Sympathy For Dunta Robinson? Anyone? Anyone?

by Tim on Jul 15, 2009 4:45 PM CDT in News Comment 30 comments

Well, it's almost the end of July 15th, and I've yet to read anything trumpeting a sudden breakthrough in negotiations, so it seems pretty clear your Houston Texans are not going to reach an agreement with Dunta Robinson on a long-term contract. As Lance Zierlein notes, we may be about to embark on the farewell tour of Dunta-In-Battle-Red. Of course, the Texans can still franchise Dunta next season (and eternally after that, if they so desire), so it's not a foregone conclusion that Dunta's plying his trade elsewhere next season. Nevertheless, as he typically does, LZ hits the nail on the head:

I think the market has been set with the Kelvin Hayden and Asomugha deals, but I'm just not sure Robinson is worth that market value based on what I saw last year in his limited time on the field. I love D-Rob's fire, hitting and swagger, but as a cover CB, I would say he is good but not great.

By negotiating and dictating Scotland's terms through the media, Dunta has made it awfully hard to support his quest for big dollars this offseason. As the 2008 season wound down, however, I think it's fair to say that the vast majority of Texans fans were adamant that the team needed to bring D-Rob back. Now? I think it's the complete opposite. Most of us would like to have him back, sure, but not at the dollars that have allegedly been bandied about.

Still...I wonder...is there anyone out there in Dunta's camp? Anyone who sympathizes with Dunta's position? Remember--this is a player who's been the heart, soul, and swagger of the team during some awfully dark times. A guy who soldiered through the horrific 2005 season and never gave an inch. A guy who suffered one of the most seemingly disfiguring incidents I've ever seen live on a football field and battled back to play again. A guy who gave all of us this emotional moment. A guy whose profession has an average life span of 3.5 seasons. With all that in mind, it becomes somewhat more difficult to villify Dunta for seeking to maximize his income, doesn't it?

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Fuck Dunta.

I have never been more proud of our FO.

by WhiskeyR on Jul 15, 2009 5:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sympathy for Dunta comes in the form of

Nobody demanding that he be run out of town for his crazy demands.

- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement

by riversmccown on Jul 15, 2009 5:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, shit

Tim, you just had to post that clip. I was at that game last year (the only one I made it to) and that place absolutely blew up when Dunta came out.

I’m most definitely not on Dunta’s side, but I’m also not of the “fuck Dunta” camp.

I wish we had all the information. We just don’t know what went down. I just know, that if it’s true he turned down 23 million, then we were smart to not sign him.

The injury is the big thing for me. Good CBs are hard to come by, and you simply have to overpay to keep them. 23 mil? I’d still do that. More? No. If the injury wasn’t lingering, I’d at least consider it, because honestly I don’t think we’ve seen the best from DRob yet. I think he COULD be elite… but that injury was just so, so bad.

Sigh. Now that the deadline has passed, I’m just sad. Dunta was my favorite Texan before all this BS went down.

Chris - www.HoustonDiehards.com

by HoustonDiehards on Jul 15, 2009 5:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

agree on most

im a fan of dunta, like him, but not for wat hes asking…

by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 15, 2009 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe Dunta would have a new contract if........

…..If he spelled his name correctla
…..If he were not shorter than my little sister
…..If he did not overvalue his worth to a budding team in need of just a few pieces
…..If his knee were 100%
…..If Smithiak were gullible

by Cactus Jack Sancho on Jul 15, 2009 7:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

lets finish building this team, trade for a vet who will and want to play.

we dont need another T.O. here lingering in TX.
I say if he doesnt want what the Texans are offering him
trade him and lets move on without him.
Seems to me his mind is already made up.
Oh Dunta ill hollar at you player

by mr.duce11 on Jul 15, 2009 7:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You can be as mad at Dunta as you want

But to compare him to TO is about the worst thing I’ve heard. I’d explain, but I don’t think I need to.

Chris - www.HoustonDiehards.com

by HoustonDiehards on Jul 16, 2009 12:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

You know... for kids.

by Jake on Jul 16, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dunta's demands are probably too much,

but that doesn’t make me hate him or anything. He’s wrong about how much his pay is worth, but that’s nothing to “vilify” the man over. I understand why he’s pissed.

