In other Peyton news I read somewhere he just got married. Good for him. Hopefully a little happiness amidst a season of trauma. Perhaps she can be enough of a comfort for him to put aside the bad stuff and return to his former tremendous form.
Peyton Hillis
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Congrats to him. Unfortunately many dwfs criticized him for getting married during football season, speculating that he may have missed a practice for his wedding. This gives a good look into the typical dwf life, they don't have one. Perhaps Hillis should just have sex with random women and pop out 10 or 11 children like Cromartie, then he won't have to worry about missing a practice because apparently football come before family to these losers.
Colonel_Reb
Hall of Famer
So many "adults" have no idea about how life should work and show their ignorance when situations like these happen. I find it par for the course that many college students think their professors have no life outside of the classroom. Most young adult Americans think life revolves around them and are surprised to find out otherwise. I'm happy for Peyton Hillis getting married! I hope he heals up soon and gets back to his dominating ways.
Looks like LeCharles Bentley is trying to cause trouble and make Hillis look bad. Who knows what the real story is here. For what its worth I have met Bentley and he seemed like a piece of crap.
http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2011/11/browns-hillis-allegedly-ditches-childrens-halloween-event/
"Cleveland Browns running back, and local drama magnet, Peyton Hillis was an alleged no-show for a Halloween-based event which was held at Cleveland’s Boys & Girls Club on Monday evening. Dubbed “Halloween With Hillis,” former St. Ignatius, Ohio State University and Cleveland Browns center LeCharles Bentley was slated to have this season’s tough luck star on his recently-launched Internet radio program, airing from the local chapter of the Boys & Girls Club with the opportunity for children in attendance to receive candy as well as autographs, and all donations from the evening going directly to the Club. A press release was sent out roughly one week earlier, sharing Bentley’s booking as well as encouraging local children to attend.
Surrounded by various members of the local media, Bentley went live with his Watch the Throne-laced radio program at 6:00pm without Hillis in attendance. Bentley, who is a board member of the Boys & Girls Club, recently held an event at the same club with former Buckeyes quarterback Troy Smith, helped to organize the event for underprivileged youth, allegedly ensuring that the event was booked through proper channels with verifyable communication. Unfortunately for those in attendance, the Browns running back never made it to the Club, leading to a groundswell of consternation.
Though a press release went out with regard to the event, a cursory look at the Cleveland Boys & Girls Club website has no mention of the event. The only Halloween-related events held at the Club, per the website, involved trick-or-treating on October 21 and pumpkin carving three days later. Given the matter in which third-party events are organized, there are multiple layers in which communication lines could potentially be blurred. WFNY attempts to gain additional insight via the Boys & Girls Club have yet to gain response.
Hillis has largely been very welcoming to - and welcomed by - the Cleveland area, previously taking part in several area autograph signings and various other local events. His most recent set of tweets encompass his feelings for the town, stating that the Arkansas native would like to retire in Cleveland after a career with the Browns. Unfortunately, since the calendar turned to 2011, Hillis has been surrounded by drama both on and off of the field, ranging from contract discussions to missing multiple games due to a litany of injuries and ailments. It could be assumed that if not for the ancillary drama surrounding Hillis 2011 season, this issue may not be an issue at all.
On the radio program, Bentley referred to Hillis’ lack of participation as “more of a ‘trick’ than a treat.’” As the event came to a close roughly one hour later, Bentley noted what had transpired via Twitter, stating that not only did the bruising back not show up to the event, but that he wants a contract including $10 million in guaranteed money. Given that the event was not sponsored by the Browns, the team will not comment on the players, both former and current. As of this publication, Hillis has yet to respond to the most recent set of allegations."
Why would he include the contract situation in this situation? It seems like Peyton Hillis can't go to the bathroom without multiple media outlets jumping on the story.
