. He’s a good kid – key word kid. He just needs to grow up quickly.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 1, 2008 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mistakes
Regardless of what the real truth is (knowingly or unknowingly), I give peopel in general no matter what profession the benefit of the doubt on their first mistake assuming there was no intent to harm. In this case there is no indication Lynch tried to hit this girl. DUI’s, drug situation all happen to good people. I give him one get out of jail but in the same view as Hardy he now needs to stay completely out of trouble.
If I was in Lynch’s situation I would listen to my attorney’s too. Can’t blame him for that.
by Berg79 on Jul 1, 2008 3:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I must say I agree with Brian
Lynch was wrong for hitting and running, but to give him crap (or turds) for following THE CORRECT ADVISE of his lawyer is just plain wrong.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Jul 1, 2008 4:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Let it go
He made a mistake followed the leagal advice of his lawyer, and finally confessed, its all water under the bridge now, the vicitim is going to get compensated accordingly and thank god they were only minor bruises. Lynch seems like the person who wants to have a positive attitude and got caught in a bad situation, the kid is only 22 give him a break. I honestly don’t see any more incidents from Marshawn, I believe he has learned from his mistake and will not want to test the leagal system again.
GO BILLS
by Hassanali181 on Jul 1, 2008 6:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Amen Hassanali181
You took the words right out of my mouth. I like the fact Florio is making such a huge ass stink about this, and get THIS the S.O.B is a fricking LAWYER HIMSELF!
Talk about hypocrisy, here he screams on about Lynch following the advice of his lawyer, and here Florio sits a lawyer himself who I am 99.999999999999999% sure would have told Lynch the exact same dang thing Cafferty did, which is keep your head down, keep your mouth shut, let the process play out, and THEN take the actions needed to clear it up. Florio, you win my Hypocrite of the Year award for Worthless situations and agruements, congrats! You join George “Bombs Away” Bush and every scum sucking politician in America right now!
Fear the mighty helmet wearing gopher, he is coming for your soul....
by WABillsfan on Jul 1, 2008 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lynch
One of ML’s first calls was to a member of the Bills security staff (cannot remember who). So one question not answered yet is who recommended Lynck hire McCaffery? Did the Bills have anything to do with that? Obviously Lynch talked to an attorney very soon after the incident.
We must remember here that as soon as something like that happens, you (Lynch) are thrown into the legal system. You’re now in the system and must play by the rules of that system. The legal system acts in ways that are different than reality and expectations sometimes. Sure did here. So now his attorney will be calling ALL the shots for him. What to say and when to say it. Who knows what went on behind the scenes in this case. I would bet that the Bills were in constant contact with McCaffery on how to manipulate the legal system so as to do the least harm to the team. In that regard this played out pretty good. Cellino and Barnes have manipulated the system and become rich doing it. All good lawyers do it. That is reality number one. So what we see is not necessarily what we expected to happen, but it is playing by the rules of the legal system as they should be played. As so often hapens, once in the system, things seem out of control to the defendant. Lynch had no voice in what would happen.
The only people who know what really happened that night are Lynch and Johnson. And if they are smart, neither one will say a word until both their careers are over. I work in downtown Penn Yan (pop. 6000) and cross the main downtown intersection many times each week. In 26 years of work, I have been hit three times in broad daylight by motorists who never saw me. I look both ways each time too. On one occasion the hit damaged the rearview mirror on the car and the driver never stopped. It is a stretch to believe he did not know what happened, but far stranger things have happened on our roads. In any event, ML acted the way he was told to and for me he is innocent until proven guilty.
Given the place he grew up in and that he is now a professional football player, I know he is highly motivated to succeed. Of that I have no doubt. This was an unfortunate incident and I think ML handled himself well. I like him. He has an engaging personality and is vital to our offense. He has more of this saga to play out and I hope he is able to settle the civil suit before trial. He is basically a good young man who made a mistake. I will gladly give him a second chance and cannot wait to see him run over more defenders this season. If something out of control happens again, we’ll see. But for now, count me a fan of ML.
by keuka121 on Jul 1, 2008 6:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm a fan too. Can we please get back to football?
Okay, there are strong feelings going both ways on this. If Brian posted a survey on how fans feel about Marshawn Lynch, I’ll bet it goes 50-50.
But can we please get back to football? How does Lynch approach the season given all the legal hooplah? Does he come back with a vengeance, with a will to make the point that he was worth the hype and the high draft pick? Does he come back with something to prove? Does he become a leader on this team and carry it to the playoffs on his back?
by Defensewinsgames on Jul 1, 2008 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good questions… appreciated questions.
I think Lynch keeps his head down, his mouth shut, and plays his butt off this season. I don’t think he’s a “leader” in the traditional sense; I hope he isn’t at this point, because that’s a duty that Edwards needs to grow into. He’s a guy who can keep his teammates loose and provide energy, though; I see him being just as important and effective as he was last season.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 1, 2008 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know guys like him.
Have to agree, Brian, although all I know is what I can glean from 3 hours away in Ithaca, and from his few broadcast candid moments when a reporter puts a microphone in front of him.
