Note: This page was written prior to Warren Moon being released in the 1999 off-season but I'd like to keep this page on-line anyway as a reminder of the history of the controversies surrounding our QB's. I think Warren Moon is a sensational quarterback and I'm proud that I had the opportunity to see him in person and watch him play! I'm sorry this entire incident occurred, but I still think he has a rightful place in the Hall of Fame. That said, let's go back to 1999... WHAT is going on in the Seahawks organization that causes them to have a contract dispute with their No. 1 Quarterback heading into the opening weeks of our 1998 training camp? Things like this are supposed to be taken care of months ago. One can only speculate the whys, and time will be our only answer. Below you'll find newspaper clips of the events listed in chronological order. As for my comments, do you agree? Disagree? Go ahead, send e-mail! Let's debate the issues!!
The articles I'm quoting below have been taken from the Tacoma News Tribune. If you haven't discovered the Tribnet site, you'll want to! You can get there by clicking the link above or by clicking the icon at the top of the page. They have terrific coverage of the Seahawks throughout training camp and the entire NFL season! You can read all these articles in their entirely by clicking on the Search button at the News Tribune site and entering the keywords "Warren Moon". |
| July 21, 1998 - Moon is asking for a three-year deal with a $6 million signing bonus. The Seahawks, citing salary-cap limitations and Moon's age (41), have offered a one-year, $1.5 million deal with $350,000 to report and another $1.6 million in possible incentives. If Mueller isn't bluffing, the Seahawks sound content to wait for Moon to either comply with their demands or even retire. Moon's current contract, a two-year deal signed before last season, would pay him $550,000 this year. "I guess I'm a little bit surprised (by the holdout)," Mueller said. "I know Warren has a pretty good past of holding true to deals and not holding out and I thought that might hold true, but at the same time I keep reiterating the fact that we're happy with what we have here and this is going to be a good team regardless." |
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There are some key points to think about in this article. To me, the use of the words "comply with their demands" as well as the mention of Moon's retirement come across rather strong. And then to take it a step further and say we're happy to make due with our other Quarterbacks -- I don't know. It makes me wonder how much we want Warren Moon wearing the Blue, Green and Silver...
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| July 22, 1998 - Warren Moon's agent went on the offensive after another day of terse contract negotiations Tuesday, accusing the Seattle Seahawks of "dropping napalm on their own troops" and suggesting that his disgruntled client would consider going home to Houston before accepting the team's final offer. In an unusual departure from form, Leigh Steinberg also accused the team of discriminating against its starting quarterback. "There's an element of age discrimination here because Warren is 41 and being asked to do the same job that younger players do for one-half to one-third of the money," Steinberg said. The Seahawks had no comment on Steinberg's accusations.
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| My comments? I'm not overly impressed with Steinberg. In fact, I'm not impressed with him at all.
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July 23, 1998 - Moon stalemate continues - The Seahawks had no contact with the agent for starting quarterback Warren Moon, who continued the first holdout of his 21-year professional career. One day after agent Leigh Steinberg ripped into the Seahawks, all sides were quiet. Randy Mueller, the team's vice president of football operations, declined comment for the second consecutive day. Meanwhile, John Friesz, Jon Kitna and Jim Arellanes continued to take all the snaps in practice. In Moon's absence, others are asserting their leadership.
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| What can you read into this? Not only are the sides not getting closer to an agreement, they aren't even talking. You'd think both sides would at least be saying the doors are open for communication...wouldn't you??? |
| July 24, 1998 - Two days after his agent accused the Seahawks of everything short of poor hygiene, Moon offered a more diplomatic appraisal. The only potential salvo came when Moon theorized that the Seahawks could be taking a hard line with him at least in part because Randy Mueller, the club's vice president of football operations, might have it in for him. "I don't think I've ever been a favorite of Randy Mueller," Moon said, speaking via telephone from his agent's office in Newport Beach, Calif. "That doesn't bother me. Everybody has their own opinion, but I think that might have something to do with that too, that I'm not one of Randy's guys." More significantly, Moon also said he is now willing to accept a two-year contract, as opposed to the three-year deal he had previously sought. "I've never had a set number," Moon said. "I had an original offer, but we've never been able to even negotiate to get to a compromise." Moon said that's because the Seahawks broke off negotiations when they faxed their final offer to Moon's agent, Leigh Steinberg, on Tuesday. At the time, Moon was seeking a three-year deal with a signing bonus in the $6 million range and a first-year base salary of at least $3 million. But Moon backed off those demands Thursday when he said he'd be willing to accept a two-year deal worth somewhere in the $7-8 million range. "I'm bright enough to know that there are some limitations with me only because of my age," the 41-year-old Moon said, distancing himself from Steinberg's assertion the Seahawks are guilty of age discrimination. "They can't extend me out too far because it makes it harder to make my number bigger, but I also know that there's enough room there to get me to a number where I can be compatible with my peers and make it fair." |
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Personally I don't like it that Warren Moon spoke out publicly against Randy Mueller, but I do like the courage he shows in speaking up for himself (and against his agent!) I feel like he's willing to work with the Seahawks and that he's making an honest effort towards compromise. What I don't understand is WHY the Seahawks won't even talk to him. Negotiations are closed. Hmmmmm....
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| Steinberg accused the Seahawks of "dropping napalm on their own troops" by failing to ante up for their starting quarterback. The Seahawks shrugged. Steinberg accused the Seahawks of age discrimination for their unwillingness to sign Moon beyond this season. The Seahawks yawned. Steinberg accused the Seahawks of living in a fantasy land, separate from the financial realities of quarterback pay in the NFL. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. The Seahawks weren't about to open up Thursday. "There's just is nothing I can say that is going to help the situation or move it further along," Mueller said. And so the stalemate continues.
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This is amazing. I cannot believe the closed doors. And I am less and less impressed with Steinberg every passing day. (Willing to change my mind if the situation warrants!)
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| July 26, 1998 - Indisputably, Moon would immediately upgrade the team upon his return. But, frankly, the Seahawks appear to be doing pretty well offensively without him. One coach said the staff doesn't even talk about the situation. There's no "when Warren comes back we'll ... " or "we'll change back when Warren returns." They're just coaching the people who are present. What are the long-term possibilities if Moon decides to just retire rather than play for a paltry couple million "embarrassing" dollars? One assistant pointed out this team has a lot of options and plenty of time to develop - or perhaps change - its nature. Without Moon, this could evolve into a rushing team with new tailback Ricky Watters and the addition of some stout offensive linemen. And, if Friesz isn't asked to pass it 40 times a game, his effectiveness can only increase, and the likelihood of him rejoining the disabled list decreases. Players and coaches aren't saying they don't want Moon to return. But a lot of folks think they can still prosper in his absence.
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What do you possibly read into this article? Nothing positive about getting the Moon situation resolved, that's for sure.
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| July 26, 1998 - The Seahawks did not speak with starting quarterback Warren Moon's agent Saturday, marking the fourth consecutive day without negotiations. |
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Hmmmmmmm........ As we know, the contract was eventually worked out and Warren Moon returned as the starter for the 1998 season. He was sensational! In an odd turn of events, he injured his shoulder in the monsoon game against the Chiefs in Kansas City. Personally I felt he wasn't as effective from that game on. In the latter half of the 1998 season, Moon was replaced by back-up quarterback Jon Kitna. I still stand by my comments that Warren Moon is an incredible player and a model citizen. He's very active in charitable organizations in the Seattle area. It's been such an honor to see him wearing our colors, and I wish him the best of luck in his future on and off the field.
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