Btw, 10 million in guaranteed money doesn't seem like the "huge contract" that everyone has claimed that he wanted. 10 mill guaranteed for what, like 3 years? Frank Gore has a 21 million dollar contract with 13.5 mill guaranteed at age 28 and a lot of mileage. Way different than the 30 million Chris Johnson was guaranteed, not to mention the 1 mill signing bonus (for some reasons many fans speculated this is what he was aiming for, closer to CJ money).
http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2011/11/browns-hillis-allegedly-ditches-childrens-halloween-event/
"Cleveland Browns running back, and local drama magnet, Peyton Hillis was an alleged no-show for a Halloween-based event which was held at Cleveland’s Boys & Girls Club on Monday evening. Dubbed “Halloween With Hillis,” former St. Ignatius, Ohio State University and Cleveland Browns center LeCharles Bentley was slated to have this season’s tough luck star on his recently-launched Internet radio program, airing from the local chapter of the Boys & Girls Club with the opportunity for children in attendance to receive candy as well as autographs, and all donations from the evening going directly to the Club. A press release was sent out roughly one week earlier, sharing Bentley’s booking as well as encouraging local children to attend.
Surrounded by various members of the local media, Bentley went live with his Watch the Throne-laced radio program at 6:00pm without Hillis in attendance. Bentley, who is a board member of the Boys & Girls Club, recently held an event at the same club with former Buckeyes quarterback Troy Smith, helped to organize the event for underprivileged youth, allegedly ensuring that the event was booked through proper channels with verifyable communication. Unfortunately for those in attendance, the Browns running back never made it to the Club, leading to a groundswell of consternation.
Though a press release went out with regard to the event, a cursory look at the Cleveland Boys & Girls Club website has no mention of the event. The only Halloween-related events held at the Club, per the website, involved trick-or-treating on October 21 and pumpkin carving three days later. Given the matter in which third-party events are organized, there are multiple layers in which communication lines could potentially be blurred. WFNY attempts to gain additional insight via the Boys & Girls Club have yet to gain response.
Hillis has largely been very welcoming to - and welcomed by - the Cleveland area, previously taking part in several area autograph signings and various other local events. His most recent set of tweets encompass his feelings for the town, stating that the Arkansas native would like to retire in Cleveland after a career with the Browns. Unfortunately, since the calendar turned to 2011, Hillis has been surrounded by drama both on and off of the field, ranging from contract discussions to missing multiple games due to a litany of injuries and ailments. It could be assumed that if not for the ancillary drama surrounding Hillis 2011 season, this issue may not be an issue at all.
On the radio program, Bentley referred to Hillis’ lack of participation as “more of a ‘trick’ than a treat.’” As the event came to a close roughly one hour later, Bentley noted what had transpired via Twitter, stating that not only did the bruising back not show up to the event, but that he wants a contract including $10 million in guaranteed money. Given that the event was not sponsored by the Browns, the team will not comment on the players, both former and current. As of this publication, Hillis has yet to respond to the most recent set of allegations."
Why would he include the contract situation in this situation? It seems like Peyton Hillis can't go to the bathroom without multiple media outlets jumping on the story.
Btw, 10 million in guaranteed money doesn't seem like the "huge contract" that everyone has claimed that he wanted. 10 mill guaranteed for what, like 3 years? Frank Gore has a 21 million dollar contract with 13.5 mill guaranteed at age 28 and a lot of mileage. Way different than the 30 million Chris Johnson was guaranteed, not to mention the 1 mill signing bonus (for some reasons many fans speculated this is what he was aiming for, closer to CJ money).
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TheAnimal
Guru
Who do Whiteboy think he bees axing fo' over 3 million benz per year?! /Sarcasm
Seriously, THAT price tag is a hold up and it isn't racial? Please.
Seriously, THAT price tag is a hold up and it isn't racial? Please.
Yep, I wish they would release this information officially but they never will. Some writers did state he was looking close to Frank Gore money so its not far off.
