Percy Harvin not happy. Hints at holdout.

[Rooster7]

Great!

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/V..._holdout061912



EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Percy Harvin was back on the practice field as the Minnesota Vikings opened minicamp on Tuesday, but he strongly hinted he may not be there when training camp begins.

Speaking to reporters for the first time in months, Harvin repeatedly said he's "not happy" with several thing and those issues "definitely" must be resolved before he'd report to Mankato for training camp on July 26.

Harvin wouldn't say whether one of the issues is his contract, but that stands to reason. He has two years left on his original rookie deal, with base salaries of $915,000 in 2012 and $1.55 million in 2013, plus modest workout bonuses of $27,500 in each year.

'Just haven't been real happy lately'

The following is a partial transcript of Harvin's short session with reporters:

Is your anticipation you'll practice here in minicamp?
Our whole plan was training camp. So, we'll still shoot for training camp. I feel fine right now. Feel great. So, I'm just in the classroom, taking as much as I can, and I'm just staying on the schedule they put me on.

Not expect participate?
I'll just put it this way -- it's a lot of different things that have to be sorted out. Just haven't been real happy lately. So, we've got a couple things to work on. I'm here in the classroom, so we'll go from here.

Does the shoulder have to do with it?
Like I said, we've got a couple different issues.

Is your contract one of the issues?
I don't get into specifics. Just overall haven't been real happy. But we're here. hopefully, we can get things worked out and go from there.

What does that mean -- 'I'm not happy overall?'
We're kind of keeping everything in house. If specific people choose to tell you the stories, then they do. I keep everything in house and we deal with things in house. So, that's the way I keep it.

Was there any question you'd be here for the mandatory minicamp?
It was no question. I planned on being here. I'm doing everything I told you guys I was going to do to prepare myself and that's as far as I'll go with that.

How confident are you that you'll be able to be at minicamp if you're not happy with whatever's going on?
We've got a lot of time between then, hopefully a lot of conversations. It's different issues. It's hard to try to tell you guys without telling you guys. I'll just keep it at that.

But that has to be worked out before you'll report to training camp?
Definitely. Definitely.

Is the offense mostly the same, or are there new wrinkles?I'm going to be honest with you guys -- I've been watching tape, but it's more just working on things from last year. I'm into it, but like I said, I'm not happy with things so I haven't really been in tune to personnels and stuff right now. I'm just overall just watching game film, I'm breaking down quarterbacks, breaking down myself, defenses that I may face that I faced last year and things like that.

How dissatisfied are you?
I'm just not happy. I won't go into how unhappy. I'm just overall not happy with a couple situations.

[Rooster7]

Makes one wonder if he is pushing the coaches to make some changes from last year.

[RMV]

Guess he is unhappy.

He is "keeping everything in house" except to make damn sure everyone know that he is unhappy? I have mixed feelings on this. I am not happy he may hold out, but I appreciate he is not airing all of his specific gripes through the media to use for leverage.

[LAVike]

Just what we need . . . our most explosive offensive player (at least until Peterson completely recovers from his injury) unhappy.

[Rooster7]

I just get the feeling that its not JUST his contract he's unhappy about. He was quite vocal last year when the team was in position to score in the redzone and would come away with 3 points or less.

Scheme? Playcalling? Coaching?

I think that besides the money he's set to make this year, (under 1m) that one or all of the above is something he wants taken care of.

Which is also a way to get you run out of town if the coaching staff does not want to be questioned.

[Vidar]

Harvin's migraines tend to get worse when he is not happy. We may see another non-holdout holdout by claiming he is not healthy. Harvin already postponed one minor procedure in order to get out of some offseason activities. It reminds me of Rice waiting until just before training camp to have his surgery so that he could not show up without formally holding out.

The team needs to stand firm. Giving Harvin a new deal now would not be setting a good example and it also probably does not make financial sense for the team to do that either. It is not like the team needs to keep Harvin happy to keep their Super Bowl hopes from being dashed.

[David Karki]

Originally Posted by Vidar

The team needs to stand firm. Giving Harvin a new deal now would not be setting a good example and it also probably does not make financial sense for the team to do that either. It is not like the team needs to keep Harvin happy to keep their Super Bowl hopes from being dashed.

If the possible reasons for Harvin's "unhappiness" are:

A) Having been off the field so much before and standing to be on the field a lot more in 2012, even if only as a bluff a good portion of the time
B) Small contract number this year (< $1 M)
C) Likelyhood of being pretty awful again this year as the franchise goes full-on youth movement rebuild

Then I choose (D) All of the Above.

Harvin will be on the field more, thus increasing injury risk while having shaky health, while making relatively little, for a team that will probably stink. Gee, can't imagine why he'd be overall "unhappy"...

