Harris is apparently jealous of the big-money contracts that the Packers handed out to Charles Woodson and Aaron Kampman in the off-season. Harris has skipped the Packers "voluntary" practices this month to express his frustration. Now, he's not sure he'll show up for the start of training camp.
Harris is talented cornerback. He has done a good job on some of the league's best receivers. He's never played in a Pro Bowl but he has been an alternate the last two years. This isn't about his ability. It's about his gall.
Javon Walker was ripped for wanting a new deal when he was a young, rising star and had two years left on his contract. Harris has four years left and he will turn 32 in December.
Harris now says that he shouldn't have signed the deal. But I didn't see the gun at his head when he did.
Please save me the sob stories about NFL contracts not being guaranteed and the fact that the teams have all the leverage. Most workers in America don't have guaranteed contracts and their bosses hold leverage too.
For the Packers to tear up Harris' contract and give in to his pouting would send a terrible message to the rest of the players. But, of course, Harris has seen that griping will help get you what you want. It worked for Mike McKenzie and Javon Walker. Unlike them, Harris has not asked to be traded. At least not yet, anyway.
Missing OTA's (Organized Team Activities) in June is one thing. Holding out of training camp with four years left on your contract is another. Don't do it, Al. Have your agent work quietly behind the scenes to add incentives for a Pro Bowl selection and for interceptions. Just don't do it through the media. Fans don't have the stomach for it and I doubt the Packers do either coming off a 4-12 season.
Harris says the Packers should be fair. So should he.
Dennis Krause joined OnMilwaukee.com as a contributor on June 16, 2006. He is a two-time Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year and a regional Emmy-award winner. Dennis has been the color analyst on home games for the Milwaukee Bucks Radio Network for the last 10 years. He has also been involved with the Green Bay Packers Radio Network for 16 years and is currently the host of the "Packers Game Day" pre-game show.
Dennis started his broadcasting career as a radio air personality in the Fox Valley and Milwaukee.
He spent three years as a sportscaster at WMBD radio and television in Peoria, Illinois before joining WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee in 1987 as a weekend sports anchor. Dennis spent 16 years at Channel 4, serving as its Sports Director and 5 and 6 pm sports anchor from 1994-2003.
Dennis grew up in Hartford, Wisconsin and attended UW-Oshkosh. He lives in Thiensville with his wife and two children. He serves as the Community Resource Director for the Mequon-Thiensville School District.