Doing a quick google search here are some results I found
Michael Turner 15 million guaranteed (I think that was coming off the Chargers with not being proven as an every down back
McGahee 15 million guaranteed with Ravens (after 3 slightly above average seasons with the Bills, 1200 yards, 1100+ yards, 990 yards, the last two seasons 3.8 ypc, his contract was supposed to be worth up to 40 million at that time, he has gotten a new contract since leaving the Ravens, 9.5 mill, 3 mill guaranteed
Bradshaw 9 million guaranteed
Jonathan Stewart 10 mill guaranteed (has been in a time share
Brandon Jacobs 13 mill guaranteed (doesn't see the ball as much as he used to with Bradshaw)
Those are all backs that you can easily say Hillis is better than. That doesn't even cover the other stuff like the bonus and the incentives etc.
There are quite a few backs with over 15 mill guaranteed.
Doing a quick google search here are some results I found
Michael Turner 15 million guaranteed (I think that was coming off the Chargers with not being proven as an every down back
McGahee 15 million guaranteed with Ravens (after 3 slightly above average seasons with the Bills, 1200 yards, 1100+ yards, 990 yards, the last two seasons 3.8 ypc, his contract was supposed to be worth up to 40 million at that time, he has gotten a new contract since leaving the Ravens, 9.5 mill, 3 mill guaranteed
Bradshaw 9 million guaranteed
Jonathan Stewart 10 mill guaranteed (has been in a time share
Brandon Jacobs 13 mill guaranteed (doesn't see the ball as much as he used to with Bradshaw)
Those are all backs that you can easily say Hillis is better than. That doesn't even cover the other stuff like the bonus and the incentives etc.
There are quite a few backs with over 15 mill guaranteed.
Now this story doesn't sound like it's part of a conspiracy, does it? I'd bet that Hillis knew nothing about this event before being lambasted for not showing up for it. Kind of like Randy Weaver being given the wrong court date and then being attacked for not being there.
The whole Hillis drama, when each aspect is analyzed logically, leads to the conclusion that we just don't know what's really going on. The official story that he came up suddenly with the worst case of strep throat in history, and opted not to play of his own volition (assisted by his laughable agent, who supposedly advised him not to) is simply not believable. The fact that Hillis barely played the next game, when he was healthy, even though Hardesty was dropping passes left and right, lends credence to the theory he was being punished by the coaching staff.
The "hamstring" injury story is also not a credible one. It's contradicted by Hillis' own visible actions on the sidelines following the "injury," as well as the fact no one checked this "injury" out, he was not riding a bicycle (standard procedure for such tweaks) and was seen by many to be pleading to go back in the game. Then we have the mysterious scenario last week, when he practiced in full Wednesday and Shurmur gleefully proclaimed him ready for a huge workload in the upcoming game, only to be declared by the same sources as "defintely unlikely to play" the following day. Those of us who play fantasy football understand just how uncommon such contradictory reporting is.
There has been a clear effort by many to paint Hillis as a selfish, undeserving, "soft" player playing out of his "natural" FB position. In fact, this is rapidly becoming his public persona. The longer he sits out, for whatever reason, the stronger this false, created image becomes. Hillis needs to play, to be strong, and to shatter the stereotypes like he did for much of last season.
The whole Hillis drama, when each aspect is analyzed logically, leads to the conclusion that we just don't know what's really going on. The official story that he came up suddenly with the worst case of strep throat in history, and opted not to play of his own volition (assisted by his laughable agent, who supposedly advised him not to) is simply not believable. The fact that Hillis barely played the next game, when he was healthy, even though Hardesty was dropping passes left and right, lends credence to the theory he was being punished by the coaching staff.
The "hamstring" injury story is also not a credible one. It's contradicted by Hillis' own visible actions on the sidelines following the "injury," as well as the fact no one checked this "injury" out, he was not riding a bicycle (standard procedure for such tweaks) and was seen by many to be pleading to go back in the game. Then we have the mysterious scenario last week, when he practiced in full Wednesday and Shurmur gleefully proclaimed him ready for a huge workload in the upcoming game, only to be declared by the same sources as "defintely unlikely to play" the following day. Those of us who play fantasy football understand just how uncommon such contradictory reporting is.
