Colts released Shaq Leonard

[stitches]

7 minutes ago, Superman said:

 

It's still a leap to conclude that this is because they were unhappy with him voicing his displeasure. By the way, I don't think he was disrespectful or overly combative in his comments to begin with. I guess whenever a player has a beef with the team, legitimate or not, some people will always side with the team...

 

Also, why couldn't this indicate that he asked for his release? 

He doesn't need to be disrepsectful for it to be a negative distraction in the locker room. I think he asked to be released too... He probably told them "if you are not willing to play me on 3d down, just release me" ... which would have been just another in series of talks they've been having about him being unhappy with his role. This didn't start this week. You can go back and see when the first media statement was made... I would bet he was making the same noises behind the scenes a week or two prior. 

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

 

[Superman]

1 minute ago, Indianapolis-Colts-Fan said:

Headed to CHI? 

 

The Bears can't absorb his remaining cap figure by claiming him off waivers. They could make room if they wanted, but I doubt that happens.

 

I think there's a 99.9% chance he clears waivers, and then the Bears can make their play to sign him as a FA.

[AKB]

30 minutes ago, Superman said:

This is wild. 

not really? 

[stitches]

1 minute ago, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

 

Interesting. So he didn't request to be released... 

[RollerColt]

Why now? It’s Tuesday. 
 

What are we playing at here? 
 

Can we have a normal season just once? 

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

National media clearly has not watched him play this year. They are acting like he is the same player.

[AKB]

so where are all the people who said he hasn't regressed, and he was getting too much blame?

 

 

[GoColts8818]

I am guessing they didn’t like him chirping about his role or maybe Ballard saw what some saw here and said he can’t get back to who he was.  

[chad72]

Just now, RollerColt said:

Why now? It’s Tuesday. 
 

What are we playing at here? 
 

Can we have a normal season just once? 

 

He wanted to go home for Thanksgiving!!!  

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

Just now, RollerColt said:

Why now? It’s Tuesday. 
 

What are we playing at here? 
 

Can we have a normal season just once? 

Shane is cleaning house and I love it. Getting rid of distractions and having accountability.

[coltsfan_canada]

3 minutes ago, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

That tweet from Kevin had me shook. If this was Shane and accountability I love this change. It’s about time.

 

I like that also Shane has shown over and over about accountability, with Baker, Deon Jackson and now Leonard. I think Speed and Stuard will be fine to replace Leonard.

[GoColts8818]

Just now, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

Shane is cleaning house and I love it. Getting rid of distractions and having accountability.

Except the GM releases players not the head coach.  Yes Shane has a say in that but Shane didn’t make this decision in a vaccum.

[RollerColt]

Well, so ends one of the most controversial players on this forum. Here’s to hoping next season finally has some semblance of normalcy… 

 

And I hate to say it but there seems to be more and more players lining up who are disgruntled with this organization…

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

Just now, GoColts8818 said:

Except the GM releases players not the head coach.  Yes Shane has a say in that but Shane didn’t make this decision in a vaccum.

That doesn’t mean the HC didn’t lead the effort. Aldo shows Ballard evolving.

[AKB]

2 minutes ago, GoColts8818 said:

I am guessing they didn’t like him chirping about his role or maybe Ballard saw what some saw here and said he can’t get back to who he was.  

complaining about his role, running at like 75% speed that he used to, not committing to tackles, being out of position, high center of gravity, and majority of arm tackles. too slow to cover, too scared to commit to a tackle. 

 

there are quit a few fans on the board that have asked for even Stuard over Leonard. 

 

Leonard is not the same player he was, and with his contract, combined with him running his mouth to the media, this is not surprising at all and should've happened sooner. 

[Superman]

3 minutes ago, stitches said:

He doesn't need to be disrepsectful for it to be a negative distraction in the locker room. I think he asked to be released too... He probably told them "if you are not willing to play me on 3d down, just release me" ... which would have been just another in series of talks they've been having about him being unhappy with his role. This didn't start this week. You can go back and see when the first media statement was made... I would bet he was making the same noises behind the scenes a week or two prior. 

 

Recent reports say this was the Colts' decision, so it's definitely possible that they were tired of him voicing his displeasure publicly. To be clear, my initial point is that I don't think that was indicated by the earlier statements, I think that was a leap to a conclusion.

