What about Pacman?

by Ryan Van Bibber on Mar 12, 2008 11:30 AM CDT in Events

Truthfully, there wasn't much the Rams could have done in free agency. After last year's spending spree proved to be fruitless, signing guys to contracts well above their ability level just isn't a judicious use of funds for a team with limited cap space and a second overall pick likely to command a contract on par with even the priciest free agents. The only difference is that there's a high likelihood that the second overall pick in the draft becomes a franchise cornerstone for years to come. This Mike Sando piece at ESPN underscores the emerging wisdom that the best free agent policy is a limited one. See 49ers, 2007 free agent moves.

Taking a low cost flyer on players is never a bad move though. And at the risk of being unpopular, I can't help but wonder if the Rams ought to at least kick the tires on...Pacman Jones. Other teams are awaiting word on Jones' reinstatement by the league. Matt Mosely at Hashmarks thinks that someone could take a flyer on the troubled cornerback with a one year image rehab contract. If the team that signs him makes it very explicit that he's cut as soon as he so much as gets pulled over for doing 55 in a 54, the risk/reward potential is pretty good. Throw in some incentives and you could really have a deal on your hands.

Still reading? Hear me out on one more thing re: Pacman. I realize signing a high-profile troublemaker risks alienating even more of the Rams dwindling fan base. However, that fan base is dwindling because the team's failure to win games. A beefed up defensive backfield (the Rams need a CB, don't forget, esp if Fakhir Brown fails another drug test) to go along with other defensive improvements coming via the draft could certainly add to the Rams win total. That would bring enough ticket buying fans back to the EJD to more than offset the popularity costs of signing a marquee ass wad of Pacman's caliber.

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Yup

Pacman would be a interesting investment. I'm sure it wouldn't look good with the fans, but he hasn't been convicted of a crime. He was scapegoated by Goodell as an example of his new player conduct policy. (I'm not saying he didn't do it...just he has never been convicted.)
He's a knucklehead, but I don't think he's a trouble-maker in the team sense.
He's also a tremendous player and a dynamic return man.
He would be worth it to sign with the contract that you have named above.

by jroman on Mar 12, 2008 12:44 PM CDT reply actions

yes

I agree that pacman has been a huge scapegoat and I would have no problem with the Rams rolling the dice on him. Now will they do it, i'd bet against it.

by FunkeeC on Mar 12, 2008 2:00 PM CDT reply actions

Honestly,

I can see both sides of this issue. I'm usually far more on the side of avoiding bad-character guys at all costs, but with the huge stack of needs this team has, it seems like it might be a reasonable move.

Personally, though, I like to root for players on the team for reasons beyond just their playing ability; Jones definitely does not fit that bill. I would also imagine that, even though it has not been reported, Jones is probably a bad influence on other players. If he really did what he is accused of, how could he not be?

That said, his on the field ability is undeniable; I would understand either decision.

by ViperLjs on Mar 12, 2008 7:39 PM CDT reply actions

Listen,

I'm almost to the point where I'd sign Bonnie and Clyde, if they would help us get to 8-9 wins...yeah, I know we have some bad character guys on the squad already...problem is, they can't play, or at least they are not a difference maker...Pacman doesn't fall into that category...I don't think we have that much to lose, frankly.

by tbell61 on Mar 12, 2008 8:30 PM CDT reply actions

Pacman Jones

comes from one of the worst backgrounds one can ever imagine. He was raised by concrete and grew up a very angry young man who has surrounded himself with some real mean motorscooters. I could never imagine what his life was like growing up and I thank the powers I didn't have to. That being said, the dude's a piece of shit who just doesn't get it. WAY before the Vegas shooting ever happened he was doing some pretty filthy stuff in college and in his first year or two as a pro. He's been handheld every step along the way because of his talent and he's done nothing to pay it forward by simply staying out of trouble and making a better life for himself and his family.
If we try, or even attempt to try, and sign this douchebag, we're telling assholes like Byrd and Wroten that it's okay to act like you're above the team as long as you produce. It would only be a matter of time before Pacman intentionally or unintentionally fucked up huge and made the Rams look even more stupid (if that's possible) and the NFL more pissed at us (if that's possible). Simply put, he ain't worth it. Too much bad karma.

by AmpLee on Mar 13, 2008 1:03 AM CDT reply actions

Very risky

It would have to come with some type of counseling. If he was that dedicated, I could go for it. However, I think other teams wouldn't require that type of commitment from him.

On the other hand, maybe he is will respond to a team that pays him "decent" and wants rehab (cares)?

Doesn't seem like that kind of guy, but you never know.

one bourbon, one scotch, and one beer.

by chosen1 @ Turf Show Times on Mar 13, 2008 4:48 AM CDT reply actions