There has been a clear effort by many to paint Hillis as a selfish, undeserving, "soft" player playing out of his "natural" FB position. In fact, this is rapidly becoming his public persona. The longer he sits out, for whatever reason, the stronger this false, created image becomes. Hillis needs to play, to be strong, and to shatter the stereotypes like he did for much of last season.
Riddlewire
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That would not work, in my opinion.
Hillis could be 100% healthy and feel better than he has his entire career. He still wouldn't be able to move the ball in Cleveland's "Crippled By Design" offense. They're not going to allow him to be successful. Mangini was fired for just such a sin last year.
I think only McCoy could help Peyton's situation. If the starting QB demands that his best runner and best pass protector sees the majority of the snaps, then the powers that be would either have to acquiesce or risk a public escalation of the "Dysfunctional Team" meme. Unfortunately, McCoy shows no inclination towards going to bat for Hillis (thereby also helping himself). And I suspect McCoy's own tenuous hold on his job plays a role in that.
I've never seen any team so perfectly optimized for failure.
TheAnimal
Guru
Browse the web, it has worked. Hillis has gone from hero to zero with the DWF's already who are sharpening the pitchforks already.
[h=1]Peyton Hillis Reportedly Offered 3-Year Extension by Cleveland Browns[/h]http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...-offered-3-year-extension-by-cleveland-browns
reportedly its 3 million guaranteed. I think that is less than what Pierre Thomas makes. It is bleacher report so who knows, there is a quote from Tony Zarella, not sure who he is or if he is credible. If it is true no wonder he hasn't signed and isn't happy.
reportedly its 3 million guaranteed. I think that is less than what Pierre Thomas makes. It is bleacher report so who knows, there is a quote from Tony Zarella, not sure who he is or if he is credible. If it is true no wonder he hasn't signed and isn't happy.
Earlier today, Weenie World reported that Hillis was going to practice, but then this:
Updating a previous item, Peyton Hillis (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday. It can't be a good sign for Hillis' Week 9 availability. The Browns initially hoped Hillis would practice Wednesday, but it appears he's not healthy enough yet to participate in drills. If Hillis can't play against the Texans, the Browns would have to roll with Chris Ogbonnaya and Thomas Clayton. Ogbonnaya was terrible in Week 8, getting Colt McCoy sacked twice on blown blitz pickups, dropping a pass, fumbling, and averaging under 3.4 yards a carry.
Updating a previous item, Peyton Hillis (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday. It can't be a good sign for Hillis' Week 9 availability. The Browns initially hoped Hillis would practice Wednesday, but it appears he's not healthy enough yet to participate in drills. If Hillis can't play against the Texans, the Browns would have to roll with Chris Ogbonnaya and Thomas Clayton. Ogbonnaya was terrible in Week 8, getting Colt McCoy sacked twice on blown blitz pickups, dropping a pass, fumbling, and averaging under 3.4 yards a carry.
Hopefully its just precautionary. No reason for him to practice too soon like he did last week and miss another game. If he practices Friday then its a good shot of him playing Sunday.
News articles are printing that Hillis turned down a 16 million dollar contract and most idiots think that is guaranteed money. It is confirmed, only 3 of that was guaranteed, the rest could be tied up in ridiculous incentives, regardless it wouldn't be guaranteed. The contract is almost similar to what the Broncos offered a 30 year old Willis McGahee 5 years removed from a 1,000 yard season. I don't think its about the money though, its insulting to be that offered less than 5 mill in terms of guaranteed money. It shows that the team thinks very little of what you will do in the future, or in the Browns case, probably related to the role they wanted him to play.
