DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Vets Talk to Baker

Yes, players have always supported talking about other players disagreements with management to the media. It's all the rage.

Not sure what you are saying?

You know what vets said to him? Assuming they did.

This is such a non-issue….geesh

It is pretty much a non issue. The bast case scenario would have been if neither Duke nor Baker had made comments to the press. We both know that NFL players do not comment on other players dealings with the FO. It's always been sort of an unwritten rule.

Veteran players aren't going to tell someone new to the game all of a sudden that doing so is a good thing. We both know that.

So while I certainly agree with you that in the grand scheme of things this really isn't a big deal, it still amazes me why people try to indicate it was a good thing.

This is still a non issue, but we're still talking about it.

Baker is the most misunderstood player.

I do not think Baker is immature. I do not think he needs to "grow up."

I do not think Baker is some blowhard who should learn when to keep his mouth shut.

As far as I can tell, any time Baker has gone at someone it's because someone came at him first. He doesn't make unprovoked comments or poke a stick at anyone...

In fact, quite the opposite. I think of Baker as a relatively humble guy. You don't want to call him out because he will prove you wrong. He keeps his head down and works hard, but if if you call him out, he'll certainly let you know about it. It's what fuels him. He's a fiercely loyal guy and he will defend his friends, teammates, and coaches if he's shown the same respect.

He's like a bee. If you don't provoke him, he won't bother you.

I think most assumptions made about Baker are wrong. I think many are trying to find something wrong with Baker because they don't want him to be successful. I think those who have problems with Baker are the ones who have ego issues themselves.

I don't have issues with anything Baker has said or done. He is who he is and he's a winner and he's ours.

I don't think Baker is perfect but I certainly don't want him to change.

When did Duke "come at him"?

And I don't know why your making accusations at me over things I didn't even say.

just curious.. Do you feel the same about Cam Newton?

j/c:

We are at a point where posting direct quotes from Baker is being classified as fabricated debate because we don't like him. I have no idea what Baker said to Duke or what the Texas qb said to Baker that provoked him. What did the UT qb say? "Texas is back." OMG....what a terrible diss towards Baker.

I also don't think anyone on this board wants Baker to fail. It's just make-believe rhetoric by a few to dismiss the opinions of others who don't agree w/them.

I think some see it as the kid being a leader.

Fine. I am not going to insult you or call you names or talk about stink and butt and all that other crap. You are entitled to your opinion. And so am I w/out having to listen to these childish attacks on my character.

Shoot. What do you think some folks would be saying if OBJ had made the same comments Baker had? We already have one of Baker's defenders calling OBJ "Junior." And it isn't meant as a compliment.

I've read how OBJ is a diva, selfish, a trouble maker, etc. Yet, he hasn't been arrested for running from the cops. He didn't grab his crotch. He didn't injure another player by throwing the ball at him before the damn game. Etc, etc.

It's kind of hard to believe you're impartial when you post the way you do about Baker.

Your arguments start to carry less and less weight.

well, it's on the Internet, so it's not like it could be wrong or made up.

It's a real stretch to think that some vets talked to Baker about not talking about internal matters w/the press. And it is an even a bigger stretch to think that guys like Landry handled it the right way.

Especially when what he say makes ZERO SENSE ... ZERO ...

Bake has done some extremely in mature things and he has trouble controlling his emotions sometimes ...

I agree with device that this is a NON ISSUE ... but to say some of the things he has done are not in mature is just plain flat out bias and IGNORANT ...

I am THRILLED he is our QB and think he is an AWESOME PERSON despite the “mistakes” he’s made ... what he does for charity including giving his TIME far outweighs his miscues in my book ... i still wish he’d keep his mouth shut sometimes .. and show some class as opposed to “crouching” his team in plain site of the entire world even as an inside joke ... *L* ... or staring down his ex coach during a game .. that’s the kind of crap that leads to a cheap shot weather they want to admit it or not ...

Obviously there’s some people n this board (6 people liked it ... *LOL* in fairness if they liked it cause they don’t think this is a big deal ... im jiggy with that ... if they liked it cause they don’t think he’s done some inmature things and is always right ... then i stand by what i’m about to say .. *L* ) that pretty much regardless of what Bake does BECAUSE HE’S A GOOD QB with a shot at GREAT he can do no wrong ...

