BREAKING FRENZY NEWS: Squirrels let Williams and Alexander go to division rivals

[Preds]

Brain Dead Squirrel Chasers decline to match STUD RBs

Associated Press
Berryessa West

A press conference has been scheduled to announce the decision to decline to match stud running backs Ricky Williams and Shaun Alexander. Both Williams and Alexander signed an offer sheet from the division rival Insects. BDSC management was rumored to be ready to lose one but not both stud RBs in RFA. The initial flurry of activity was surprising where the Insects offered 4 of the top running backs in the league substantial contracts. Owner and GM Joe Bao stated, “We are very aware of the salary cap implications and have made a very tough decision to decline to sign either player. We feel they are getting a significant salary from the Insects, perhaps too significant. We’re committed keeping our future cap flexible and refuse to sign players; even ones of this caliber, to what we feel are overpaid contracts.” Williams takes only a 250 pay cut even though he produced over 100 points less in 2003 compared to his breakout 2002 campaign. Alexander finally got paid after working at the league minimum for the past 3 years. He played so well he priced himself out of the market for BDSC. The RFA compensation rule change that went into affect this past off-season was rumored to be a large factor in the decision as well. BDSC will receive a 1^st and 2^nd round pick for Williams and Alexander respectively. Initial fan reaction has been overwhelmingly negative. Many pundits feel this signifies a complete rebuilding year for BDSC. “Our goal is always a Feeding Frenzy Championship. This year is no different. We will reload and we will be successful!” the GM proclaimed.

[Philadelphia Freedom]

Got love Alexander in the "retro" uni. Interesting move as it looks like the Insects will have to get creative to wiggle out of this one.

Also, as best as I can tell Alexander guarantees Joe at least the 31 pick. 12 in each of the orignal 2 rounds and 5 first round tendered players that are still in play (and 1 matched). Will be very interested to see how this shakes out and what the ripple effects are.

[Brain Dead Squirrel Chasers]

It was very tough letting 2 stud RBs go but overpaid is overpaid. I dont have the cap flexibility I've had in the past so I cant justify overpaying, esp when I have my eye on some possible replacements. And with the ton of cap room I now have I can be a major player in the FA market the rest of the way.

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

I think your biggest mistake, BDSC, was not putting a first-round tender on Alexander... so you could be (somewhat) adequately compensated. Well... this sure shakes things up a bit!!!

[Philadelphia Freedom]

I thought the league let him kill the contract (at Joe's insistence) with the understanding that he could only offer him at a round 2 tender. Admittedly, I might be wrong but it was something like that.

[Preds]

Originally Posted by Philadelphia Freedom

I thought the league let him kill the contract (at Joe's insistence) with the understanding that he could only offer him at a round 2 tender. Admittedly, I might be wrong but it was something like that.

Matt is correct. Joe killed it without penalty and agreed not to tender above 2nd rd compensation.

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

Ah... didn't catch that. Mahalo.

Now, tell me again WHY he did this in the first place?