Childress on Williamson
After practice, coach Brad Childress addressed for the first time the situation with wide receiver Troy Williamson, who had last week's paycheck withheld after missing Sunday's game against San Diego to attend the funeral of his grandmother.
"It's really kind of out of my realm," Childress said. "It's a business principle."
Asked if Williamson's absence was excused, Childress said: "It's not a matter of excusing. We sat down and talked on Monday before he left. His grandmother passed away and he had to do what he had to do. And everybody handles that differently. Whether it's Pat Williams coming back a day after his dad's death or whether it's (Colts wide receiver) Reggie Wayne's brother passing away and him playing. (Troy) had to do what his family situation called for."
Williamson, who was docked one game check of $25,888, said Wednesday that he would have gone home for the funeral even if the Vikings "would have took my pay for the rest of the year."
An NFL Players Association spokesman said the union would have no comment on the matter until it has a chance to speak to Williamson.
Childress said Williamson's role in Sunday's game at Green Bay would depend on what personnel groupings the Vikings use and the health of their other receivers.
Injury report: Wide receiver Sidney Rice (hamstring) was the only player who didn't participate in practice.
Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (concussion) and cornerback Antoine Winfield (hamstring) participated on a limited basis and did about as much as they had Wednesday, according to Childress.
Offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie (knee) returned to practice after missing Wednesday and defensive end Ray Edwards (foot) was added to the injury report.
"It's really kind of out of my realm," Childress said. "It's a business principle."
Asked if Williamson's absence was excused, Childress said: "It's not a matter of excusing. We sat down and talked on Monday before he left. His grandmother passed away and he had to do what he had to do. And everybody handles that differently. Whether it's Pat Williams coming back a day after his dad's death or whether it's (Colts wide receiver) Reggie Wayne's brother passing away and him playing. (Troy) had to do what his family situation called for."
Williamson, who was docked one game check of $25,888, said Wednesday that he would have gone home for the funeral even if the Vikings "would have took my pay for the rest of the year."
An NFL Players Association spokesman said the union would have no comment on the matter until it has a chance to speak to Williamson.
Childress said Williamson's role in Sunday's game at Green Bay would depend on what personnel groupings the Vikings use and the health of their other receivers.
Injury report: Wide receiver Sidney Rice (hamstring) was the only player who didn't participate in practice.
Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (concussion) and cornerback Antoine Winfield (hamstring) participated on a limited basis and did about as much as they had Wednesday, according to Childress.
Offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie (knee) returned to practice after missing Wednesday and defensive end Ray Edwards (foot) was added to the injury report.
posted by Don Seeholzer at 3:53 PM
5 Comments:
While I agree wholeheartedly with discipline (retired US Navy), I disagree with fining Williamson because he didn't show up for the game. If he was attending his grandmother's funeral, then this is considered "loco parentis" or blood relatives and there shouldn't be any reason why any employer wouldn't allow someone to grieve.
Not only is this stupid, but it's down right heartless! If this is a sign of the type of discipline in the Vikings front office, then they are on the wrong track.
True leadership doesn't have to rely on "Mickey Mouse" rules to maintain discipline. There has to be some communication and understanding along with rules.
I think the NFL needs to look at this issue and get Troy's money refunded, and warn the Vikings not to do this any more.
Childress is wrong!
Mike, you are spot on. I was a soldier for a long time and everything you aid is true. Mission firts, people always. The Vikings continue the miserly ways of Red McCombs under teh curren ownership. Seriously, the owner is worth well over a billion dollars and he is gonna screw a guy out of his paycheck (regardless of its size) because he went to a funeral!?! C'mon, Zygi, stop looking like a skinflint.
When a close family member of mine died recently, every member of our visiting family received 3 days off from their employers. One day for the funeral and 2 travel days. I think a week off is streching it a bit, especially when the issue was dicussed with management prior to his leaving.
hi zigi,i heard childress call the docking of troy's pay a business principle,if that is the case,why is brad still the coach,i like the viking players,but i hate some of the coaching,it is too
painful to watch a game,based on business,childress has turned off the true viking fan,you should have stood by tice,a loyal owner would have helped him with the team problems,your team has made too many business decisions that were mistakes.hopefully you will learn from your experience.
I hope one day the Vikings approach Williamson and ask him for a favor like restructuring his contract for purposes and he says no based on "business principles". This is going to cost them more than $26,000 in the long run.
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