| Trade For Harvin: Those With No Kid Gloves Need Not Apply |
It appears Percy Harvin may have worn out his welcome in
Viking-land. There were whispers that
his ankle wasn’t the only reason that sidelined Harvin in December when
Minnesota was pushing hard, ultimately successfully, for a playoff spot. While not officially being benched for “contract
detrimental” it seems that Harvin has repeatedly had heated exchanges withcoach Leslie Frazier over various topics. Harvin is as a dynamic of an offensive talent
as there could possibly be in a 5’10” 190 pound receiver. He is blessed with exceptional agility, speed
and toughness that makes him a threat to score from anywhere on the field. The Vikings have lined him up at both wideout
positions, in the slot, in the backfield and has made gamebreaking plays at
special teams. Opposing defenses first
focus on Adrian and then spend any additional energy and time making sure they
account for number 12.
| Could Be a Boon For the Right Team |
Unfortunately, Harvin is basically a pain the-you-know-what
to deal with combined with a pretty lengthy injury history. He legitimately suffers from debilitating
migraines and has recurring ankle and knee issues that accompany a guy of his
stature that goes ham every play and doesn’t run out of bounds ala Ted Ginn,
Jr. No one questions whether Harvin
gives 100%. The problem is he has a
Steve Smith-type mean streak that he actually acts upon, reportedly hurling
weights at ex-coach Brad Childress at one point in 2010. Harvin had a history of problems in high
school, allegedly inciting a riot at one point.
In college, a lot has been made of the type of program ex-Gator coach
Urban Meyer ran, and Harvin being in the “Circle of Trust” thought the rules applied differently to him even allegedly throwing wide receiver coach Billy Gonzales to the ground by his neck. These are all alleged incidents; Percy
Harvin, as far as we know has never gotten into serious or documented
trouble. He even won the Korey Stringer
Good Guy award in 2010, given to a Vikings player who exemplifies professionalism
when dealing with the media.
But consider the Minnesota organization once-bitten and
twice-shy. Diva players who think the
rules don’t apply was the rule in previous regimes and the front office has
made complete progress in drafting guys who won’t end up on the police
blotter. Vikings coach Leslie Frazier is
as even-keeled as they come but make no mistake; he has full confidence of the
front office and won’t stand for insubordination, manipulation or faking
injuries. Frzaier went 3-13 in 2011 and
may be talking contract after going a sparkling 10-6 in 2012. They’ve drafted solidly and he doesn’t owe
particular allegiance to Harvin as he was a leftover from a previous era.
Maybe Harvin, temperamental as he is talented, doesn’t want
to play for the Vikings. He was thought
to have a trade request in June 2012 before Minnesota went 10-6. If the Vikings want to trade him, there are
numerous franchises who would entertain offers.
The Vikings should play coy and send mixed messages to opposing
franchises so they don’t get low-balled on a problem child, like when they
traded Randy Moss to Oakland for a fourth-round pick.
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