 

And more to that point, I don't think a player disagreeing with his usage or playing time is shocking or unusual. Especially in a situation like this. It's just weird timing. It's not hard to understand the decision, but I hope this doesn't mean they're happy with Bradley's work.

[chickenMan]

11 minutes ago, chad72 said:

 

Grover Stewart, Kenny Moore, Pittman, Tee Higgins are all Colts players next year  

No way the Colts get Tee, the Bengals will fight hard to keep him and when that doesn’t work there will be a massive bidding war for him

[BProland85]

At this point he is easily replaceable. Build up the DL and the LBers will flourish as will the secondary. I want another very good DT to rotate with Buck and Grove as well as someone who is consistently good at getting after the QB. Not sure Kwity is the answer there. 

[RollerColt]

Just now, chickenMan said:

No way the Colts get Tee, the Bengals will fight hard to keep him and when that doesn’t work there will be a massive bidding war for him

Coming from someone in that sphere, the Bengals nation is already prepared for Higgins to be gone. They can’t keep everyone with Joe’s pay about to strike like a meteor into Cincy. 
 

Really good players from the Bengals will be let go. 

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

12 minutes ago, Never_Quit said:

 

Apparently I've been blocked by James Boyd. Lol... Dude is awful.

I like James. He has grown a ton since coming on the colts beat.

[AKB]

Just now, Superman said:

 

Recent reports say this was the Colts' decision, so it's definitely possible that they were tired of him voicing his displeasure publicly. To be clear, my initial point is that I don't think that was indicated by the earlier statements, I think that was a leap to a conclusion.

 

And more to that point, I don't think a player disagreeing with his usage or playing time is shocking or unusual. Especially in a situation like this. It's just weird timing. It's not hard to understand the decision, but I hope this doesn't mean they're happy with Bradley's work.

imagine complaining to the media, and then playing even worse. 

 

it's gotta be great for the team culture too that he is getting starting reps when he doesn't deserve them. 

 

he was getting starting snaps just based on his legacy, not his performance. Speed, Stuard, and Olubi all played faster and more physically. Sure they might not be as veteran between the ears, but he was definitely out motor'd by them. 

[ColtsGermany]

 

Thanks for giving everything you had,including your health.

Think this was the right move with him consistently being vocal.

[chickenMan]

3 minutes ago, RollerColt said:

Well, so ends one of the most controversial players on this forum. Here’s to hoping next season finally has some semblance of normalcy… 

 

And I hate to say it but there seems to be more and more players lining up who are disgruntled with this organization…

Under Reich this team was Charmin soft, it didn’t have any teeth to it. Steichen has brought accountability and he, Ballard, and Irsay are enforcing it. I’m sure that change isn’t welcomed by all. Then you also have guys with reasonable disputes over things like money, like JT. It’s sports though, there’s always drama between players and their teams.

[AKB]

Just now, ColtsGermany said:

 

Thanks for giving everything you had,including your health.

Think this was the right move with him consistently being vocal.

definitely the right move, and one that I don't think Ballard would've necessarily made in the past. pure speculation, but I think Shane had an impact on this decision. 

Just now, chickenMan said:

Under Reich this team was Charmin soft, it didn’t have any teeth to it. Steichen has brought accountability and he, Ballard, and Irsay are enforcing it. I’m sure that change isn’t welcomed by all. Then you also have guys with reasonable disputes over things like money, like JT. It’s sports though, there’s always drama between players and their teams.

agreed.

[TrueBlue4ever]

2 minutes ago, AKB said:

complaining about his role, running at like 75% speed that he used to, not committing to tackles, being out of position, high center of gravity, and majority of arm tackles. too slow to cover, to scared to commit to a tackle. 

 

there are quit a few fans on the board that have asked for even Stuard over Leonard. 

 

Leonard is not the same player he was, and with his contract, combined with him running his mouth to the media, this is not surprising at all and should've happened sooner. 

You nailed it in your first sentence, we all have to understand one thing, this is not Personal towards Leonard, this was clearly a personnel decision about his Performance. 

[Superman]

1 minute ago, RollerColt said:

Coming from someone in that sphere, the Bengals nation is already prepared for Higgins to be gone. They can’t keep everyone with Joe’s pay about to strike like a meteor into Cincy. 
 

