The Jaguars had one of the most curiously awful weekends in recent memory, losing 41-0 while watching three players have “off-the-field” incidents.
The most damaging was the surprise benching of Mike Sims-Walker, the third-year receiver who averaged 93 receiving yards in the team’s previous three games. (It was also rather damaging to fantasy owners who had him in their lineups. Although Rotoworld had the news an hour before kickoff if you were paying close attention.)
The Florida Times-Union reports that Sims-Walker “violated the violated the team itinerary” during their weekend in Seattle, when they arrived Friday night.
PFT is trying to learn if there is more to the story, and we’ll let you know when we confirm anything.
While Sims-Walker was not where he should be in Seattle, linebacker Quentin Groves was late arriving to the city. We told you Sunday night about Groves’ car accident on the way to the team plane in which a motorist accuses Groves of a hit-and-run and getting special treatment from the police.
Groves wound up missing the team plane and had to travel on his own. There is some thought Groves, a second round pick in 2008, could get released.
The incidents stand out especially because of Jack Del Rio’s emphasis on the team’s work ethic and character after a tumultuous 2008 campaign. Del Rio was asked how the weekend fit in with the new emphasis.
“It certainly tarnishes those kind of feelings and statements,” he said.