Clint Lamb
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If the Las Vegas Raiders weren’t trying to send a message to their players, it sure looks like they were. On Monday, the team waived a total of three players: LB Ukeme Eligwe, DE Jeremiah Valoaga and DB D.J. Killings.
We have waived LB Ukeme Eligwe and DE Jeremiah Valoaga and released DB D.J. Killings. pic.twitter.com/uj0syJB0sX
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) March 1, 2021
A lot of people reading this probably don’t even know who those guys are. That’s understandable, as they were all bottom-of-the-roster type of players. So, why are we talking about them? Well, there’s an interesting connection between the trio.
Apparently, those three players were the only Raiders to opt out of the 2020 season. As Levi Damien with Raiders Wire pointed out on Monday night, all of those guys went on the COVID-19 reserve/opt out list. Now they’ve all been cut … on the same day.
Like I said, if Jon Gruden and company aren’t sending a message here, then it sure is a wild coincidence. These guys were already long shots to make the roster anyways, and the decision-makers didn’t get a chance to see them at all in 2020.
Do any of those players regret their decision? I don’t know. I would have to know their reasons for opting out, but even then, it would be difficult to speculate.
If the Raiders did, in fact, send a message though, I’m sure that message has been delivered loud and clear.
Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.
Love this.
Lawsuit in 3,2,1…
For what. They chose not to come to work. Grown men work. Pussy hides under the bed
Hey Chris…an agreement with the NFL in place so they got stipends of either $350K or $150K depending on the reason for the opt-out, and that stipend was a loan towards the next year’s salary. So they got the league-mandated stipend. No salary cap charge for the stipend and their 2020 contract becomes their 2021 contract, but being let go, they’re on their own to find work.
Bellicheck may do it too
hard to believe how lame pro athletes have become.
DBAP!!!
Outside of pro athletes and teachers…nobody else could have opt out of work for a glorified flu season and not still have a job.
The fear porn spewed out every second of the day by the left-wing media, and Fauci had them scared to interact with others.
Well done, Coach Gruden…
‘Opting out’ doesn’t fit here.
Probably would have been cut last year or maybe make the practice squad, but bailed on the team. They got a year’s worth of s compensation that they didn’t deserve. Here are your pink slips. Well done, Coach!
Let your life decisions be made through fear, not facts?
This is the result.
Nobody wants quitters on their team
If I had “opted out” of my job for a year, I would also be released from it. I hope this was, in fact, not a coincidence.
Right and these guys are football players see ya and its “just win baby”
the decision-makers didn’t get a chance to see them at all in 2020… I think that explains it…