Really good players from the Bengals will be let go. 

 

What's the difference between Tee Higgins and Michael Pittman? I'd be looking in a different direction...

[VikingsFanInChennai]

37 minutes ago, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

Wonder if colts had enough of his complaining and it was their decision. If do I applaud them to get him out of here.

What complaintS are you talking about?

 

Do we have any evidence officially that he complained and that is acknowledged by Indy coach or owner? 

[AKB]

Just now, TrueBlue4ever said:

You nailed it in your first sentence, we all have to understand one thing, this is not Personal towards Leonard, this was clearly a personnel decision about his Performance. 

he is one of my all time favorites, but I would've cut him or traded him in the preseaosn tbh, but to be fair I also would've cut bait with Kelly and Moore. so what do i know

[RollerColt]

Just now, Superman said:

 

What's the difference between Tee Higgins and Michael Pittman? I'd be looking in a different direction...

Pittman seems to stay more healthy compared to Tee… 

 

But, Tee can make crucial 3rd down conversions when everything is on the line. 

[AKB]

1 minute ago, TrueBlue4ever said:

You nailed it in your first sentence, we all have to understand one thing, this is not Personal towards Leonard, this was clearly a personnel decision about his Performance. 

combined with his media complaining. 

[stitches]

Just now, Superman said:

 

What's the difference between Tee Higgins and Michael Pittman? I'd be looking in a different direction...

Higgins has been having the benefit of a much better QB and the double edged sword of having a teammate like Chase who takes away from the attention. And he hasn't produced much better than Pittman. I'm not sure who's better. 

[ProblChld32]

21 minutes ago, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

Speed getting more snaps hopefully. 

He labeled it just a business.

no verbatim he said “Tough Business” which doesn’t elude to it being completely a move made by the Colts. I’m almost certain conversations were had internally between both Shaq and the organizational leadership. 

[richard pallo]

The 49er’s , Browns, Bengals and Cardinals each have over 10m in cap space.  A number of other teams have over 7m.  You wouldn’t think he would get claimed but if a team could see him returning to form this year or next it might be worth it for them.  

[chickenMan]

3 minutes ago, RollerColt said:

Coming from someone in that sphere, the Bengals nation is already prepared for Higgins to be gone. They can’t keep everyone with Joe’s pay about to strike like a meteor into Cincy. 
 

Really good players from the Bengals will be let go. 

I’m a Bengals fan too, I know he’ll be gone. I’ll miss him a ton, but we need the cash for Joe and Chase. 

Speaking of, I remember now that you’re the other Bengals fan here, how are you feeling about the team?

[JediXMan]

3 minutes ago, RollerColt said:

Pittman seems to stay more healthy compared to Tee… 

 

But, Tee can make crucial 3rd down conversions when everything is on the line. 

My bad.

[Never_Quit]

4 minutes ago, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

I like James. He has grown a ton since coming on the colts beat.

 

I guess he was just so impressively bad when he first started that any improvement is a good thing.

 

I didnt like that he was so caustic to players/coaches, seemed like he was trying to get clickbait quotes from them. That and the fact that he knew literally zero about the Colts when he came on board.

 

I miss Keefer a lot. At least we still have Bowen.

[chickenMan]

Just now, JediXMan said:

He dropped a potential GW TD against the Texans lol.

That was Boyd

Higgins was out against the Texans

[stitches]

6 minutes ago, Superman said:

 

Recent reports say this was the Colts' decision, so it's definitely possible that they were tired of him voicing his displeasure publicly. To be clear, my initial point is that I don't think that was indicated by the earlier statements, I think that was a leap to a conclusion.

 

And more to that point, I don't think a player disagreeing with his usage or playing time is shocking or unusual. Especially in a situation like this. It's just weird timing. It's not hard to understand the decision, but I hope this doesn't mean they're happy with Bradley's work.

Yah, I just read those reports too. So... it seems like they didn't even need the ultimatum from Leonard for them to release him. Lets see what Steichen and Bradley say... I wonder whose decision that was predominantly. 

[RollerColt]

1 minute ago, JediXMan said:

He dropped a potential GW TD against the Texans lol.

Higgins has been out for several weeks now.