News articles are printing that Hillis turned down a 16 million dollar contract and most idiots think that is guaranteed money. It is confirmed, only 3 of that was guaranteed, the rest could be tied up in ridiculous incentives, regardless it wouldn't be guaranteed. The contract is almost similar to what the Broncos offered a 30 year old Willis McGahee 5 years removed from a 1,000 yard season. I don't think its about the money though, its insulting to be that offered less than 5 mill in terms of guaranteed money. It shows that the team thinks very little of what you will do in the future, or in the Browns case, probably related to the role they wanted him to play.
What is wrong with Hillis? Geez, is he just trying to get everyone to call him a wimp? WHY wasn't he out there trying to practice, when the coach claimed he was going to? At this point, if everything we've been told about this drama is actually true, then DWFs and the media are right in calling Hillis soft.
I'm trying to stay supportive of Hillis, but he's making it really hard. He has to show more toughness than this, especially now, when Hardesty is injured and the team would be forced to lean heavily on him. Missing a game because of strep throat was ridiculous enough, but now taking far longer than his team and everyone else anticipates to recover from a minor hamstring issue just solidifies the "injury prone" and "soft" labels being applied to him.
It will take a miracle now for Hillis to get a big contract, and to ever have a chance again to be a starting RB in tnis league.
I'm trying to stay supportive of Hillis, but he's making it really hard. He has to show more toughness than this, especially now, when Hardesty is injured and the team would be forced to lean heavily on him. Missing a game because of strep throat was ridiculous enough, but now taking far longer than his team and everyone else anticipates to recover from a minor hamstring issue just solidifies the "injury prone" and "soft" labels being applied to him.
It will take a miracle now for Hillis to get a big contract, and to ever have a chance again to be a starting RB in tnis league.
Riddlewire
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I'm not a doctor, but it seems like a hamstring injury is something that you have to just stay off of until it reaches close to 100% or else you'll just reinjure it.
Jake Bequette, the defensive end from Arkansas, missed four weeks this season because of a pulled hamstring. He didn't practice that entire time. Peyton has practiced and played since injuring his leg. He carried the ball six times in the Oakland game and he shouldn't have. He probably set his recovery back a couple of weeks.
I don't think he should play this week. He won't be successful, anyway. Shurmur won't let him.
On a related note, here is how the Associated Press headlined their recent article about that Halloween party that Hillis missed:
Yeah, no agenda there...
Jake Bequette, the defensive end from Arkansas, missed four weeks this season because of a pulled hamstring. He didn't practice that entire time. Peyton has practiced and played since injuring his leg. He carried the ball six times in the Oakland game and he shouldn't have. He probably set his recovery back a couple of weeks.
I don't think he should play this week. He won't be successful, anyway. Shurmur won't let him.
On a related note, here is how the Associated Press headlined their recent article about that Halloween party that Hillis missed:
Yeah, no agenda there...
Not every hamstring injury is "minor", they can be severe. I am not sure if you remember LAST week when he was having hamstring issues, he practiced. What was the result? It got to the point where he couldn't practice the next few days and couldn't play on Sunday. Why would he repeat the same thing this week?
For a guy into conspiracies you seem to buy into what the media says very easily.
Its going to be impossible for him to get a big contract no matter what he does. So what if he sat out for strep throat (its speculated that he had a hamstring issue then as well), I would have too if I were him. He just came off a great season and the most they are willing to offer him is 3 million guaranteed? That was THIS week. I am willing to bet that the money they were willing to offer him a few weeks back was MUCH lower. It looks like the Browns increased the price once they realized they had no other backs on the roster capable of filling in for an entire game.
Have you played football with a badly injured hamstring? My guess is that he tried to do the same thing as last week, used his BRAIN and realized that it will be much smarter to sit out practice so he can play the actual game on Sunday. That is if his hamstring is even good enough to play with rest. This hamstring has been giving him issues since preseason, its the same one he injured with the Broncos landing upside down making a catch, once you injure your hamstring you are prone to more hamstring injuries. Its out of his control and has nothing to do with how tough he is. . Go read up on hamstring injuries. So far Hillis has broken almost every rule there is in order to heal properly. Or he can listen to your advice, make it worse and miss twice as many games getting even more of a "soft" label. In the process he will probably look below average running if he practices on it all week. So he will get the "soft" and "overrated" label. He is in a lose lose situation here and can only hope that it heals up soon. If only he had not tried to make that acrobatic catch several years ago. BTW Andre Johnson has been out weeks with a hamstring issue and other guys have missed games due to very minor ones.