Hopefully something will be worked out, but if it isn’t, then there’s no hard feelings.

Your friendly neighborhood Dream Shake mod.

by Only_A_Lad on Jul 15, 2009 8:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I want him to accept the franchise tender

and come out and show us what he is worth. I love the guy and absolutely want him in the mix as a person, but he just hasn’t shown that he is worth elite CB money. Prove it man, and everyone will be begging you to sign a big contract!

by Riott on Jul 15, 2009 9:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

+1

He has to prove it cuz, right now, the evidence is NOT on his side.

by bigfatdrunk on Jul 15, 2009 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But at this point, even if he DOES prove it, I don’t think he wants to come back to Houston.

I mean, we’re not even taking into account the fact that the home fans are going to be booing him ALL YEAR.

Chris - www.HoustonDiehards.com

by HoustonDiehards on Jul 16, 2009 12:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm in the "Fuck Dunta" camp

But I’ll never boo him at a game. I really don’t expect his bad attitude to affect him on the field.

Also if he were as great as he thinks he is, there’d be no “Fuck Dunta” camp. If we had Mario or Andre Johnson threatening to hold out we’d be pulling our OWN money together to contribute….

by WhiskeyR on Jul 16, 2009 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This.

I’ve said “Fuck Dunta” more than anyone else around here probably. But once he steps on the field (assuming that ever comes to pass) I’ll pull for him 100%.

But until then:

Fuck Dunta.

When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.

by tehGrindCrusher on Jul 19, 2009 5:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amen!

I can understand that He’s had a serious wake-up call with his injury, but he needs to just sign the one year deal and prove that he’s worth a long term contract. Nobody’s gonna commit much for him until he proves he’s back. Life is like that.

by drunk dog on Jul 17, 2009 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

All I know...

is when the Jets and a rookie qb come to town on sept. 13, I would love to have #23 knocking heads off!

GO TEXANS!!!!

This is the year.......

by Texanmaniac on Jul 16, 2009 5:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

no doubt about that one

by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 16, 2009 8:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No Sympathy

guy let’s be honest that 3.5 years is about as valid as 600,00 jobs promised by the Chicago politician.

Negotiating in the press and whining and crying, did nothing to make me feel anything for him except pity.

IF he REALLY wanted to be in Houston, he would have manned up (can he?) and signed tender and played and showed why he deserves more.

I think he and his agent thought they were going to hijack McNair’s wallet, OR he and agent planned to walk away for that ridiculous paycheck in another town.

You want me to support him, tell him sign tender show up July 31st in shape ready to prove he REALLY wants to be end his career with Texans (see prior comment on politicians) and play season like it was his last and the demand a lot…otherwise Hiss Off

Calling Battle Red on Dallas Cowgirls in 2010

by Texans_00 on Jul 16, 2009 10:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm not mad

I am disappointed to be honest. Dunta has always been one of my favorite players and this offseason has been hell in that regard. I don’t think he is worth what he is asking and think the Texans would be idiotic to sign him for that much. I would love to see him stay in Houston and work this out but at the same time it is looking less and less likely. I know money is the root of all evil but I really felt that Dunta loved being a Texan and our loved our fans. I think I might have been giving him too much respect. I will be at all the games but I will never boo Dunta (unless he is just playing poorly, lol).

by wasteph on Jul 17, 2009 6:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

OK...guys

For real…Dunta has been in Houston since his rookie year and loves it! For God sakes he led the team in tackles one year! That is extremely impressive prior to his knee injury he was praised by many as being one of the premier corners in the league! The fact that receivers like Marvin Harrison, TO, Chad Johnson, etc… give him his props is amazing! The idea that yall are judging his character off this is amazing! He is a great, humble, and honorable guy! Another ignorant statement made above is the idea that he didnt produce much last year….HE CAME OFF A ACL INJURY…respect the guys heart cause he was back before he was supposed to be! He is worth the money on this team as a proven vet and a community worker in the community! Also, any smart sport fan would know that the player rarely is the one doing the negotiation….get mad at his agent not him!

by micahurst32 on Jul 17, 2009 8:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: OK...guys

Micahurst, first and foremost, welcome to the site. Thanks for contributing. A couple of thoughts in response to your comment:

