Bengals Kicker Criticizes NFL

[.GR]

Kicker Shayne Graham is not pleased with the way the NFL handled a situation with Tampa Bay kicker Matt Bryant, whose 3-month-old son, Matthew Tryson, died in his sleep last Wednesday. Bryant didn't practice during the week and coach Jon Gruden left up to him the decision to play, the Associated Press said. One day after the baby's funeral, Bryant returned to kick three field goals in a Buccaneers win over Green Bay. Graham doesn't think Bryant had much choice in his quick return. "I just think it put him in a tough (place) where he wasn't allowed to be selfish in that situation. And I think in that kind of situation you should be allowed to be selfish and make that decision based on just you, and how you feel and your family feels. But he had to think about his team, and think, 'OK, well if I don't play they're going to have to cut somebody.' I just think that's a shame." The NFL has made exemptions for suspended players or those who have been in trouble with the law, Graham said. He doesn't think it's right for a grieving parent to be denied the same opportunity.

 

[eLeMeNOhPe]

If he didn't want to play, he wouldn't have played. Maybe he wanted to play, to help him grieve, like Favre did when his father died, or like any player or person who goes to work (or does anything) when they lose someone.

 

[A.E]

Who asked Shayne Graham anyways?

 

[yezzir]

If he didn't want to play, he wouldn't have played. Maybe he wanted to play, to help him grieve, like Favre did when his father died, or like any player or person who goes to work (or does anything) when they lose someone.

Exactly.

But... we do know how Jon Gruden can be, so who knows.

 

[JoshHoward5]

Did you guys read the full story? His point was if he didn't play, they would have to cut somebody, and he doesn't find that fair. He then goes on to say, they open up roster spots for suspended players, and should have for Bryant. I agree with Graham on this one. There is a very good chance that Bucs don't have 2 kickers on staff, so they would have to cut somebody to get a second kicker. So why should someone lose their job because of a bad situation.

 

[.GR]

Yeah Shayne makes a good point, not fair to the player who would be cut at all.

 

[Yankees2772]

This is basically Graham asking for a sort of "bereavement list" like the MLB has.