No bait and switch this year, Big Frank, OK?

[top dawg]

I remember some time during last off-season when I talked Frank Alexander up.  I took him at his word, and bought in to the positive things that Ron Rivera was saying about Alexander learning his lesson about smoking pot as an NFL player.  I remember also expressing disappointment weeks later once I learned that Big Frank had been busted again.  I mean, pot can be some good poo, but I can think of so many things that I personally enjoy better, and that's why it has been more than half my lifetime ago since the last time I smoked weed.  I can say with 100 percent surety that there is absolutely nothing that weed does that is worth a career---any job that I'd have, much less a career in professional football for Frank Alexander or other guys with that type of talent.  The good thing is that it appears that Big Frank has finally received the message (fingers crossed)!

According to one of my favorite writers, Darrin Gantt (cough cough), Frank Alexander has finally given up the ganja.  As a fan and a person that likes to believe in the best in people (until they show me otherwise), I am going to go out on that limb once more time and take Big Frank at his word.  

“They kept it real with me about the consequences if I make another mistake. But all in all, they were real supportive,” Alexander said. “It’s kind of like what Mr. [Dave] Gettleman told me, ‘I’ve got a son your age. I know y’all can make some bonehead decisions.’

“Coach [Ron] Rivera was the same way. ‘We’re going to stick behind you.’”

I mean, the Panthers really could use his services, and the coaches and Dave Gettleman believe in this young man. Rivera also speaks positively about Alexander in another article recently written by David Newton.

“Frank’s doing a nice job," Rivera said. “He’s showing that he’s hungry. He’s got a lot to prove personally. He feels that way and [is] working that way. This is his make-or-break season."

Sure, Alexander may just be one of the reasons why the Panthers didn't feel a pressing need to draft a pass rusher (though I still believe they would have pulled the trigger on Preston Smith whose plucking from the vine was the last indicator that we had to make a move before all the choice fruit was plucked away during the draft), but it's not like Big Frank is the only defensive end with talent on the roster as pointed out later in the article.  But, perhaps unlike some others, I believe that Big Frank may be the best option to replace Greg Hardy's production.  We've seen the flashes.  Let's just hope that the flashes of the BIC® lighting the hash pipe are truly a thing of Frank Alexander's past, because I'm all sure that we'd hate to see a young guy whose potential has shown a notable amount of promise go up in flames.

 

[davos]

Nice post.

 

With Frank and Addison in the rotation behind CJ and Ealy, we're in very good shape.  The nice thing with Frank is that he's the size of 3 down 4-3 DEs like Ealy.  Still excited about that UDFA (Miller I think)

[caatfan]

He knows he's got 2 strikes. I think the key this year will be his play and not his pee.

[panthers55]

I expect Frank to have a breakout year. That or he won't be with us next season.  We have to keep improving and he is either part of the solution or the problem. Gettleman has no problem constantly upgrading. Wonder if CJ can possible justify his salary no matter what he does. He is a very good player but is anyone worth 20 million playing any position besides quarterback?

 

 

 

 

 

[CarolinaCoolin]

We as a society need to get past the idea that a plant that grows naturally from the earth is the most harmful thing on this planet. Decades after decades of a failed war on drugs. If anyone wants to make a personal decision regarding their life on what they choose to put into their body they should be allowed it. This isn't some type of performance enhancing drug. The NFL and the United States are living in the Stone Age about this. It's truly appalling

[iamhubby1]

I remember some time during last off-season when I talked Frank Alexander up.  I took him at his word, and bought in to the positive things that Ron Rivera was saying about Alexander learning his lesson about smoking pot as an NFL player.  I remember also expressing disappointment weeks later once I learned that Big Frank had been busted again.  I mean, pot can be some good poo, but I can think of so many things that I personally enjoy better, and that's why it has been more than half my lifetime ago since the last time I smoked weed.  I can say with 100 percent surety that there is absolutely nothing that weed does that is worth a career---any job that I'd have, much less a career in professional football for Frank Alexander or other guys with that type of talent.  The good thing is that it appears that Big Frank has finally received the message (fingers crossed)!

According to one of my favorite writers, Darrin Gantt (cough cough), Frank Alexander has finally given up the ganja.  As a fan and a person that likes to believe in the best in people (until they show me otherwise), I am going to go out on that limb once more time and take Big Frank at his word.  

I mean, the Panthers really could use his services, and the coaches and Dave Gettleman believe in this young man. Rivera also speaks positively about Alexander in another article recently written by David Newton.

