This article suggests the INOVA departure has more to do with clearing Smith to play again then the Danny and his partners squabble. Also, a number of teams expressed interest in resigning Smith but they wanted him to sign waivers about his leg, or they had reservations about the “non-union” in his leg. Which means two half’s of one of his leg bones has not healed back together.
Smith is still bitter that DC coaches “patronized” him but he has a non-union in his leg to this day. He is lucky DC let him on the field again. It’s clear the reason why he retired was because the 31 other teams weren’t keen on having him on the field either.
I can understand a little bitterness, but I would hope it fades pretty quickly. Hopefully he'll come to understand the level of fear WFT (or any other team) would have around putting him back on the field.
It's not a matter of the
possibility of him taking a hit that not only ends his career but makes him a cripple for the rest of his life; that possibility exists on every play, and they all take the field knowing that. But in the case of Smith, a 37-year old with drop-foot and an unhealed leg fracture, it becomes a
probability that, over the span of a full season, he's ventually going to take a hit that does exactly that. Hell, it could happen when he's dropping into the pocket. Or just the wash of linemen around his feet at the end of any random play.
Last year was an adrenaline high for him and the team. But with a full offseason and an understanding of what his physical situation really is, it's not just owners and FO staffs that wouldn't want to shoulder that kind of risk. If you're an offensive player, do you want to carry that on every snap? It may not be front of mind, but don't think it won't be in there.
Thank you, Alex, for an inspiring comeback and leading the team to a shocking NFCE title -- now ride off into the sunset with no hard feelings, knowing you gave your all, and the whole league agrees that it's time for you to enjoy your retirement.