That said, the only thing the Vikings can do to at least somewhat remediate that is extend the contract and up his pay. I don't know if that makes any sense, given the long-term rebuild the Vikings face. I shudder to even think of this out loud, but if Harvin is that petulant, possibly trade him?

[VikingVic]

Memo to Percy, Man up and honor your contractual obligations. You will get your chance at a big payday just like everyone else does, after your rookie contract expires. Quit your complaining and thank your lucky stars you get paid a lot of money to play a game. If you do not like what you are being paid then perhaps you could retire and fall back on your education you received at Florida, you are close to graduating, right? Let him hold out till the cows come home. It will only hurt him in the long run. He has no leverage. The vikes are in full rebuild mode.

[Rooster7]

Originally Posted by David Karki

If the possible reasons for Harvin's "unhappiness" are:

A) Having been off the field so much before and standing to be on the field a lot more in 2012, even if only as a bluff a good portion of the time
B) Small contract number this year (< $1 M)
C) Likelyhood of being pretty awful again this year as the franchise goes full-on youth movement rebuild

Then I choose (D) All of the Above.

Harvin will be on the field more, thus increasing injury risk while having shaky health, while making relatively little, for a team that will probably stink. Gee, can't imagine why he'd be overall "unhappy"...

That said, the only thing the Vikings can do to at least somewhat remediate that is extend the contract and up his pay. I don't know if that makes any sense, given the long-term rebuild the Vikings face. I shudder to even think of this out loud, but if Harvin is that petulant, possibly trade him?

Strib is saying this morning that Harvin has requested a trade from the Vikings.

Just thinking out loud but I wonder how much Moss still influences this kid behind the scenes...

[Catfish19]

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Strib is saying this morning that Harvin has requested a trade from the Vikings.

Just thinking out loud but I wonder how much Moss still influences this kid behind the scenes...

I think it must be Bush's fault...


Skal!

[David Karki]

I hate to say it, but if he wants a trade and the Vikings can get decent value, pull the trigger. You're in full-on long-term rebuild mode, and additional young prospects and draft picks will be more valuable than a harrumphing Harvin.

For that matter, if they are that certain that it will be years before they can legitimately contend, then I'm not sure anyone on the roster is beyond entertaining offers for.

[Rooster7]

Originally Posted by Catfish19

I think it must be Bush's fault...


Skal!

Hey ya never know

[Gramps]

Considering his health problems and the amount of time he is unavailable because of them.........trade him now while you can still get something out of a trade and continue the rebuild.

I don't have much patience for players that create headaches for their team like this. More often than not it turns out they are to much of a problem behind the scenes and ruin a teams chemistry. Trade them, cut them, whatever but get rid of them.

I have never been that high on Harvin anyway. I personally don't think he's as good as everyone thinks he is. Trade him now and be done with it.

[Keyman]

No leverage? The rubes were near rioting when he was kept off the field last year. If they don't do something to get him "happy" and on the field now, it'll be worse.

But it is an odd place to be for Vikings. Yes, he's one of the most exciting players on the team...when he's on the field. But he's not a #1WR, not a RB, and not a 'full-time' Return guy. How much do utility guys make? Who do we 'group' him with if he wants to be paid as 'the best' at whatever we think it is he does....

[David Karki]

Originally Posted by Keyman

But it is an odd place to be for Vikings. Yes, he's one of the most exciting players on the team...when he's on the field. But he's not a #1WR, not a RB, and not a 'full-time' Return guy. How much do utility guys make? Who do we 'group' him with if he wants to be paid as 'the best' at whatever we think it is he does....

How much of that is Harvin's own "fault" for not fitting cleanly in a given role, and how much of that is on the Vikings' offensive coaches for having handled him so poorly? Having him off the field that much (thus eliminating both the weapon and the bluff factor), thus telegraphing that he'd almost certainly get the ball when on the field, is pretty damned inexcusable IMNSHO.

Health, schmealth – just line him up wide left and run a Peterson stretch/sweep right to get him a play off while the opposing defense still has to line up in a way that respects the threat his presence represents. This isn't rocket science.

If the Vikings' offensive "braintrust" is this stupid, there are bigger issues on this franchise than Harvin's reaction to and attitude toward them...and it shouldn't just be the roster but also the coaching staff that's totally rebuilt this and next and the year after that...

[Vidar]

I wouldn't trade Harvin unless a team made an incredible offer. At just 24 years old, Harvin is an ideal age and talent to be a part of the rebuilding process. Players have a way of forgetting about their unhappiness when they get their new contracts (for Harvin, that should not happen until next offseason).