Sure, Alexander may just be one of the reasons why the Panthers didn't feel a pressing need to draft a pass rusher (though I still believe they would have pulled the trigger on Preston Smith whose plucking from the vine was the last indicator that we had to make a move before all the choice fruit was plucked away during the draft), but it's not like Big Frank is the only defensive end with talent on the roster as pointed out later in the article.  But, perhaps unlike some others, I believe that Big Frank may be the best option to replace Greg Hardy's production.  We've seen the flashes.  Let's just hope that the flashes of the BIC® lighting the hash pipe are truly a thing of Frank Alexander's past, because I'm all sure that we'd hate to see a young guy whose potential has shown a notable amount of promise go up in flames.

 

​

The way I see it, Big Frank is still hanging around. He still has a roster spot, and a chance for a more significant role. He is still on his rookie deal, so he is still cheap. So he's got that going for him. His play this year will define his next contract. Best case for us would be for him to ball out, and earn a decent deal. He knows that, the Panther's know that, and even we fans know that.

 

When he gets opportunities he can be both disruptive, and productive. He's had a few months (cough cough) to work on his technique and physique. Giving rising hope for not only physical, but mental growth as well. Should he play to potential, he very well could solidify our D-line. Yeah, the positives are all there for Big Frank to have a huge impact this year.

 

The staff must see something, because they sure seem to be counting on him. Even though he hasn't played any significant role in almost a year and a half, and is coming off his second suspension. Yet...here he is. Right in the thick of the race for RDE.

 

I liken his situation to Cam's. They are both healthy, happy, and excited to get this going. They both are playing for their next contract. Albeit, Cam's should probably be dealing in tad larger numbers. If, they both play well, we are going to be alright. Hellz, better than all right.

 

 

 

[rico6]

I smoke pot regularly, but yeah, Frank, we need ya man!

[Lumps]

It isn't the drugs, it's the lack of control. Look how he can't even stay clean for a promising, million dollar, respectable, fame-filled career. That's the issue. These players have no control, and break other laws as well making them look even worse. It's not just illegal drugs. Tobacco, alcohol, pain killers. Sure if everyone had control using them there is no issue but pot isn't for everyone like anything else. Some people cannot handle it and lose a lot because of it.

[Lumps]

I have very successful friends who smoke every day. They work jobs like Lawyers and Politicians. I have other friends who had a bright, promising start and and got turned around in the whole 'hippie, stoner' fad and lost all motivation to do anything and can't enjoy life, food, movies or anything without being high. Just depends on the person, but clearly Frank can't handle it if he thinks it's worth losing his career over, and that's a fact whether you are pro legalization or not.

[TN05]

We as a society need to get past the idea that a plant that grows naturally from the earth is the most harmful thing on this planet. Decades after decades of a failed war on drugs. If anyone wants to make a personal decision regarding their life on what they choose to put into their body they should be allowed it. This isn't some type of performance enhancing drug. The NFL and the United States are living in the Stone Age about this. It's truly appalling

The NFL has every right to require its employees not use illegal drugs, especially ones that impair judgement substantially. There is literally no reason to waste your career over pot except addiction.

[yasuhara2241]

I originally thought he was in trouble for pot and then somebody said it was PEDs. So what did he actually get suspended for? 

[CarolinaCoolin]

The NFL has every right to require its employees not use illegal drugs, especially ones that impair judgement substantially. There is literally no reason to waste your career over pot except addiction.

This isn't a debate on whether or not the NFL has the right to require the players to not use the plant. It's a debate on its legality in modern society. But as seen in your post the government has does a good job of brain washing you to believe 1) that it "impairs judgment substantially" which it doesn't and 2) that it's addictive. Which it's not.

[Donald LaFell]

I expect Frank to have a breakout year. That or he won't be with us next season.  We have to keep improving and he is either part of the solution or the problem. Gettleman has no problem constantly upgrading. Wonder if CJ can possible justify his salary no matter what he does. He is a very good player but is anyone worth 20 million playing any position besides quarterback?

 

 

 

 

 

Next year we can cut him or restructure much easier. Also he's quietly holding the defense together. He's not worth his salary but there are worse options to use a Hurney comtract on. 

[pantherphan96]

"Oh, you're hurt? Don't worry, we will just force feed you incredibly addictive prescription painkillers instead of a natural remedy that is just about 10000x less addictive." - NFL trainers