Josh Cribbs... Show him the money...

With all the fuss that's been made about the self proclaimed King (with no
ring) James, keeping his options open and holding a city and loyal fan base
emotionally hostage. A city voicing in union for ownership to do whatever it
takes to make this his final destination of choice. We have a superstar that truly
wants to be here, and actually means it. The King will no doubt make more in
endorsements than he ever will playing the game, wherever that may happen to be.
You can obtain global iconic status wearing the wine and gold.

Truth be told, no one can offer more than what the Cavaliers can, so the only
option to hold with so much value and attention, is the option to leave with or
without a ring. Given the make-up of most athletes these days, he could sign
here and still demand to be traded. Either way, the reason won't matter to Cleveland fans,
no reason would be reason enough. He would choose to leave because he can, its
his choice, his right, and I will always have respect for that. I apologize for
straying off topic, this isn't about him, its about Mr Joshua Cribbs.

With the hiring of a new Coach, new Coaching Staff, GM, and being constantly
reminded that this a "new beginning", a new era, a new way of doing things. Let's
start by getting this one right. An owner, an organization, a franchise in this
town once again has an opportunity to get one right. Change the perception of
how teams here are viewed. Yes, Cribbs is under contract, and at one hell of a bargain.
If Josh Cribbs was a traded stock, it'd be through the roof.

In weeks past, I've listened to fans, media, columnists, amongst others, for and
against. Everyone seems to have an opinion. The consensus seems to be, Josh
Cribbs is underpaid, he does deserve a raise, but he signed a contract and
should honor it. I can honestly see the logic behind that. I think any person,
no matter what their occupation is worth as much as anyone is willing to pay
them. The fact of the matter is, this is Cribbs business, his livelihood, and up
to him to handle it in any manner he sees fit that's best for him.

Besides, honor should go both ways. Doing the "right" thing, isn't something
that should have to be enforced in writing, it should be consciously accepted and
adhered too. NFL contracts aren't worth the paper they're written on, honor
usually only comes at the teams discretion. How many times have you read about teams
requesting players restructure deals or be released, been released outright,
asked to restructure an existing contract, then be released?

Why not the same backlash towards management? Afterall, their the ones that
raise ticket prices, introduced PSL's, etc. NFL players face the highest risk of
injury and the shortest career span of the four major sports. Because of how
business is conducted, how the game is played, you have to maximize your earning
potential every opportunity you get. You never know what deal is the last deal, and
best deals change signing to signing. If management can release you and not pay you,
you should be able to hold out and be paid more money.

Most seem to think restructuring Cribb's deal would set a bad precedent. Their logic,
if you do one, you have to do them all. Not true! Everyone has the right to ask for a
raise, everyone isn't deserving of receiving one. Everyone has a right to holdout,
everyone also has the right to accept the consequences of doing so. Either way,
the risk is theirs to take. Every situation is different and should be viewed as
such. Its a team game, but players are paid individually. There is no team
contract.

You gain more by keeping those happy that produce for you. Clearly he has far
exceeded his current contract terms and expectations. Not to be cruel and
insensitive, but what was the return on that contract Donte' Stallworth was
signed to? Guys in the locker room know and understand that its business. That's
a brotherhood one would have to be a part of to truly understand. There is a
big difference between Winslow demanding a new deal, and Cribbs deserving one.

Let me say it loudly and proudly, if Josh Cribbs would have held out, which is
the only recourse of action available without honest negotiation, good will, and
honest intent on the part of management, I would have supported him with
everything I have, and I wouldn't have been alone. Cribbs is a fan favorite not
for what he says, but how he plays. Everytime an athlete wants a new deal, it
isn't always about greed, more times than not, its about market value and thier
just deserved.

The economy is bad, times are tough, but I was at the game on Sunday and the
stands were packed with great expectation of another Browns season to come. I
don't think management is hurting in the least bit. If you can pay Coaches to
leave, surely you can find the funds to pay a guy to stay, especially one that
wants to be here. The Browns, are definitely a much better team with Cribbs than
without him. I admire and respect Josh Cribbs so much, if you don't want to pay
him, then trade him to someone that will. He has earned that respect.

Josh Cribbs is the heart and soul of this football team. Here is a player, in
this day and age that's not only been a good citizen, a good teammate, a hard
worker, active in the community, a good family man, and one helluva football
player. He has embraced this city as his own, and we have embraced him. More
so than anything, this is a player that is just as passionate about the fans of Cleveland.

He glowingly exemplifies everything we are as Clevelander's are and aspire to be.
To be given a true, fair opportunity, to work hard, obtain success through those
efforts, and finally to be appreciated and rewarded for it. He competed for a
receiver spot and became the starter opposite Braylon Edwards. Hopefully, he'll be
given an opportunity to contribute and make plays on the offensive side of the ball as
he does on special teams.

What makes Cribbs so valuable? Not only did he score the teams first touchdown
of the season, but because of his new duties as starting wide receiver, he
didn't play on coverage teams. The results were, Minnesota getting returns of
29, 29, 41, 18, and 36 yards. He has true measurable impact on both sides of the
ball. Don't take advantage of him for having bad representation, that sends a
far more damaging message.

I'm glad Cribb's played Sunday, he alone is worth the ticket of admission. I
sincerely hope he plays this Sunday. Josh taking one to the Cribb, is must see
tv. My only advice to Cribbs, is not to have gotten the media involved. It at
times seemed to be discussed and portrayed in a negative light. Local sportstalk
hosts voiced more criticism and lack of understanding, though some seemed to
somewhat agree he is under compensated. The media praises you one minute,
and dawgs you the next. Success truly breads jealousy.

After the Cav's loss to the Magic, all of a sudden, Mike Brown was a terrible
coach, got outcoached, needs to be replaced, etc. Sound familiar? Actually, his
team got outplayed, but that's another column for another day. Next time, keep
it in house, behind close doors. Your business, is your business. Don't announce
your intent, just make that determination when the time comes and do it. When
you tip your hand, you allow for negative press and the tables to be turned. You
also give management the opportunity to prepare for your impending action, put a
negative spin, and call your bluff. People can only treat you as bad as you
allow them too. Don't let them change you. Faith and trust will guide you.

Keith McGlothin
(Submitted to the Cleveland Call and Post 9/17/09)