1. While I understand your point about focusing the anger toward Dunta’s agent as opposed to Dunta, the agent WORKS FOR Dunta. If Dunta tells him to do something, the agent should do it, or Dunta should fire the agent. In other words, if Dunta wanted to be in Houston and nowhere else, he would be perfectly within his rights to tell his agent, “Get me the best deal you can from the Texans. This is where I want to be.” From what we’ve seen and heard, it does not appear that this has happened. That doesn’t make Dunta a bad person; it just makes him a human being trying to maximize his wealth. I don’t begrudge him that at all. He’s earned the right to do that, and I think it’d be pretty hypocritical of us to get angry at him for that. It’s not like most of us stay with employers or jobs purely out of a sense of loyalty. Changing jobs for more money or a better opportunity is the norm in any profession.

2. Prior to the injury, I’d agree that Dunta was on his way to being one of the top CBs in the league. Indeed, the way he was playing during the 2007 season, up to his injury, was as good as I’ve ever seen him. The fact is, however, that the Texans cannot and should not pay Top Three CB Money for Dunta now. In a year? Who knows? But now, after what we saw last year? No.

3. Dunta is worth money to the Texans as “a proven vet and community worker.” He’s a leader, no doubt. But his ultimate value should be judged on his football skills. We’re not talking about a 10 year veteran backup who you’re paying a little more than you should because he’s a guiding light in the locker room. We’re talking about giving a veritable Brinks truck worth of cash to a starter. And unfortunately for all the parties involved, there seems to be a sizable difference in opinion on how much cash that should be.

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Jul 17, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Tim-
I can agree with you on somethings, I truly can. Im pretty sure he isnt telling his agent to turn down this money. He probably has told him like u said to get the best deal possible and what Im seeing is that the agent believes that his client is a top tier CB (in which he is) and is worth the type of money that Hayden, and Aza whatever his name is in Oakland. You’re tellin me that they are better than Dunta?? Doubt it. I believe Houston will franchise him he will stay a year, break out and resign. He loves it in Houston, talks about it all the time.

Come on like i said Dunta came back early. He was going to sit out that season. But, because he loved the team and Houston he came back to play. U take a year off from your skilled trade and see if u come back the same. I guarantee this year he is ready, in shape, and back on his game.

And you talk about value. Come on now Houston signs Williams to a nice FAT rookie salary and what did he prove as a pro b4 that nothing….and even now he hasnt truly lived up to his hype. Unfortunately the league is ran off potential, and Dunta hasnt even hit is prime yet. If all this works out between the two parties, Houston will be a beneficiary of a great player!

by micahurst32 on Jul 17, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Asomugha

He is better than Dunta. Asomugha is the best corner in the game. I don’t think it’s even close.

I happen to think that the Colts overpaid for Hayden, and I would have no problem saying that a pre-injury Dunta was better than him. Post-injury, I’m not so sure. I’d give the edge to Hayden until I saw Dunta approach his ’07 form.

Are you really saying that Mario Williams hasn’t “truly lived up to the hype?” Zuh?

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Jul 17, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Asomugha is alright I guess…and yes Hayden is overpaid extremely. Like I said the Fast, Hard-hitting D-Rob will be back this season no doubt about it. Where he comes from and who he is i can guarantee that! If only you knew him personally you would know that he will come back with a vengence and better than ever. His work ethic is unbelievable!

And Mario….is a whole different story. I like the guy, but he was no Jevon Kearse or Julius Peppers his first couple of years. He is a steady player yes, but I would love to see him bring that defense to a whole nother level! Dominate a game not just get ur stats and go…DOMINATE it which he will.

Just give Dunta a chance he is a steal as a corner in this league, under rated by fans but praised around the league

by micahurst32 on Jul 17, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really?

Have you ever watched Asomugha? Teams quite literally do not throw to his side. Ever. There is a reason for that. Dunta in 2007 (his best) was not near as good as Asomugha. He is the best corner in the game bar none.

As for Mario, do you have any way to substantiate your claim? He is still in his first couple of years so that part doesn’t make sense. He is heading into his 4th year. The one year that he didn’t do amazing, he had plantar fascitis and was shifted around the line. How exactly can he “dominate” a game? If he gets sacks and pressures the qb, while also defending the run, what else can he do?