He’s a human being .. sometimes he needs to learn to keep his mouth shut and not throw footballs into the other teams warm ups .. especially when there BACKS ARE TURNED ... or run past the sidelines and grabbing his crotch ... he did that in college i believe ... I DON’T CARE WHAT THE OTHER TEAM DID ... u don’t do that ..

I’d be STUNNED if his mother would have “liked” device’s post .. my guess is he hears it from his ma ... *L* ...

I think OBJ is selfish and a BIG TIME DIVA ...

I also think he’s a GREAT GUY with a BIG HEART ... he does a ton for charity and like Bake give his TIME ... that shows me a lot as opposed to just giving money ... money means literally nothing to these guys ... like Bake ... OBJ DOES BOTH ...

I also think he works his butt off and is a very good teammate even though I think him missing OTA’s this year given the circumstance was WRONG ... and its NO BIG DEAL ... the two can be mutually exclusive u know ...

Just a general comment about my post...

I don't have issues with Cam Newton either...

And reading the posts following mine it appears some are still making assumptions... I never said Duke came at Baker. And the whole thing between Baker and Ehlinger was also fueled by the media. Ehlinger didn't say Texas is back and Baker responded with "he hates me I ate him."

The thing people are missing is that the crux of Baker's comments are media driven. The media provokes him and I get it, people want him to be PC and say something like Texas is a good football team with a good quarterback and I wish them well.... instead he says, "eh, they're not as good as they think" and the world goes nuts.

The thing with Baker, he's not going to start talking about how the Browns are back. He's going to show everyone they're back. The Browns will go on to win a Super Bowl and Baker isn't just going to say how the team's hard work has paid off, he's also going to say if your team wants this trophy and wants to win a super bowl, you're going to have to go through Cleveland to get it.

31 other teams and their fans are going to hate Baker and the Browns. Half our fans are going to wish he doesn't say the things he says. I for one love it. We've been waiting for 20+ years for this and here it is. Sports misses this. I don't want to watch the NBA where everyone calls their buddy to join them to make a mega team. I don't like that players want to join the best, I would want to beat the best.

In 10 years we will probably be the most hated team in the league and that's just fine with me.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I have mine. If some want to discuss the things Baker should or shouldn't say or do, that's fine, go ahead... But I don't care. He's my guy and if he's going to be loyal to my city, my team, I'm going to be loyal right back and fight every battle with him.

Impartial how?

There's a lot of bias from others here in regards to Baker.

Am I wrong in saying that the media hasn't provoked Baker's responses? Sam Ehlinger and Baker Mayfield didn't have a conversation. Baker didn't come out and say Duke needs to make up his mind or comment about his "money." Where did this all come from? The media.

Go back and reread this entire thread and perhaps the one about Duke and you'll see how many are biased against Baker making up things that simply were not true.

You're always right there for me to save the day and prove my point.

And yet you attempt to make light of my posts...

What does 0 + 0 = in your world cause it sure as all heck isn’t 0 ...

I don't think you realize you are doing the exact opposite of Vers. Anyone who starts a Baker, the Person thread with the sole purpose of bashing someone they don't even know has an agenda and is going to be one sided. Everyone can see that.

But you are doing the same thing on the flip side. The Baker can do no wrong stance is also extremely biased. It comes across as some serious idol/hero worship. It doesn't seem fair and balanced. And blaming the media for Baker's actions...come on, man...guy is an adult and responsible for his own behavior. That's an example of exactly what I'm talking about.

I would bet a lot of money that not one single person on this board or any Browns fan for that matter is going to root against Baker no matter how they feel about some of these things. I know I'm going to be my normal fanatic self every game. But that doesn't mean we have to excuse and defend every action of our favorite players.

I think this is being talked about ten times more on this board than it is in the Browns locker room.

I believe you are misinterpreting my post.

You're taking what you believe and applying it to what I said.

In regards to this thread I'm saying I don't care what Baker said about Duke because it's not important. No one is talking about it except the media and us here. All he said was you're either with us or you're not. People are interpreting what he said differently. I don't believe Duke took issue and I'm not even sure any "Vets talked to Baker" about it.

I'm not saying he can do no wrong. But I will defend anyone whom I believe is being misinterpreted. That's where we are...

