Brent's Blog on Maurice Jones-Drew
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - How long will the holdout last? Maurice Jones-Drew missing mini-camp last week was a hot story, but nothing like it will be if he misses time in training camp.
On Wednesday night, we heard from Jones-Drew for the first time about his absence. The Jags running back called into the NFL Network after being chosen as the 12th best player in the NFL by his peers.
"This is side of NFL that is as real as Sundays," said Jones-Drew in a telephone conversation. "It's the business side."
Mojo obviously acknowledged with that statement that he has taken exception to his current contract which has two years remaining. Jones-Drew's next comment will likely be blown out of proportion in the next few days.
"It doesn't get as publicized as much as on the field and in the top 100 and those things," Jones-Drew continued. "This is what the NFL is really about."
I already have folks telling me that Jones-Drew is in it for just the money. I'll give Maurice the benefit of the doubt that he was just explaining the business side of the sport even if his last remark won't sit well with fans. If you've watched Jones-Drew play, you know he plays football for more than the money.
Jones-Drew went on to say that he's hopeful something will get worked out, but doesn't want to play the talks out in the media.
The bottom line is that the NFL is a business and Jones-Drew is trying to do what's best for his future and family. I don't have a problem with it right now. Once his stance starts hurting the football team, I think its time to get back to work in Jacksonville and work on the contract issues later.
Some will argue that he's already hurting the football team, but I think that time will come in training camp. Keep in mind that Jones-Drew will arrive in super shape and he hardly gets a lot of work in the preseason games anyway.
I won't be surprised if he misses some of camp, but I would be shocked if Jones-Drew misses a regular season paycheck and a chance to climb the NFL Network's list of best players for 2012.