Again on your last point, can you substantiate that claim? You say that Dunta will be back no doubt about it, but the guy pretty much broke his leg, I’d say there is more than a little doubt. Show us the praise around the league from last year. Not pre injury Dunta, post injury Dunta. I’d say there isn’t much praise from anyone. I like Dunta as a person. I agree he works hard. I think the best way he can prove that he is still the guy I know and love would be for him to show up to camp and prove that he is as good as you think he is and he thinks he is.

All these boundaries - Africa, Asia, Malaysia, America - are set by men. But you don't have to look at boundaries when you are looking at a man - at the character of a man. The question is: What do you stand for? Are you a follower, or are you a leader? -Hakeem Olajuwon

by SlatonShuffle on Jul 17, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

For one tearing your ACL is not pretty much breaking your leg trust me! i did it and i play college ball…and im back full head of steam! so yea get some substance to that…and if you watch u say they dont throw to asomugha side??? they dont throw to DUNTA’s side!! and i do watch him. he is a great player yes, There is a reason they dont throw to Dunta’s side also. Every point you make is almost in valid about Dunta as a corner, they guy played safety for most of his career in college, and also in high school. The fact that he made the adjustment at the pro level is outstanding. The idea that you make the statement that There will be a difference between a pre and post Dunta is understandable but there will be no difference this year. Last season was not a good year because he had been out so long….took him awhile to get back in the flow, and he was STILL Houston’s best CB.

And Mario….Ill leave it at that….I have substance to my claim, saying that he line was being shifted around…is no claim. Reggie white never played with a good line till later in his career, the same with Bruce Smith, they played all the positions on the D-Line. Im just waiting for him to completely dominate the game, be able to actually STOP the run and get to the QB we all know he can get to the QB but get off a double team and get to a RB is the question.

by micahurst32 on Jul 20, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh my God....

How did I miss this??
Dude, your short bus is leaving, so hustle up.
Completely nonsensical. I’ll pray for you, though.

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Jul 27, 2009 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmm

Mario is consistently underrated when it comes to stopping the run, but you also ignored that he was injured his rookie year when he was not super productive. I still don’t understand how he isn’t dominating right now.

You are once again dismissive of Asomugha. However, you can actually go and read what Andre Johnson thinks. The best WR in the game thinks Asomugha is the best corner in the game. Also they definitely did throw to Dunta’s side, even when our secondary was total shit, most teams did not avoid Dunta.

As for the injury. That’s great that you played college ball, but this is the pros. Dunta tore his ACL, and his hamstring tore completely off the bone. I believe he also tore ligaments. I think it’s pretty ridiculous to try and be non-chalant about this injury. It was horrific. I’m not blaming Dunta for not being 100%, I’m just stating that I have reservations about whether or not he will be. Oh and I’m not sure where all of this banter about Dunta switching positions comes from. Dunta played corner for 2 full seasons in college and has had 4+ years of NFL experience as well. That’s not really an argument or excuse about anything.

by SlatonShuffle on Jul 22, 2009 1:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

dunta robinson

get rid of him! anyone who complains about only making a million $ while the rest of us are treading water to stay afloat in this freaking depression needs a giant dose of
reality!

by number44 on Jul 23, 2009 11:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dunta

All offseason I wanted to see Dunta sign the tender and have been disappointed by his ignorance and stubbornness. At this point, I think the Texans would be better off with out him. Dunta is one of the “left overs” from the Casserly days. All Casserly did was bring in problematic players with less than adequate talent. A fair comparison for Dunta is TO. Yes, Dunta CAN be one of the best CBs in the league IF HE WANTED TO. The problem is that he DOESN’T WANT TO be that anymore. Terrell Owens is one of the best receivers in the game WHEN HE WANTS TO BE. Otherwise, he is just a locker room distraction. When or if Dunta ever joins the team, he is going to be the same exact thing. The Texans are on the verge of having their best season in their history. They do not need Dunta’s crap to distract them and break the team apart. Trade Dunta to the Lions or Rams or another crappy team like that so he can end his career and never be able to say that he played for a winner. Take a first or second round pick for him and continue to draft quality people with a lot of talent like Kubiak and Rick Smith have done since Day One. Keep the 23 million dollars and put that toward a long term contract for DeMeco.

by Typhoons on Jul 30, 2009 10:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs