Tank Busters

by user Letstalknfl

Let's talk about Tank Johnson for a minute... I'd like to say congratulations to the Chicago Bears for waiving goodbye to DT Tank Johnson. I read an article today that says the troubled lineman was waived after getting pulled over by police for a possible DUI in Arizona last Friday at 3:30 a.m. The article quotes general manager Jerry Angelo as saying "We are upset and embarrassed by Tank's actions last week." It says that Angelo also said "(Johnson) compromised the credibility of (the Bears) organization."

This article can be found: here.

I don't know if this action was because of league commissioner Roger Goodell's stern policy on player conduct, if it was to honor the legacy and integrity of a proud franchise, if it was to send a message of good conduct and morality to the fans, or a combination of reasons. I don't care what the reasons are. I'm happy to see a harsh punishment for a player who obviously didn't have much respect for the team, the sport, or for all the young people out there who look up to NFL players. In a day where fame can get you out of just about anything, and celebrity status brings with it a more flexible interpretation of crime and punishment, it makes me proud to see my favorite sport trying to do something about it.

So Tank Johnson, goodbye and good riddance! May you forever envision Mr. Angelo and Mr. Goodell throwing Hawkins (anti-"tank") grenades in your direction. Hopefully this will wake you up and you'll be able to mature enough to use the talents that you have. Hopefully you can use this experience to mentor those who you've thus far failed in your status as a role model. Hopefully others will learn from your mistake and will accept the responsibilities given to them. Hopefully the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines can forgive you for making a mockery of the favorite past time of the country they protect. They follow a lot of rules too, and they do it for a lot less money. And to Mr. Angelo, thank you. From a Dolphins fan, a die-hard football fan, and from the bottom of my heart... thank you. Today I yell at the top of my cyber lungs... Go Bears!

Good talking NFL!

Brandon

ChristofMVP

890 days ago

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It is good to see the NFL and NFL teams cracking down on player misbehavior, both on the off of the field. I, however, will not be fully impress until the Bengals start waiving their convicts. Sure, that will mean that half of the current Bengals will go. This is what happens when you pick players with no character whatsoever.

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JamelAll-American

890 days ago

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So who would be left to play in the NFL_- take players from the CFL?

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InsanMajor Leaguer

890 days ago

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I think he'll be picked up by someone, maybe not this year but next year. He's a young 300 lb DT, someone will take a chance on him for a 1 year contract.

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JuTMSY4Legend

890 days ago

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low risk high reward for "Team X," I agree Insan...

However, Tank has now severely limited his earning potential...even if he became T.O. like in talent (for a DT), he's still going to get raw deals and became relatively poor (compared to similar DTs) as he ages...if he ever makes it back to the league...

Question though: Do disciplinary actions and team releases effect pensions and the like from the NFL?

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JamelAll-American

890 days ago

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He may have ruined his "earning" potential but who really cares- these guys make WAY TOO much money-- as far as pensions- what the hell are these guys spending there money on that they need a pension? Drugs, women, and alcohol- that's what- Tank will be fine- he will join a rapper crew and sing about bitches and ho's- that's worth a few mill

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EnyboDiv-I Stud

890 days ago

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So if he sits out this year, does that count towards his 8 game suspension? Or does he have to be signed in order to serve it?

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LetstalknflWaterboy

889 days ago

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My understanding is that he has to be signed to serve it. If you remember back when Ricky Williams retired prior to the 2004 season, he had to serve his four games when he came back in 2005. I don't know for sure if retirement makes a difference, but this is my understanding.

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