Denver’s Brandon Marshall Must Be Really Ticked Off Now

This just in. Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall, openly unhappy with the Denver Broncos, was suspended by the team Friday for unspecified “detrimental” conduct. The club did not say in its short statement how long the suspension would last.

During Wednesday’s warmups, Marshall walked while the rest of the team ran. He punted a ball away instead of handing it to a ball boy and swatted a pass thrown to him. His actions were caught on video and broadcast by a local news station.

Marshall told ESPN on Thursday night he wasn’t trying to force a trade through insubordination but that frustration got the best of him.

The receiver apparently was held out of practice Thursday as punishment for the selfish display, but head coach Josh McDaniels wouldn’t discuss it after practice.

“I’m not going into it,” the coach said. “If they’re not ready or able, they’re not out here.”

Marshall’s agent, Kennard McGuire, didn’t immediately return a phone call Friday. McGuire was out of the country until Monday.

McDaniels said Marshall didn’t play against the Seahawks because he wasn’t prepared to take the field.

Marshall also missed the team’s exhibition opener against San Francisco two weeks ago because he was on trial in Atlanta, where he was acquitted of a misdemeanor battery charge.

Prosecutors had accused him of beating his then-girlfriend.

2009: Year Of The Diva?

Is it just me, or has 2009 been filled with more drama since Michael Vick’s trial in 2007? I don’t know what it going on, but this offseason has been filled with arrests, meltdowns, trades, and general drama.

It all started with Plaxico Burress. I know the “incident” where he accidentally shot himself in his leg with an unlicensed, and illegally concealed, weapon in a night club was in 2008. However, it is still a hot topic today in 2009.

After his arrest, he was suspended for the rest of 2008 season by Roger Gooddell, and released by the New York Giants in the offseason. His trial for weapons charges has been postponed to September, so it is a possibility that an ailing or rebuilding team could pick him up as a free agent.

Then came Jay Cutler. After hearing that he was in the midst of trade talks for Matt Cassel, he flipped on rookie head coach Josh McDaniels. He demanded a trade, and owner Pat Bowlen was forced to oblige.

He was traded to the Chicago Bears for QB Kyle Orton and several draft picks. Cutler was satisfied, and so were Da Bears. But the Broncos had lost their first hope at a franchise QB since John Elway

How could we forget the big T.O. Long, long after instigating a hissy fit about Tony Romo throwing to Jason Whitten, which caused a late season meltdown, Owens was released from the Dallas Cowboys. Troublemakers Pacman Jones and Tank Johnson also got canned.

However, it didn’t take long to find a new home for Owens, as the Buffalo Bills picked him up after less than a week. They are division rivals with the New England Patriots, home to Terrell Owens archrival Randy Moss. Prepare to be entertained.

The next Diva to come around was Brandon Marshall. Sometimes better known for his 13 arrests for domestic violence than is on-the-field prowess, B-Marsh wants out of Denver.

Why? Most likely because he lost his QB, Jay Cutler. Top that with rookie head coach Josh McDaniels causing a ruckus and stirring everyone’s feathers, it’s not a surprise someone like him wants out.

Less publicized is Chad Ocho Cinco’s attempt at maturity. After publicly admitting his disappointment in his performance it seems he is attempting to take the NFL seriously for a change. Stay tuned.

Two notable arrests were made, Marshawn Lynch and Donte Stallworth. Lynch was charged with weapons charges and parole violations, and was suspended for three games by the NFL.

Stallworth, was charged with DUI manslaughter and faced 15 years, but was able to get it down to 30 days? How? Hell if I know, but it worked…Not really, Roger Gooddell laid down some real justice by suspending Stallworth indefinitely, so it is possible Stallworth will never play in the NFL again.

Most recent was everyone’s favorite draft bust, Ryan Leaf. After being wanted for drug and burglary charges, Leaf was caught trying to get across the US border. He faces eight charges and it is speculated he may get up to 10 years in jail.

Why is all this happening? The most likely culprit is the money getting to their heads. Plain immaturity coupled with millions of dollars can’t be a good combo, and it has shown.

Hopefully, the superstars of tomorrow will realize that they can’t let the money, the fame, and the “lifestyle” get to their head, and they should focus on their profession.

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