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If he's not ready he's not ready. He'll play when he can, and when he does he'll do great, because he's a great player. Sooner or later either with Cleveland or someone else he'll play and star. Let's stop the pity party. Guys get hurt, guys slump, guys have setbacks, that's what sports is about, ups and downs. He's always going to be a 1000 yard guy who was on the cover of Madden, somewhere down the line he'll excel. Let's spread the positive energy that has moved the caste system a nudge in the right direction.
sport historian
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Fair enough.
Browns' Peyton Hillis 'sorry' for missing kids' event
His image tattered, his reputation under attack, Browns running back Peyton Hillis tried to stiffarm past another mess in a season spiraling out of control.
Hillis apologized Wednesday for missing a Halloween party for kids that he was supposed to attend, blaming his unexcused absence on a miscommunication. Hillis failed to show up at the Boys & Girls Club on Monday to hand out candy to 50 children at the event, which was hosted by former Browns offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley, a club board member.
"I just want to say I'm sorry about the charity event with the Boys and Girls Club," said Hillis, who has missed Cleveland's past two games with a hamstring injury. "There was a lot of miscommunication between me and the management that I had and if I knew the full depths of it, I wouldn't have missed it.
"I've always made community events before (but) that shouldn't be an excuse now. Like I said, I'm sorry about everything and hopefully in the near future we can be able to make that up."
Bentley had secured a commitment that Hillis would attend from Kyle Hillis, the back's brother and business manager.
Hillis did not name his brother when addressing his reasons for missing the event, a nonappearance that triggered a backlash from Cleveland fans and a public relations gaffe Hillis couldn't afford.
"It was misinformation between me and my management about what it was, where it was and stuff like that," Hillis said. "But from that standpoint I'm still truly sorry and there's still no excuse."
Hillis did not take any questions and promised to talk again Thursday.
Bentley was furious with Hillis following Monday's event and vented on his Twitter page, posting: "Peyton Hillis looking for 10mil guaranteed from Browns and can't show up to kids charity event? (hash)ManPlease."
Reached by phone Wednesday, Bentley wanted to put the situation behind him.
"We can all move forward," Bentley told the AP. "He's a great player and I wish him the best."
It's been a stunning fall from grace for Hillis, who rushed for nearly 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Hillis endeared himself to Cleveland fans with his bulldozing style, and during the offseason he won a nationwide fan vote to be the Madden video game cover.
He has to now wonder if the tribute is more of a curse.
His second season with Cleveland has been entangled in controversy.
It began with his public contract squabble with Browns management about a long-term extension. He then sat out the Sept. 25 game against Miami with strep throat, a decision made on the advice of his agent, Kennard McGuire. In the aftermath, Hillis' toughness and commitment were questioned by some who wondered if he sat out in part because of his contract.
He's been sidelined the past two weeks after injuring his hamstring on Oct. 16 against Oakland. He returned to practice last Wednesday, but suffered a setback and missed Sunday's game in San Francisco.
On Wednesday, coach Pat Shurmur initially told reporters Hillis would practice as the Browns (3-4) prepared for Sunday's game in Houston. However, Hillis was dressed in sweats and left the field with a trainer shortly after the media was allowed in to watch the first 15 minutes.
Hillis was listed as "did not participate" on the Browns' first injury report of the week and his status for Sunday's game is uncertain.
The Browns need a healthy Hillis more than ever.
With backup Montario Hardesty out this week with a torn calf muscle and expected to miss several games with the injury, the Browns are down to Chris Ogbonnaya as their feature back. Ogbonnaya has only been with the club since Oct. 18, when he was signed off the Texans' practice squad.
