Penn Talks Leverage, Has Weight Clause
August 1st, 2010
Nobody could have been happier than Josh Freeman yesterday after news of Penn's deal. JoeBucsFan.com photo by Kyra Hallett
Woody Cummings, of the Tampa Tribune, tells the story of Donald Penn’s signing and the weight clause that landed in the contract.
Cummings doesn’t miss a step, including Penn explaining how he put his foot down on getting that long term deal done now, even if he had to give some things up.
So much for no leverage. Penn apparently had so much leverage that he had a long term deal already on the table from Team Glazer, despite the looming lockout.
“So I told (Arceneaux), do whatever it takes to get me in there, because I’ve never missed a camp before. That’s not the kind of guy I am, so let’s get it done. Let’s make some sacrifices if we need to, but let’s get it done.”
One sacrifice Penn will have to make might come at the dinner table. His contract includes a clause that calls for him to be weighed six times a year and to keep his weight between 330 and 335 pounds.
Penn said he doesn’t believe his weight gain a year ago was as big an issue as the Bucs and the media made it out to be, but he already has taken steps to make sure it doesn’t surface as a problem again.
Joe finds it very intriguing Penn spoke of making concessions to get into camp.
Joe wonders if Barrett Ruud ever even sniffed a long-term offer?
August 1st, 2010 at 11:16 am
You know how hard it is for a giant of a man to keep his weight within 5 lbs???
Did I read that right? He can’t drop below 330??
August 1st, 2010 at 11:33 am
Yeah, I agree that seems pretty hard/unlikely…
August 1st, 2010 at 11:44 am
Man you guys are ridiculous. It’s the maximum weight allowable and they gave him a range for leeway. Penn can weigh 325lb 320lb or whatever all day just not eclipse 335lbs.
August 1st, 2010 at 11:57 am
No, it says keep it between 330 and 335 right there in plain black and white, THAT’S ridiculous.
August 1st, 2010 at 11:57 am
I’m just happy to hear that Penn didn’t want to miss camp. The guy has a good head on his shoulders.
August 1st, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Why would there be a “range” for a maximum? That makes no sense. The maximum is 335, so either 330 is a minimum? or it’s a pointless number thrown out there. That’s like saying the speed limit on the highway is between 65 and 75 mph…. Huh? So what is it exactly? I can go 74 mph or 40 mph and still not exceed 75, but what’s the 65 for? Unless it’s a minimum speed limit (no slow moving vehicles).
This sounds like a very difficult balance if it’s a min/max weight clause.
August 1st, 2010 at 12:16 pm
I wonder if it’s two different maximums? Maybe he will reach incentives if he’s consistently under 330, but he won’t be fined or lose money if he’s under 335, and will lose money if he’s over.
August 1st, 2010 at 12:37 pm
He better get on Nutri Systems ? I am happy they gave him the contract he deserves.
August 1st, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Actually, they have surgically implanted a little warning light on Penn’s forehead. It starts flashing when he hits 330#. if he doesn’t start jogging right away, and quit eating, it explodes at 335# , blowing his head off. It’s new technology! They are trying to get Fat Albert Haynesworth equipped with one. So far he has refused! Guy is a slacker!
August 1st, 2010 at 12:53 pm
They also have equipped Clifton”peanut” Smith with one, that is similar. If he drops below 110#, he has ta go cheer with the Cheerleaders, until he gets back up to his playing weight- which I suspect is around 120#
August 1st, 2010 at 1:34 pm
If 330 to 335 pounds is what the training staff deemed is his most productive performance weight and they’re paying him $43 million dollars to keep it around there then he better damn well keep it there.
You clowns bitched and bitched that you wanted Penn to have a long term deal and now that he has one you’re bitching because you think his weight clause is too strict? Get real.
August 1st, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Not bitchin’ because it’s too strict, just don’t think it could be a Min/Max weight. I’ve seen these guys lose 10 pounds or more in one practice session, and gain it back when they “rehydrate”. A 5 pound fluctuation is nothing to a man like that. Again, it must be a two tiered max weight clause.
August 1st, 2010 at 2:27 pm
I’m sure they’d rather have him closer to 325 if he could. 335 I’m sure is the max, not sure what the 330 is.
August 1st, 2010 at 2:34 pm
Him missing the weight clause just means he doesn’t get closer to the max deal. One or 2 misses throughout the year won’t be a big deal. It will just serve as motivation to make the next one.
August 1st, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Ruud doesn’t deserve a longterm deal….freakin softie…
August 1st, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Geez, you guys never believe me! Just remember, you heard it here first! When they report Penn’s head exploded during a wing platter a “mugs”, don’t be surprised! Lol