But you get the feeling he’s the guy who pulls the stunts in the locker room, who makes the rookies stand on the tables and sing for their supper, who stands on the sidelines with his helmet on backwards, the gloves attached to the chin strap like some weird jowls, and to complete the picture, the dreds and his shades, just because it looks ridiculous. He’s the guy who gets the team through all those tedious practices at St. John Fisher when the heat and humidity are both 95.
You know guys like Lynch. He’s the guy you can’t help but laugh at, or with. He’ll do anything to keep the mood in the locker room light. And then go out and bust his butt for you on the field.
by Defensewinsgames on Jul 1, 2008 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree with your concept of time
Brian, I admire and appreciate your effort to write new articles on the Bills just about every day throughout the offseason. Day after day, all offseason, you plow through the Bills’ news nuggets and often inform and entertain many readers. It looks like hard work and has to be very time consuming. That being said, is it possible that your dedication to the Bills has clouded your concept of time regarding the events of Lynch’s accident? Time must move slow to Bills fans that take the time in May, June, and July to debate the 80th player on the roster of a team that hasn’t even made the playoffs since the last season of the 1990’s (and that’s not a dig- I do it too and enjoy it despite how fruitless it is when you take a step back). Frankly, this event occurred 31 days ago. Lynch doesn’t deserve slack based simply on the last month having elapsed without his getting in trouble. Maybe Pacman Hardy deserves a ribbon for such an achievement, but I hold the face of the franchise to higher standards. Lynch embarrassed the team in an offseason that left no room for such distractions. He needs to prove that he won’t be a distraction off the field before “it’s time to let go”. One month of staying out of trouble doesn’t cut it…Lynch broke the law and lied about it. You can’t damage a vehicle of that ilk and leave the scene without checking and go on to claim that you had “no idea” you hit someone. He flat-out lied and that’s why speculation of worse behavior involving drunk driving is out there (and not because of media nothings like Florio). Lynch deserves skepticism in the upcoming months and only several months of honest, productive American citizenship will earn him his good name back. Lynch is 22; he has plenty of time, Brian, but let’s be serious- 31 days doesn’t cut it.
Never forget 56-10. Revenge.
by SuperFan82 on Jul 1, 2008 8:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This is one of the more compelling arguments that’s been made against my viewpoint. I agree that he still has a lot to prove. But at the same time, dragging up the issue day after day, and comparing Lynch to players who are far bigger shiners to the league’s image, is absurd. I’m not saying forgive and forget; just forgive, and proceed with caution.
Also, don’t you think that if the prosecutors thought Lynch was lying, they’d have avoided making a deal with him? I don’t know how many times I can make the same point, but “he lied about it” is public perception and opinion. It may also be fact, but we’ll very likely never know – nor do we really need to. Everyone will have their opinions about whether or not Lynch was completely honest in his statement. You clearly think he wasn’t; I’m of the opinion that if he wasn’t, there’d be no deal. Apples and oranges. But my original point remains – we can let go publicly without letting go of the circumstance. The kid made a mistake. We need to stop harping on this one until he makes another one.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 1, 2008 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Off the subject a little..
I’ve seen some Florio mocking. Don’t get that. The guy runs a pretty tight website that’s fairly well repsected. It’s a helluva lot better than hockeybuzz dot com. I bet there are quite a few gentlemen here that wouldn’t mind switching with him, career wise…
He might even be up there with Mel Kiper..
by krytime on Jul 1, 2008 8:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You’re right. Florio runs a good site, and it’s ultra-informative – especially during free agency. But sometimes, his opinions can be a little left-field, and just like anyone who runs a site as popular as his, his opinions deserve criticism. I, and many others, feel he was way off base on this one.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 1, 2008 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
PFT
His news is fine, and mucho mucho appreciated. However, he lets his opinion get in the way WAY TOO OFTEN. And his opinions always seem to contradict or make no sense, at least to me.
~K
by Kurupt on Jul 1, 2008 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he went a little far on this one too..
All Turd team? Not yet. But if he even flips a booger out the window while driving, he’s gonna get buried more by the media…
Anyone got a guess as to how much loot he pulls down from that site? Am I crazy for suggesting it’s six figures?
by krytime on Jul 1, 2008 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Florio
who cares what he says. Lynch is my boy and I like the way he handled the siutation. He let his lawyer take care of it. Was a smart thing to do. Lynch has a wild-side, and to be frank, I like it cuz Buffalo has lacked that kind of charisma on its teams in this decade.
MARVelous
by MARVelous on Jul 2, 2008 12:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lay off Lynch?
A man of his character or should I say BOY, should not be in the public eye. Cut him and throw him out of the league. Leaving a girl laying in the street, not knowing if she is hurt or dead is unexcuseable. If someone did the exact same thing to Lynch’s mom. How do you think he would react????? We don’t need (Buffalo Fans) players like Lynch with this type of character. Get rid of him
by copman on Jul 3, 2008 9:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You are definitely in the minority on this one, friend.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 3, 2008 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
SB Nation's home for daily Buffalo Bills coverage.
Related FanPosts on Buffalo Rumblings
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