I could see a team making a fairly nice offer for a young player like Harvin with two years of low salaries, but I doubt that offer would be nice enough to justify trading him. The Vikings would need to get an offer that included at least a 1st and 2nd round pick to make it worth their while.

Keeping Harvin may mean he sits out some practices and even games with his migraine problem, but that is something the team can deal with this year. In fact, coach Frazier ought to make clear to Harvin that if migraines cause him to miss any practice time during a week the team is going to be cautious and sit him out for the game that week.

[RMV]

What the hell is his problem anyways? Does he think going to a different team will make everything better? Is he posturing for a new contract?

I was glad he wasn't taking his gripes public yesterday. Now he demands a trade? My impression of Percy has changed dramatically in just one day!

[Denver Viking]

I'm sure his contract has something to do with it, but I have to wonder if a large part of this stems from what he's discovered about the new offense and that's why he's being so cryptic. That would make more sense when you consider the timing and the trade request. Plus, that would be something he wouldn't be able to talk about. Will we be using more two tight end sets, forcing the slot receiver onto the sidelines, or worse, split wide? I don' t know. Just have a hunch that scheme has more to do with this than anything.

[Rooster7]

I agree with you DV

[David Karki]

Originally Posted by Denver Viking

Just have a hunch that scheme has more to do with this than anything.

Given the recent history of offensive coordinating on this franchise, that's not exactly a stretch, Denver...

No one on this coaching staff gets any benefit of any doubt where their competence is concerned, given that no real moves could even be considered much less made while the stadium issue left the franchise's future in such an unknown state.

Now, even though that has been made certain, it doesn't magically make temporary place-holders into long-term answers. We'll see what they have this year and maybe next; anyone not measuring up will be shown the door, as Zygi will have a new stadium to sell tickets, club seats, and suites for at substantial prices. The status quo from the Stadium Purgatory Era (2002 – 2012? 2013? 2014?) will not come close to getting that done...

[LAVike]

The latest -- Vikes say they won't trade him and Harvin skips practice.

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/V...in_trade062012

On a side note, I wonder if Spielman felt there might be an issue with Percy coming into the season -- it wasn't difficult to envision that he might not be thrilled with playing under his rookie contract after having three straight terrific seasons, with 2011 being his best yet. Kinda makes the selection of Wright, a kid who has some Percy-like qualities to his game, even more understandable. (And no, I'm not saying Wright is as good as Harvin. Not even close. Just that there are aspects to his game that are similar to Harvin.)

[Keyman]

I don't say this too often: Reusse -> Nail -> Head

Look, things had been too quiet at Winter Park anyway
And we all know (or should know) that it doesn't stay that way for long with the Vikings.
http://www.startribune.com/sports/vi...159817585.html

[Keyman]

And something I can't say too often - Put down the phone and quit with the Tweets!!

Originally Posted by @percy_harvin

"Fans I said I have issues to be worked out money not at all being the problem...I've dne everything asked and more..."

"Me and cch have been speaking and are on same page...theres nothin I can do"

[Vidar]

If the team's scheme is not going to use Harvin much maybe the best value the team can get from him is what they could get from a trade. His value wouldn't go up after a season of under use.

I think that the Vikings do plan on using Harvin plenty and it would not be worth trading him away. Harvin may want to be used even more, but forcing a randy ratio prescribed use of Harvin is not the right answer.

[McVike]

Something tells me there will be quite a few ups and downs with the Harvin saga for some time to come. Looks like today may be one of the up days as, per the PFT item below, he's back practicing today. Harvin had tweeted yesterday afternoon that he and Frazier had been having a long chat. Frazier's pretty good at soothing egos.

ESPN 1500.Com's Jud Zulgud made a good point yesterday that the Vikings are handling this right in having Spielman handle most of the public discourse on this, allowing Frazier to be more neutral and low key in anything he says publicly. Puts much less strain on the Coach-player relationship. I give the Viking organization good marks for how they are handling this so far, saying just enough publicly to project firmness, eg. flatly dismissing any notion they would consider trading Harvin, but otherwise minimizing public confrontation.

I accept that this may not be totally a contract issue, but I stilll think that's most likely the real root of the issue- in the end it's almost always about "show me the money". Harvin's agent is the same guy who had Titan RB Chris Johnson hold out from camp and engage in a good deal of public posturing in a similar situation. The Viking track record under the Wilfs has been pretty good about eventually working out a reasonable solution in these situations when it's involved anyone of real importance to the team. And with that I'll conclude my bloviating and post the PFT item I cited above:

Leslie Frazier: Percy Harvin is back at Vikings practice today

Posted by Michael David Smith on June 21, 2012, 10:58 AM


As the strange situation surrounding Percy Harvin continues to unfold, Vikings coach Leslie Frazier says his unhappy receiver will be on the practice field today.

