Jets’ Cornerback Dee Milliner Setting a Bad Precedent by Holding Out

May 10, 2013; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets rookie cornerback Dee Milliner (27) rides the stationary bike during New York Jets rookie minicamp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The picture to the right would have been better than what we got at Jets’ training camp yesterday. At least Dee Milliner would have been around the team to take in practice, and learn a bit by watching.

But that is not what we got, ladies and gentlemen. What we got as something we are all too familiar with. We had a cornerback holding out for his contract. Dee Milliner, first round choice from Alabama, was a no-show yesterday, choosing to hold out and work out on his own while his contract is being negotiated.

I don’t care if he is working on his own. Earth to Dee Milliner: bad idea! Get to New Jersey, and get here ASAP.

First of all, this is not the reputation you want following you around. I don’t think ANY player would want to have this type of reputation, but ESPECIALLY a rookie. Yes, I understand that he played in a pro-style defense at Alabama, but that means nothing to me. As a rookie, you want the reputation of a guy that is going to come into the league, and get the job done. Come to your team, and learn everything you need to learn, and leave the contract out of it.

Maybe that is naïve, and not the way athletes think, but it is still my dream/hope.

Secondly, Dee should remember what he is negotiating for. The rookie salaries are pre-determined. It’s not like he and his representatives are arguing over multi-millions. It might be a million or two here, or some language there. It’s not very much, that is my point. It’s not as if he is fighting over a contract that would rival a veterans. Let your agent deal with the minutiae of the contract, and come to camp.

Alabama may have a pro like system, but they don’t have a pro system. The game of football is far faster in the NFL than it is in college. It just is, no matter how smart Milliner thinks he is. I am hearing that a deal is not imminent for Milliner as of the typing of this post. You know what? I don’t care.

Dee, you want to play? Get your rear end in camp. There are no good excuses. Get here. Period.