Lions release Jahvid Best

[sggatecl]

http://www.detroitlions.com/news/li...ad-story/19169546-1602-487b-9c13-3cb978c08ae7

The Detroit Lions have parted ways with running back Jahvid Best, releasing the fourth-year running back Wednesday.

It's a sad end to what looked like a promising career with the team after they made him a first-round draft pick (30th overall) in 2010. But concussions cut short his 2011 season after just six games and he has yet to receive medical clearance to return to the field. Best last played in an NFL game Oct. 16, 2011.

"Jahvid is as fine a person and professional as I have ever worked with," Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said in a press release. "He was the consummate teammate and always did everything asked of him. We wish Jahvid the very best in all his future endeavors and have no doubt that he will be successful in whatever path he chooses."

Best played in 22 total games (15 starts) for the Lions. He played in all 16 games as a rookie in 2010 and finished that season with 555 rushing yards and four touchdowns with 487 receiving yards and two more scores.

 

[tomdalton22]

Not a surprise. Hopefully he didn't blow his money becuase his NFL career is over.

 

[LKP]

Such a damn shame. Very talented. Hope you get your head right Best.

To the Reggie Bush era

 

[thehippo73]

Hope he gets fully heathy and has a productive life. Seems like a really good kid.

 

[tonyballs]

Would love to see him as a coach.

 

[michiganalex]

saw it myself on ESPN. not surprised though i am surprised it didn't come sooner. wonder how much more capspace, if any this gives.

 

[kdp1980]

Didnt the Lions drag it out an extra year so Best would be able to receive some sort of pension?

 

[tomdalton22]

Didnt the Lions drag it out so Best would receive some sort of pension?

That doesn't sound like something this organization would do.

 

[kdp1980]

http://www.freep.com/article/201306...Lions-Gab-closer-look-Jahvid-Best-s-situation


CLASSIFIEDS:CARSJOBSHOMESAPARTMENTSCLASSIFIEDSSHOPPINGE-CIRCULARSDAILY DEALSADVERTISESUBSCRIBENewsSportsMichigan BusinessEntertainmentLifeBetter MichiganObitsHelpMORE:A Better MichiganDetroit Self-Portraite-EditionDealChickenDetroit financial crisisSEARCHADVERTISEMENT

Lions Gab: A closer look at Jahvid Best's situation

June 5, 2013 **|**11*Comments

AAPurchase Image

Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best on the bench during their pre season game against the Cleveland Browns in Detroit on Friday, August 10, 2012. JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press