The Browns signed Thomas Clayton on Tuesday following a tryout. Clayton was active for two games with Cleveland last season, but must now quickly learn Shurmur's new West Coast offense.
"I'm ready to rock and roll," he said. "The learning curve will be pretty easy considering I'm familiar with a lot of the players here and the coaching staff as well. Everyone's been pretty helpful. So I should be able to get out there and contribute pretty soon."
Injuries have decimated the Browns' backfield, which appeared to be a team strength when the season started. But Brandon Jackson, who was signed as a free agent to be the team's third-down back, sustained a season-ending injury in August and Hillis and Hardesty have been banged up.
It's not an ideal situation for Cleveland's running game, which is ranked 29th in the league.
"When you're shuffling guys in and out, it's a challenge, but it happens all over," Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas said. "This is not just unique to our situation. Having a running back that's been there is helpful because there is a continuity aspect. It's just like having the same five offensive linemen is helpful. It's helpful to have a guy who's been there for a while.
"Sometimes you've just got to play the cards you've been dealt."
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/browns/story/2011-11-02/hillis-event/51049452/1
His image tattered, his reputation under attack, Browns running back Peyton Hillis tried to stiffarm past another mess in a season spiraling out of control.
Hillis apologized Wednesday for missing a Halloween party for kids that he was supposed to attend, blaming his unexcused absence on a miscommunication. Hillis failed to show up at the Boys & Girls Club on Monday to hand out candy to 50 children at the event, which was hosted by former Browns offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley, a club board member.
"I just want to say I'm sorry about the charity event with the Boys and Girls Club," said Hillis, who has missed Cleveland's past two games with a hamstring injury. "There was a lot of miscommunication between me and the management that I had and if I knew the full depths of it, I wouldn't have missed it.
"I've always made community events before (but) that shouldn't be an excuse now. Like I said, I'm sorry about everything and hopefully in the near future we can be able to make that up."
Bentley had secured a commitment that Hillis would attend from Kyle Hillis, the back's brother and business manager.
Hillis did not name his brother when addressing his reasons for missing the event, a nonappearance that triggered a backlash from Cleveland fans and a public relations gaffe Hillis couldn't afford.
"It was misinformation between me and my management about what it was, where it was and stuff like that," Hillis said. "But from that standpoint I'm still truly sorry and there's still no excuse."
Hillis did not take any questions and promised to talk again Thursday.
Bentley was furious with Hillis following Monday's event and vented on his Twitter page, posting: "Peyton Hillis looking for 10mil guaranteed from Browns and can't show up to kids charity event? (hash)ManPlease."
Reached by phone Wednesday, Bentley wanted to put the situation behind him.
"We can all move forward," Bentley told the AP. "He's a great player and I wish him the best."
It's been a stunning fall from grace for Hillis, who rushed for nearly 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Hillis endeared himself to Cleveland fans with his bulldozing style, and during the offseason he won a nationwide fan vote to be the Madden video game cover.
He has to now wonder if the tribute is more of a curse.
His second season with Cleveland has been entangled in controversy.
It began with his public contract squabble with Browns management about a long-term extension. He then sat out the Sept. 25 game against Miami with strep throat, a decision made on the advice of his agent, Kennard McGuire. In the aftermath, Hillis' toughness and commitment were questioned by some who wondered if he sat out in part because of his contract.
He's been sidelined the past two weeks after injuring his hamstring on Oct. 16 against Oakland. He returned to practice last Wednesday, but suffered a setback and missed Sunday's game in San Francisco.
On Wednesday, coach Pat Shurmur initially told reporters Hillis would practice as the Browns (3-4) prepared for Sunday's game in Houston. However, Hillis was dressed in sweats and left the field with a trainer shortly after the media was allowed in to watch the first 15 minutes.
Hillis was listed as "did not participate" on the Browns' first injury report of the week and his status for Sunday's game is uncertain.
The Browns need a healthy Hillis more than ever.
