Jags Behaving Badly... Porter Apologizes to Jones and Henderson Catches a Break

by silencecs on Nov 7, 2008 5:22 PM EST in Jacksonville Jaguars News

The end is near... I say that because something rarer than an apocalyptic asteroid slamming into Earth has occured... JOEY Porter just apolagized to Matt Jones. In case you didn't get that...I said PORTER APOLOGIZED! That is the first time in his career (I think) he has actually taken back something he said.

Some of you may remember the post from last night where it was reported that Matt had fired back at Joey Porter for questioning why Matt was still playing the game and not already suspended. However, the post had to be pulled because some of the comments had become downright offensive. THIS IS NOT THE JAGUARS.COM MESSAGE BOARDS PEOPLE. Cursing, bigoted terms, and hateful speech will NOT BE TOLERATED. Chris pointed out to me that some on the site had used to the term "fag", in addition to other derogatory comments about gay people, and he had to take the story down as a result. This is a site for everyone, and no bigotry will be allowed. Chris, John, and myself (as well as the majority of posters on the site) don't want that trash anywhere on BCC. We haven't discussed banning users based on their comments, but I can assure you that if that kind of garbage shows up in the comments again, Chris will probably ask (or just tell, he is the boss after all) me and John about the possibility of kicking certain people off the site. Please... PLEASE don't do that again guys (and gals). I love this site and I love you guys [in a macho brotherly love type of way ;)], and there really is no place for that kind of stuff on this site.

Now, on to Porter's comments. Porter apparently was remorseful and realized he had no business calling out another player like that to make a point. Here's the quote.

“Matt, I’m sorry to bring it up,” Porter said today. “I wasn’t trying to use you like that.”

“They asked me a tough question, and when you ask me a question I’m going to give a real answer,” Porter said. “It’s not like I’m not the only guy that even thought about that. You have guys getting fined for all kinds of stuff and this happens and you see nothing happens. What do you get fined for? So what is good and what’s not good. I’m still trying to figure that out. I’m not even trying to get in a war of words with Matt Jones. I apologize for using you, but you were the example that was clear to everybody.”

Porter clearly still doesn't grasp the appeals process, and apparently nobody has bothered to explain it to him yet (or he's to stupid to understand it). At least he apologized to Matt though, and I guarantee he wouldn't have done that had Matt not called him out about running his trap. What do y'all think about Matt firing back, was he showcasing his ignorance by calling Porter out while he's awaiting an appeal, or did he do the right thing and assert himself. I think Matt calling Porter out is indicitive of the transformation Matt has undergone this year. No longer is he so laid back that nothing bothers him. He's picked up his intensity level on the field and in the locker-room and I for one am thrilled with his improvements.

Matt is currently ranked 5th in the league for first-down receptions with 34 of his 45 catches resulting in first-downs. To say the guy is having a break-out season is a vast understatement. Matt came into the season making around 660k and having 2 years left on his contract (2008 and 2009). He may have earned a contract extension in the offseason with his superb play this year, and that wouldn't be a bad move for a frugal front office. If they can sign him to an extension after the season at 1.8 million or so a year, that would be fantastic because if he has another year next season like this season, he'll be much more expensive than that. Another option the Jags have is to not sign him and allow him play out his contract, then to tender him at a 2nd round level (a la' Sensabaugh). This will be possible because once the current labor deal expires, a player will have to have 6 years in the NFL to be eligible for unrestricted free agency, as opposed to 4 under the current CBA. Either way, the team holds the bargaining chips.

On to Big John Henderson. There was some fear the John may be suspended for his obvious attempt to forcibly remove the eyes of Bengal lineman Andrew Whitworth. Luckily all John got was a $10,000 dollar fine, the same punishment Whitworth received. That's a huge break because we really couldn't afford to lose Big John for even one game. We caught a break on this one folks.

-Collin

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Comments

Didn't Henderson try to do that against a Colts player a few years back too?

I remember he was involved in a similar scuffle. As for Joey Porter, hazzah to you Mr.Porter for being the bigger man and not keeping this in the headlines. And as for the rest of it, agree 100%, we don’t need the last bastion of sane Jaguars going down in flames.

"I smoke. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your f***in' mouth."-Bill Hicks

by Jonathan Loesche on Nov 7, 2008 6:42 PM EST reply actions

Henderson is out anyways....

Henderson hurt is knee and was ruled out for Sunday’s game.

by SamJags on Nov 7, 2008 8:04 PM EST reply actions

Ouch...

Not that hes been doing the greatest this year, but we need that big push up front.

by kujo24 on Nov 7, 2008 8:25 PM EST reply actions

First of all....

I would like to apologize to anyone who was offened by my comment yesterday. I was not the one who put the offensive word quoted above in my reply, but feel my comment may have encouraged others to speak freely. For that I truly hope that those offended will accept my apology. I don’t visit any other Jag blogs, and have found this to be quite a refuge living far away from my beloved team. Again, I apologize, and BEG your forgiveness.

In regards to MJ’s comment, it totally suprised me, and I as well believe it is indicative to how he has played and carried himself since his arrest last summer. As well as, MJ taking the initiative to go to Ricky Proehl’s training camp in the offseason.

With Big Hen out who get’s the start? Kennedy? Landri? …? It was also good to see MP back. I’m really hoping against hope that (all of us are) what has transpired this week will spark this team for a better 2nd half of the season.

by JagsCub on Nov 7, 2008 10:44 PM EST reply actions

Chris didn't single anyone out and I didn't see any of the comments he emailed me about...

That was very noble of you to apologize JagsCub and I certainly appreciate your honesty. I think we all (Chris, John, and Myself) were just a little disappointed that those terms would’ve been used.

We’ve tried to make this site just what you said… a refuge (excellent enunciation of the site by the way), and we really want to be all inclusive. I don’t think anyone thinks that any of our members are bigots, but sometimes things can be said which are offensive to certain groups of people, and while we’re all for free speech, we’re also for making everyone feel welcome on this site.

I know from your history with this site you are not anti-anything, in fact I think you make alot of good points oftentimes, so please don’t lessen the amount of comments you make because of this whole incident. Your a valued member of our community and I am really impressed you stepped up and apologized even though you weren’t the culprit. We have a fantastic community here and fans like yourself are the reason for it.
Thanks again Jags Cub for having the right attitude!

-Collin

by silencecs on Nov 7, 2008 11:09 PM EST up reply actions