There's no doubt the media is trying to get Baker to talk...Because they know he will. The more he talks, the more people hate him and the more they want to say things to make Baker talk more. People are taking what he says and making stories about it. People love controversial things... I believe it's controversial because the media wants it to be. They'll get him to say and do things to make a story....

You see this as a flaw and want him to keep his mouth shut or at least watch the things he says. I may not agree with the things he says but I don't want him to censor himself.

Let Baker talk. Let Baker rile up 31 other teams. And it's not like he's randomly spouting off things on Twitter. He's being asked the questions by the media.

I've wanted this team to be relevant for the past 25 years and now we are... I would love to be hated and we will. It's only going to get "better."

I absolutely believe dirty laundry should stay in house. I would never have done that in Mayfields situation. I may have believed it, I may have said it to Duke face to face as well.

But that's totally different than a reporter saying something happened and really, the only thing I'd heard is that Landry says there isn't a problem! I guess OBJ said pretty much the same. (paraphrasing of course)

Duke "came at" the team by saying he wanted to be traded. Of which Baker's personality will be extremely protective of his team. Coming at the team is personal for Baker. I am not saying it is right or wrong...But I think this was easy to see.

Pit you didn't make comments toward the Texas kid...but others have. For me this is a complete non issue as well...When I first saw the headlines it was like..."Oh hell...what now..." But after I read it...NON ISSUE. You have 2 QB's from RIVAL SCHOOLS (both High School and College) that don't happen to like each other. (I don't know what's wrong with the 2 not liking each other...we can't all be buddies)

Someone mentioned...why is Baker commenting on a college player???? Well I have a question and a statement about that.

Baker is a year out of college...he is still fiercely loyal to his college. (probably always will be) So to have negative comments about someone who has and has had negative or confrontational comments about OU is probably a natural thing.

Now my question: What is a college kid doing commenting on an NFL player on Baker's Team? If you want to ire Baker...attack his teammate. (and this college kid knows that) But be careful what you wish for...because while this might take someone else out of their game...it only intensifies Baker's resolve...

I apologize about being political in the next statement...well maybe not political but observational on current societal attributes (which is political) But we are currently living in a time where you cannot have a fierce loyalty to any specific thing. We cannot be fiercely loyal to our country...it is racist to do so and you are disrespecting Indians, Blacks, Illegal Immigrants and others to do so. We disrespect other countries and worry about anyone who might take offense. We can't be loyal to religion because it disrespects atheists and others who don't believe in your specific religion. Heck we can't even be fiercely loyal to our own Football team. Because we are supposed to be good sports and respect other teams fans, etc. I am NOT SAYING we have the right to attack other fans etc. But if you are anything outside of welcoming, ingratiating, and inviting to another teams fans...Well that is a no no because we are all supposed to be buddies. You know what...I say "expletive that!!!!" We don't HAVE to like each other. We don't HAVE to agree on things. It is IMPOSSIBLE to please everyone. Someone WILL BE offended. Some of you will be offended by these words. Guess what...you will live. As a society, we need to grow thicker skin. We don't have to like or agree, or even be friends....just respect the others right to differ.

Baker's confrontational comments usually stem from a perceived attack against a loyalty he possesses. And frankly, whether he is right or wrong...I admire the value he places on the virtue of loyalty...And despite current societal/political trends...loyalty IS a virtue.

And that's exactly what they should say. I don't think it's really a problem either and have said so several time throughout threads that have discussed this issue.

But even if it were, that's what they should say.

J/C

I am going to only say this once - this has been COMPLETELY blown out of proportion by the media and some fans.

1. Duke is in a situation we have not seen in 20 years. A decent football player surround by superior talent, making him ehhhh on our roster.

2. Duke has a family to take care of, and a career to look out for so he can do so

3. Baker has the same, and a team he is the defacto leader off.

The fans/media who are being critical of EITHER of them are in unique position IMO of both being wrong.

Dukes Side:

Duke was loyal to this team, he extended his contract on a team with not much of a future in sight. He was the one of the VERY few bight spots we got to watch lately, and has truly embraced the fans and city. Then the team he was loyal to and loved, drafts a rookie pro bowl talent, and brings in an All pro back as well - which will leave him with about as many touches a week as some on this board.

