Is Haynesworth becoming a problem player?

By Marc Hudgens  |   Tuesday, April 22, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Tennessee Titans
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There is a fine line between outspokenness and being an outright pain. Which side you find yourself on depends on the object of your words.

Since early March, Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth has been very much the former, criticizing his employer for losing so many free agents (among other things), much to Tennessee's silent chagrin. What's causing these outbursts is anyone's guess.

Maybe it's life stress; after all, there have been quite a few burdens on the All-Pro's shoulders. He was hit with the franchise tag in February, then a month later his wife, Stephanie, filed for divorce. It's quote possible his emotional state is beginning to wear thin and he's simply tired of keeping quiet.

Haynesworth made news again recently, publicizing how his club should approach the draft. He specifically called on his team to go after Oklahoma receiver Malcolm Kelly, caught 49 passes for 821 yards and nine scores as a junior last season.

Haynesworth, a former Tennessee Volunteer, kept at it during a Titans Caravan stop, going on to say that the team could also pursue the mouthy but explosive Chad Johnson, who clearly is unhappy in Cincinnati and demanded a trade.

On one hand the Hartsville, S.C., native seems to have a good grasp on things regarding his team. He saw not only how general manager Mike Reinfeldt and company let a lot of quality free agents walk right out the door, but he also witnessed them not go after a top receiver when there were two or three there for the taking.

Sure, Haynesworth's not the general manager, so these aren't technically his decisions. But by speaking up, he proves himself to be a true leader, one who really cares about success; as a Pro Bowler, he knows what it takes to get there. As the best player on the team, it's Haynesworth's responsibility to show true leadership and not just toe the company line.

Then again, perhaps this is all by design: Haynesworth may intentionally be making the long-term deal Tennessee has to present to him by July 15 unappealing, thus forcing a trade out of Nashville at the end of this upcoming season. You never know.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He ...
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