PFT...KENDALL USING ON-FIELD SCREWUPS TO GET CUT?

[NIGHT STALKER]

As disgruntled Jets offensive lineman Pete Kendall continues to stew about the team's refusal to adjust his contract or to cut him loose, we're starting to wonder whether Kendall is trying to get cut via his on-field performances.

On Friday night against the Vikings, Kendall played center in the second half -- and had two bad snaps, one of which was recovered in the end zone for a Minnesota touchdown.

And though we've got no specific reason to believe that Kendall was trying to throw the ball over the head of quarterback Kellen Clemens from shotgun formation, it's hard not to think that his unhappiness (justified or not) is influencing his actions, even if at a minimum his frustration is causing a subconscious distraction for him.

A reader is convinced that Kendall's actions were a not-so-subtle middle finger to management, especially since it's well known that Kendall doesn't want to play center.

Where this goes next remains to be seen. Kendall has quieted down a bit, apparently due to the possibility of a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. But if he suddenly performs poorly, will the team be able to show that he is tanking it on purpose?

The bigger question might be whether the team will even want to bother with it. At some point, the smart move could be to cut the guy. If they do it after the start of the regular season, he will be allowed to take the balance of his salary as termination pay.

Then again, Kendall is largely responsible for his current situation. He signed a new contract in March 2006 and received a $3.9 million signing bonus. Though the deal also reduced his base salary for 2006 from $4.3 million to $1.3 million, he came out of the transaction with more money on his 1040.

But he had a solid season last year (possibly because he was sandwiched between two first-rounds who panned out), and now he wants more money. Pete, get in line. Unless there was a specific promise made to increase his pay on which the Jets are reneging, Kendall should be willing honor his deal.

Bottom line? No one forced him to sign the new contract that gave him $3.9 million bird in the hand. Sure, the new contract also slashed his 2007 salary. But, again, he didn't have to sign it.

Thus, yet another player doesn't want to respect the terms of the contract that carries his name, under the apparent guise that he has already "outperformed" the deal. But the system is what the system is. At a time in 2006 when Kendall might have been in danger of getting cut, he signed the paperwork -- and cashed the check. Less than 18 months later, he wants a do-over. And, like T.O. from two years ago, Kendall is opting not to hold out but to pout until he gets his way.

If there's any proof that Kendall is making mistakes on the field as a manifestation (thanks, Tiki) of his dissatisfaction, then the Jets need to enforce their rights aggressively. Regardless of the motivation, "tanking it" is a direct threat to the integrity of the game, and if it's happening it should be treated no differently than gambling.

[JetCane]

Regardless of the motivation, "tanking it" is a direct threat to the integrity of the game, and if it's happening it should be treated no differently than gambling.

Agree 1000%

But as the article suggests, will the team ever be able to prove he is tanking it? i doubt it. It's all circumstantial evidence, but the worse kendall looks in his handling of this situation, the "less bad" the team looks (putting him in the rookie dorm, playing him well into the 4th quarter of preseason games, etc)

[SeniorFlaJet]

Agree 1000%

But as the article suggests, will the team ever be able to prove he is tanking it? i doubt it. It's all circumstantial evidence, but the worse kendall looks in his handling of this situation, the "less bad" the team looks (putting him in the rookie dorm, playing him well into the 4th quarter of preseason games, etc)

Here's the problem with that article by PFT. The seeds of doubt have been planted

that possibly he tanked it. They have a large audience on that site.

I can see Kendall being torn apart by Giant fans next week over this. Coles will

have his hands full. LOL

[Green DNA]

I doubt he is tanking it. If he does get cut, he will no doubt get picked up, but he could jeapordize his chances by displaying a major character flaw. As much I don't agree with his position and big mouth, I 'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say that professional pride makes him give his best effort.

[nj meadowlands]

I doubt he is tanking it. If he does get cut, he will no doubt get picked up, but he could jeapordize his chances by displaying a major character flaw. As much I don't agree with his position and big mouth, I 'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say that professional pride makes him give his best effort.

Agree 100%

[awats]

I doubt he is tanking it. If he does get cut, he will no doubt get picked up, but he could jeapordize his chances by displaying a major character flaw. As much I don't agree with his position and big mouth, I 'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say that professional pride makes him give his best effort.

If Kendall is so unhappy with the situation he created for himself, he could be thinking he's giving his best effort. But if his best effort is under performing, he could subconsciously be tanking. He comments after the game, that he told them that he was uncomfortable playing Center. Hmmmmm, he tells them he's uncomfortable, and goes out and executes the worst two snaps in God knows how long. Can't be proven, but circumstantial evidence mounts when the dots can be connected to his mouth. I always thought Pete should shut his trap and honor his contract. Then I was beginning to hope that they would try to find some face saving way of settling because I thought Pete Kendall was an upstanding person. Now I am back on the fence, because I am not so sure. If he goes into a game half heartedly, the best he can do half heartedly, is not nearly enough. 100% of half heartedly, is only 50% of what his teammates are giving.

[Mistalava]

Screw the rookie dorms, can't we house him in Michael Vick's kennels? With these antics I say we keep him on the team to do laundry and latrine duty. He is under contact after all. Real POS.

[serphnx]

He's not intentionally ****ing up, but I'm sure he's also not putting his full effort and concentration in. And I doubt he is expected to in the 4th quarter of a preseason game anyway.