With backup Montario Hardesty out this week with a torn calf muscle and expected to miss several games with the injury, the Browns are down to Chris Ogbonnaya as their feature back. Ogbonnaya has only been with the club since Oct. 18, when he was signed off the Texans' practice squad.
The Browns signed Thomas Clayton on Tuesday following a tryout. Clayton was active for two games with Cleveland last season, but must now quickly learn Shurmur's new West Coast offense.
"I'm ready to rock and roll," he said. "The learning curve will be pretty easy considering I'm familiar with a lot of the players here and the coaching staff as well. Everyone's been pretty helpful. So I should be able to get out there and contribute pretty soon."
Injuries have decimated the Browns' backfield, which appeared to be a team strength when the season started. But Brandon Jackson, who was signed as a free agent to be the team's third-down back, sustained a season-ending injury in August and Hillis and Hardesty have been banged up.
It's not an ideal situation for Cleveland's running game, which is ranked 29th in the league.
"When you're shuffling guys in and out, it's a challenge, but it happens all over," Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas said. "This is not just unique to our situation. Having a running back that's been there is helpful because there is a continuity aspect. It's just like having the same five offensive linemen is helpful. It's helpful to have a guy who's been there for a while.
"Sometimes you've just got to play the cards you've been dealt."
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/browns/story/2011-11-02/hillis-event/51049452/1
Peyton was back today and he looked pretty healthy, apparently. fingers crossed!
btw, that is interesting, in a redraft 2008 speculation, profootballfocus has Peyton going 27th to Chargers http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/11/03/re-drafting-the-2008-nfl-draft/
btw, that is interesting, in a redraft 2008 speculation, profootballfocus has Peyton going 27th to Chargers http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/11/03/re-drafting-the-2008-nfl-draft/
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Colonel_Reb
Hall of Famer
Yeah, and then you'd have a near-repeat of the Jacob Hester story.
Good news, let's hope the drama is over for this week and the rest of the season.
Peyton Hillis (hamstring) announced Thursday that he expects to play against the Texans in Week 9. Hillis was pain-free in his return to a limited practice. While he conceded that he pushed the hamstring too hard last week, Hillis says his strength and flexibility were good enough to play Thursday if he had to. Barring another setback Friday, he'll be in the starting lineup for perhaps 15-20 touches against the Texans' stout run defense.
Peyton Hillis (hamstring) announced Thursday that he expects to play against the Texans in Week 9. Hillis was pain-free in his return to a limited practice. While he conceded that he pushed the hamstring too hard last week, Hillis says his strength and flexibility were good enough to play Thursday if he had to. Barring another setback Friday, he'll be in the starting lineup for perhaps 15-20 touches against the Texans' stout run defense.
Saw this today - seems that even if Peyton is healthy for the rest of the season, he might have a tough time anyway -
Peyton Hillis, RB, Cleveland
Hillis owners have been waiting for the "Madden NFL 12" cover boy to get healthy and return to his 2010 form. (Blame the jinx?) They shouldn't hold their breath. Looming for the Browns is an absurdly difficult schedule down the stretch that includes Cincinnati (second against the run), Baltimore twice (third) and Pittsburgh twice (eighth).
Peyton Hillis, RB, Cleveland
Hillis owners have been waiting for the "Madden NFL 12" cover boy to get healthy and return to his 2010 form. (Blame the jinx?) They shouldn't hold their breath. Looming for the Browns is an absurdly difficult schedule down the stretch that includes Cincinnati (second against the run), Baltimore twice (third) and Pittsburgh twice (eighth).
perfect way to show dwfs that he is worth the money and an elite rb, by running all over those teams and getting some wins out of it. It will be hard with the coaching staff/play calling/amount of touches but Im trying to stay optimistic.
Riddlewire
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Don't forget the additional 15 snaps that he'll be required to line up at fullback and slam into the line for the benefit of Ogbonnaya.
And, even on Peyton's carries, I don't see that Browns line opening many holes against Houston.