Teams Side:

The FO job is to do one thing, acquire as much talent as possible. Dorsey and Co saw an opportunity to get a talent at a level of little risk and money we have never really seen before. I mean the value we are getting Hunt at is RARE (yes he still has to stay out of trouble). You cannot pass that up. So they made a move to better the roster. When better players come in, lesser players will not get the playing time they once had. Its just business.

Back to Duke's Side:

We as fans are harping on Duke saying that "its a business" - which is true. But its a business for Duke as well. His business is playing football. His family and future rely on this. he is going to want another contract soon. He cannot do that from the bench. So he sees his business suffering and is saying he wants traded, which is the BEST thing for HIS BUSINESS. We want our teams to make the best moves for the team, players should get the right to try to make the best moves for them in that same regard.

Baker:

Seeing and hearing what is going on, Baker THE LEADER of this team, decided to draw a line in the sand and send a message not only to Duke but others. This is OUR team, and if you are not 100% committed we don't need you.

Harsh? Maybe, wrong - ehhhhh not really. Some will like this aspect, some will hate it, some will be indifferent. I personally don't have a problem with it, but if he said nothing I wouldn't have been heartbroken either. It is what it us. Hes a brash kid, and wants to make it known this is his team, and he will stand up for it how he sees fit. He is still young, and will grow as a man and that will calm some - SOME.

I think both are wrong to have taken it to media, but I think both have valid points to their side. This should have never left the locker room (that's on Duke) and it should have not been continued outside of the locker room (that's on baker).

Duke is not wrong in wanting to be traded. The team was not wrong in brining in Hunt, Baker is not wrong for standing up for his team.

All I hope is the team gets a decent haul for Duke, he gets to continue his career and play the game he loves, and its a Win/Win for both sides.

After that, well....its just the slow season and hack writers are looking for stories to create controversy. Sadly, we have people on this board (who should be smart enough and mature enough to realize this) who eat garbage material like this up to fit an agenda or side.

My .02

That's certainly true since the Browns aren't even in Berea. And I don't think those of us who have brought it up are making a big deal about it. I do think a big deal has been made by those trying to shout us down, such as this gem of a post:

Why do people keep saying Duke asked for a trade because of the talent we acquired? That is 100% false. He asked for a trade because the team put him on the trading block. That is why he mentions loyalty.

Did the Vets talk to Duke as well? Or is airing things in the media forbidden only to Baker? Duke is getting paid very well by the Browns to be a 3rd down back.

We don't know.....just as we don't really even know if the vets talked to Baker. The story comes from Hue's pal Silver's "unnamed sources".

I wasn't shouting. It would have been in all CAPS if that was the case.

I just stated my opinion. I wasn't trying assassinate your character. I like your character. You are one of the top characters on the board.

So you are suggesting that Silver may have fabricated the story? Shame on you.

Shame on me? For what, not totally buying in to what somebody says they heard from "unnamed sources" like you did?

Silver has a solid rep, jfanent. I honestly don't think he would flat-out lie about what his sources tell him. He's been in the business too long.

I'm not saying he's lying...but maybe passing on hearsay from unreliable sources who he refuses to identify. I'm not buying it without some validation.

Has anyone in the Brown's organization suggested that Silver lied?

Here are a couple of facts:

--Former players have been talking about how Baker should have never went there. They have been on TV and social media. I find it revealing that the guys who love to post tweets from no-name tweeters when it suits them have been absolutely silent in regards to posting the tweets that are coming from dudes who actually played the game and are w/more reputable media outlets.

--Reporters develop relationships w/people in sports. It's part of how they get inside info. Some are acting like Hue and Silver are unique. Silver has tons of contacts w/in the sporting world and it's how he breaks so many stories. Similar to guys like Woj in the NBA, S. A. Smith in the the NBA and NFL, Sheft and Mort in the NFL, etc.

With all of that said, I don't think what Baker did was a huge deal. I think the vets came to him and said look dawg, you don't mess w/another man's business. And that was it. However, I do think how some folks are vilifying others just to protect Baker is a pretty big deal.

The bottom line is that there's been no proof presented other than hearsay from unnamed sources, and I'd like something more solid before buying in. In similar situations, I'm sure you would too.

There is no proof that he lied and I would like to see some proof to back-up that claim. And jfan, who you trying to kid...LOL.....you ain't buying in no matter what. [I'm saying that in a light-hearted way.