Although Harvin was absent from Wednesday afternoon’s minicamp practice, Frazier said on KFAN that Harvin is at the team’s facility this morning and will be with the Vikings as they conclude their minicamp on Thursday.

Harvin said he’s unhappy on Tuesday but still hasn’t explained why he’s unhappy, other than to confirm that it’s not about his contract. Harvin has requested a trade and hinted that he might not show up to training camp, but the fact that he will show up today could be an indication that his unhappiness is starting to ease.

The Vikings’ viewpoint is that Harvin is either going to learn to be happy in Minnesota or he’s going to remain unhappy in Minnesota: The Vikings say they won’t trade Harvin, who despite his occasional personal problems and occasional injury problems remains one of their most talented offensive playmakers.

[LAVike]

Originally Posted by McVike

Something tells me there will be quite a few ups and downs with the Harvin saga for some time to come. Looks like today may be one of the up days as, per the PFT item below, he's back practicing today. Harvin had tweeted yesterday afternoon that he and Frazier had been having a long chat. Frazier's pretty good at soothing egos.

ESPN 1500.Com's Jud Zulgud made a good point yesterday that the Vikings are handling this right in having Speilman handle most of the public discourse on this, allowing Frazier to be more neutral and low key in anything he says publicly. Puts much less strain on the Coach-player relationship. I give the Viking organization good marks for how they are handling this so far, saying just enough publicly to project firmness, eg. flatly dismissing any notion they would consider trading Harvin, but otherwise minimizing public confrontation.

I accept that this may not be totally a contract issue, but I stilll think that's most likely the real root of the issue- in the end it's almost always about "show me the money". Harvin's agent is the same guy who had Titan RB Chris Johnson hold out from camp and engage in a good deal of public posturing in a similar situation. The Viking track record under the Wilfs has been pretty good about eventually working out a reasonable soluton in these situations when it's involved anyone of real importance to the team. And with that I'll conclude my bloviating and post the PFT item I cited above:

Leslie Frazier: Percy Harvin is back at Vikings practice today

Posted by Michael David Smith on June 21, 2012, 10:58 AM


As the strange situation surrounding Percy Harvin continues to unfold, Vikings coach Leslie Frazier says his unhappy receiver will be on the practice field today.

Although Harvin was absent from Wednesday afternoon’s minicamp practice, Frazier said on KFAN that Harvin is at the team’s facility this morning and will be with the Vikings as they conclude their minicamp on Thursday.

Harvin said he’s unhappy on Tuesday but still hasn’t explained why he’s unhappy, other than to confirm that it’s not about his contract. Harvin has requested a trade and hinted that he might not show up to training camp, but the fact that he will show up today could be an indication that his unhappiness is starting to ease.

The Vikings’ viewpoint is that Harvin is either going to learn to be happy in Minnesota or he’s going to remain unhappy in Minnesota: The Vikings say they won’t trade Harvin, who despite his occasional personal problems and occasional injury problems remains one of their most talented offensive playmakers.

I agree with Zulgad's take about having Frazier be the "good guy" in Harvin's eyes while Spielman makes the public statements and effectively wears the "bad guy" hat (at least with regard to Harvin). I also agree with you that, while there may be other factors contributing to Harvin's alleged unhappiness, money is likely to be the most significant factor. It can't be pleasing to him that two other wide receivers on the team make more coin even though he's clearly been the best WR on the team the past two seasons and has been an extremely dangerous offensive and ST's weapon ever since he entered the league. But he doesn't have a lot of leverage right now -- his biggest leverage factor is the card he's playing right now, i.e., the threat of holding out.

[Keyman]

Isn't it nice to actually have a GM? Someone who can state the 'official position' of the team, so the head coach can just say "Rick already spoke to that".

[Vidar]

Originally Posted by Keyman

Isn't it nice to actually have a GM? Someone who can state the 'official position' of the team, so the head coach can just say "Rick already spoke to that".

It is incredibly nice to have a GM. Now that the structure is right it will be easier to evaluate which pieces are worth keeping.

[LAVike]

Now Percy is back and has a "great" practice. The see-saw goes up and then comes back down . . .

On a side note . . . Ponder is up to 233#. WTF? I can see adding some weight to better absorb the pounding, but ramping up 20# is a bit much, IMO. One of the bigger mistakes he could make would be to lose much mobility, which was one of his better attributes last season. Good thing the article indicates that he intends to drop a little weight so that he doesn't lose that mobility.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/80...great-practice

[Vidar]

Well, the team can always send Webb out there to display some mobility at the QB position. I am fine with Ponder adding the weight as long as it is the right kind of weight. Given his athletic ability, Ponder should still be able to move well enough to play QB at 230 lbs.