By Anthony Kuehn*Detroit Free Press Special Writer

FILED UNDERSportsDetroit LionsJahvid BestMartin Mayhew

Related Links

Lions Gab: New-look defensive line brings new dynamicLions Gab: Color me optimistic about revamped offensive lineLions Gab: Running game should be better this yearLions Gab: Detroit has best QB situation in the divisionLions Gab: 12 recently drafted players who could determine team's fate in 2013Lions Gab: It's a make-or-break year for Matthew StaffordLions Gab: Comparing my offseason plan with what Lions didLions Gab: Team earns high, low grades for offseasonLions Gab: No need to overreact to rookie Darius Slay's surgeryLions Gab: Overall, a nice draft for the LionsLions Gab: What Lions should do in these first-round NFL draft scenarios ...Lions Gab: NFL front offices are central figures on draft dayLions Gab: Lions' best bet is to get an offensive lineman in draftLions Gab: 5 players they shouldn't draft with No. 5 pickLions Gab: Lions' turnover on offensive, defensive lines may not be bad thingADVERTISEMENTAnthony Kuehn is the editor of the Detroit Lions blog*Lions Gab*. His opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the Detroit Free Press nor its writers. Get in touch with Anthony at [email protected] or on Twitter @lionsgab.“Nine games, eight starts. The kid averaged over six yards a carry this past year, over eight yards per carry as a sophomore. He’s a three phase player. Remember the durability, the spectacular injury where he flew in the air, landed in the end zone against Oregon St. had a concussion, hurt his neck and prematurely ended his season.”Those were the first words out of draft guru Mike Mayock when the Lions selected Jahvid Best with the 30th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.Lions fans are familiar with the story by now.Best was a huge risk or reward prospect and the risks caught up with him, Martin Mayhew and the Lions after yielding only 22 games of reward. Best is expected to never play football again after suffering two concussions in the 2011 season. Best’s current medical status is unknown, yet Best’s status as the poster child for concussions is well established.In October of 2010 the NFL had a rash of high profile hits that concussed players, none more dramatic than James Harrison’s hit on Mohamed Massaquoi that was captured on the cover of*Sports Illustrated. This led to the NFL crumbling under intense pressure to finally address concussions and violent hits to the head.Many fans criticize the NFL for “going soft” and cracking down on the types of hits that lead to concussions, but the league didn’t have a choice. For decades the league adopted the stance that concussions could not be linked to long term mental health issues, despite mountains of evidence to the contrary.The NFL’s interest in protecting the players wasn’t for the best interest of the players, as is the case in all moves by the NFL, it was financially motivated. The NFL knew they might be potentially liable for a culture of treating concussions with the same mentality as dealing with a bruise, just deal with it until it heals.By June of 2012, the NFL was staring over 80 lawsuits filed by more than 3,400 players in the face with potentially billions of dollars in damages. The suits have since been combined into one, but the league is definitely concerned.Many fans wonder why the league or the Lions can’t just have Best sign a waiver to bypass any legal recourse if he wanted to assume the risk and come back to play. The league can’t just protect themselves against future litigation, they need to protect themselves against past litigation as well. The league needs to show they care about player safety and the long term health of the players, even if the players are willing to put themselves at risk.The league also has it sights set on forcing the 18 game schedule to the table and the number one point against that is player safety. The physical toll on the players is too tough with 16 regular season games, how can they add two more? By making the game safer.As I mentioned earlier, the most recent reports indicate that Best isn’t even taking neurological tests at this point, as it is likely his career is over. However, the Lions are keeping him on the roster despite the fact that he will almost definitely done playing.This is a very classy move by the Lions organization, at least I hope it is motivated by compassion rather than public relations. The Lions would realize minimal if any cost savings by cutting Best and once Best gets cut he stops accruing time in the league’s pension program.The Lions are keeping Best on the roster to pump up his post retirement benefits as high as they can and then he will retire once his contract is up. Unless, by some miracle he is able to play again.Best is the perfect poster child for the NFL’s new approach to concussions. Best has some of the most electric college highlights of any player I’ve ever seen, but the two clips he is most well known for have little to do with amazing jukes or blinding speed.The first was when Best was hit so hard on a bubble screen against Maryland that he puked Gatorade as he lay on the field. The second was the cringe-inducing concussion and neck injury Mayock referred to moments after Best was drafted. Best was the perfect storm of media and fan awareness combined with recurring head trauma issues.As much as I’d like to give the league the benefit of the doubt when it comes to the handling of concussions, it’s very hard to do it given the league’s track record. The league that locked out the players despite being the most profitable sports league in history and locked out the referees who the league referred to as the “first responders” for on field injuries just months earlier. So many of the league’s actions are governed by the bottom line and the timing of the league’s focus on player safety is equally damning.Make no mistake, Best should not be playing football anymore based on the opinions of doctors, his family, his friends and several teammates. His long term health is more important than trying to continue playing, even if he’s willing to take that risk now. The NFL agrees, but unfortunately the evidence suggests the league’s intentions aren’t as noble as the others’.View Comments(11)**|**Share your thoughts ?TOP VIDEO PICKS

Chris Davis on Miguel Cabrera's Triple Crown*…Jul 15, 2013

Nick Cannon: Mariah says I have to carry the*…Jul 9, 2013

Twins' Glen Perkins talks about Torii Hunter's pep…Jul 17, 2013*selected by*TaboolaYOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED INLions Gab: Color me optimistic about revamped…Spartans' Adreian Payne scores 13 as U.S. finishes…Lions Gab: New-look defensive line brings new dynamicDetroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera wins Best MLB player…Mom charged after daughter's decomposed body foundSmelly Washer Class-Action Lawsuit Tumbles to the Supreme Court*(Washer Dryer Info)SPONSORED LINKS10 Worst Cities to Visit in the United States*(EscapeHere)7 Things Men Say That Women Hate …*(All Women Stalk)Drug Facts: What TraMADOL is Really Made of…*(AARP)9 Misconceptions about Feminine Lesbians …*(All Women Stalk)Why Populations Are Shifting to Cities*(Citi Blog)Trent Richardson Accused of Ordering His Girlfriend to…(NESN)[?]*by TaboolaSPONSORED LINKS

