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DeSean Jackson was benched in Week 10 because he was late to a meeting and he cleared the air on the benching in an NFL Network interview.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson will miss his team's Week 10 game against the Arizona Cardinals after missing a team meeting, according to Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News. There is apparently precedence for this action, as Correll Buckhalter was given the same punishment several years ago for the same infraction.
Jackson's situation, however, is different because he's been at odds with Eagles management for two years about getting a high-paying, long-term contract. Behavior and attitude are two reasons the team has been hesitant to do so, but more than anything Jackson is a massive bargain. He's he's one of the most dangerous players in the NFL and he's still on his rookie contract, which pays him about $600,000.
Here's Bowen's take:
The Birds aren't sitting Jackson today because of the contract impasse, but Jackson's frustration and dissappointment certainly could have contributed to him missing the meeting. Though no one has said so publicly, there is a strong feeling in the Jackson camp that one reason the deal hasn't gotten done is concern over Jackson's attitude and demeanor - concern Jackson's associates feel is unwarranted.
Fantasy owners should wait until the official inactives are announced an hour before kickoff, but if he's on that list, fill in a replacement, if you can.
For updates and analysis on Jackson and the rest of the Eagles, visit Bleeding Green Nation and SB Nation Philly.
DeSean Jackson On Suspension: 'I've Never Seen Coach Reid Do Anything Like That'
Philadelphia Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson missed a team meeting last week because, as he says, his alarm clock didn't go off. He showed up about 25 minutes late to the meeting, he told Michael Irvin in an NFL Network interview, and was initially told he wouldn't start the game against the Arizona Cardinals last week as punishment.
But head coach Andy Reid later determined that Jackson needed to think about things and decided to suspend him for the game.
Jackson talked with Irvin about the situation and, while he took responsibility for being late, he did say something curious about Reid's decision to suspend him for a game.
That's probably not going to sit very well with Andy Reid.
Jackson's been in the news this year because he's seeking a new contract. There have been reports that his desire for a new deal has affected the chemistry in the locker room, which makes you wonder if Reid's discipline was somehow related to that.
Check out SB Nation's Bleeding Green Nation where they're talking about Jackson, including reaction from one player who calls him a great teammate.
Nov 16 9:38a by Joel Thorman - 0 comments