Under the Influence

Chris Simms is a backup quarterback for the Tennesse Titans.  He was charged Thursday with driving while impaired by drugs.  Police say he’d admitted to smoking marijuana, while he insists he was talking about cigarettes at his arraignment.

Vincent Jackson has been in the news lately for his unhappiness with his current contract.  The Chargers 6′5″ starting wide recevier caught 68 passes last year with 9 TDs.  Jackson had been threatening to hold out and not practice with the team throughout the summer, but due to a four game suspension stemming from V. Jack being charged with his second DUI I think he’s lost his negotiating leverage.  Several teams had expressed trade interest, but it seems unlikely now that a team would be willing to give equal value for a player that will miss the first quarter of the season.

These two incidents are just a microcosm of a growing trend for young players in the offseason.  Chris Simms won’t be suspended and the charges will probably eventually be dropped.  But, both the 1st and 2nd string QBs for the Titans have had off-field conductl issues this offseason.  Vincent Jackson wanted to be compensated for his play on the field and seek a new deal, but because of this suspension is not helping his case.  When will young players learn that you can’t help your team win if you’re not on the field.