What Were They Thinking? (19 Photos)Espresso Gossip

Fix your #1 Driver Distance KillerRevolution Golf

Tel Aviv Fashion Week | VICE United StatesVice Magazine

MORE IN SPORTS

No more 'NCAA Football' video games? Deal with EA will not be renewedRead MoreADVERTISEMENTRELATED LINKSLions depth chartLions historyLions photo galleriesLions rosterLions schedule and resultsLions statisticsNFC standingsNFL scheduleNFL transactionsMost PopularMost CommentedMore Headlines1American League 3, National League 0: Tigers bat 3-for-6, score twice in All-Star Game victory2Police launch investigations after arrest of photographer3Dearborn dollar store homicide leaves family, friends in grief and shock4Prayers offered for children as shock turns to painful reality after boat accident5Recruiting: Michigan football already targeting prospects for 2016

Most Viewed

Lions' Stafford thanks teammates, fansJul. 10, 2013PHOTO GALLERIES

Projected Lions starters for 2013

MLB All-Star Red Carpet Parade*by TaboolaSPONSORED LINKS

Top 10 Golf Swing Killers?Revolution Golf

This Is 40! (14 Photos)Espresso GossipADVERTISEMENTJOBS ACROSS MICHIGANLicensed Automotive TechniciansMatthews-Hargreaves ChevroletRoyal Oak , MIIT Developer*Michigan Automotive Compressors,Parma , MIDriversPremier TransportationDetroit , MIReceptionist*Bortz Heath CareWarren, MIPREVIOUSNEXTIN PARTNERSHIP WITH:Recruiters, showcase your positions here.

NIGHTLIFE

Michigan Elvisfest 2013

MOST POPULARAmerican League 3, National League 0: Tigers bat 3-for-6, score twice in All-Star Game victoryPolice launch investigations after arrest of photographerDearborn dollar store homicide leaves family, friends in grief and shockPrayers offered for children as shock turns to painful reality after boat accidentRecruiting: Michigan football already targeting prospects for 2016Detroit owes $1.2 million in taxes on 36th District Court building2nd child dies from Sylvan Lake boat accident; candlelight vigil heldSUBSCRIBE!Sign up*for home delivery today.MICHIGAN NEWSFederal student loan debt tops $1 trillion, outpacing credit card debtMedicaid expansion debate delayed in Senate, vote still weeks awayKalamazoo murder-suicide victims' names releasedLivestock auction at MSU pulls in close to $200KState to review recommendations on dissolving ailing school districtsARCHIVESView the last seven daysYesterday,*Jul. 16Monday,*Jul. 15Sunday,*Jul. 14Saturday,*Jul. 13Friday,*Jul. 12Thursday,*Jul. 11Wednesday,*Jul. 10See our*paid archives*for news older than a week.HIGH SCHOOL SPORTSPrep football: Michigan-Ohio all-star game to start in 2014Metro & state: Detroit Renaissance's Clark Bishop signs with Wayne State basketballTop DE recruit McDowell hoping to play season at Southfield instead of LoyolaU-M hoops freshmen: Pressure on Walton Jr., IrvinMike Babcock Jr. traded to Fargo in USHLMichigan-Ohio all-star football game almost a done dealDetroit's Jayda Thomas, 15, does Kronk proud, wins gold medal in junior nationalsON THE GOFree Press Apps for iPhone, Android now available.

Read more

MIKE THOMPSON

Mike Thompson: The Zimmerman verdict

More:*Cartoons*|*Animations

ADVERTISEMENTSite Map**|**Back to Top*

NEWS

PoliticsDetroitWayne CountyOakland CountyMacomb CountyMetro DetroitMichiganNation/WorldRochelle RileyEric MillikinWeather

LIFE

FoodTravelHealthShoppingCrossword puzzleComicsTechnologyRelationshipsBooksBrain GamesGeorgea KovanisEllen CreagerSusan M. Selasky

SPORTS

LionsTigersRed WingsPistonsWolverinesSpartansHigh School SportsMitch AlbomDrew SharpJeff SeidelOutdoorsAuto RacingGolfFree Press marathon

OBITS

Death NoticesSubmit a Death Notice

MICHIGAN BUSINESS

Auto newsAuto reviewsGeneral MotorsFordChryslerDetroit auto showReal estateMichigan House EnvyTom WalshSusan TomporMark PhelanNation/world business

BETTER MICHIGAN

EditorialsLetters to the editorCommentaryMike Thompson cartoonsStephen HendersonBrian DickersonColumnists

ENTERTAINMENT

MusicRestaurantsMoviesArtsTV and radioNames & FacesSylvia RectorJulie HindsMark StrykerEse EsanRachel May

HELP

AdvertiseArchivesContact usSubscriber servicese-EditionGot a question?BookstoreReading WorksFree Press CharitiesPage and photo reprints

FOLLOW US

TwitterFacebookMobileRSSE-mail AlertsNews*|*Jobs*|*Cars for Sale*|*Homes for Sale*|*Apartments for Rent*|*Shopping*|*Classifieds*|*E-Circulars*|*Daily Deals********Copyright ? 2013 www.freep.com. All rights reserved.Users of this site agree to the*Terms of Service,*Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights, and*Ad Choices

 

[Mitchrapp]

:hmm:

 

[kdp1980]

http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/5630/jahvid-best

 

[tonyballs]

That doesn't sound like something this organization would do.

Why not? You're such a fn idiot at times...lol

 

[tomdalton22]

Why not? You're such a fn idiot at times...lol

A good friend of mine worked for the Lions. He said they treat thier employees like shit. A perfect example that he was personally involved in...he made a sale that was supposed to give him a $40K bonus. The Lions told him he was only going to get less than 1/2 of that with no explaination other than "take it or leave". He left within a few months.

 

[boogerlovejoy]

A good friend of mine worked for the Lions. He said they treat thier employees like shit. A perfect example that he was personally involved in...he made a sale that was supposed to give him a $40K bonus. The Lions told him he was only going to get less than 1/2 of that with no explaination other than "take it or leave". He left within a few months.

There are a BOATLOAD of companies that do that to their sales people. Shitty. I know a girl who works for MLive. Made a huge sale to Perrigo....was supposed to make $25K+ for it. Was told she would get about 1/2 that......deferred for 6 months......or she would get nothing.

Not just the Lions, but still a pretty turrble way to treat people.

 

[inkfreq]

Most companies use a deferment for commission sales and bonuses, because over 80% of all sales contracts signed, end up being cancelled within 90 days anyway. You would think contract means "legally obligated" but if a customer calls and complains, the business will bend over backwards to keep a customer over a sale.

There are hundreds of reasons a bonus may come in smaller than what a sales person thought it would be. One of the biggest ones I see in the newspaper industry is when a sales rep sells an ad, but doesn't get their copy in and get the ad proofed by deadline.

They see a $500 commission in their head, but if you miss deadline, it's half that right off the top. Bonuses and commissions are almost always a perfect example of "two sides to every story".

 

[cmlfactor]

A good kid who wanted to help the team win above other things, and he couldn't stay healthy. Life isn't fair. And guys like Titus Young have their health and jeopardize their careers with plain stupidity. It's a slap in the face to guys like Jahvid.

That being said, I think he'll be perfectly fine without football. Have you seen his girlfriend? Da-aaammmnnnn...

 

[tonyballs]

A good friend of mine worked for the Lions. He said they treat thier employees like shit. A perfect example that he was personally involved in...he made a sale that was supposed to give him a $40K bonus. The Lions told him he was only going to get less than 1/2 of that with no explaination other than "take it or leave". He left within a few months.

Thats business!!!