When Feel-Good Stories Die
After the Browns released LeCharles Bentley earlier this pre-season, they still had one potential feel-good story remaining in Gary Baxter. Baxter blew out both his knees on one play two years ago, and was making an attempt at an unprecedented comeback to the playing field. Today, that comeback attempt is on hold, if not over completely as the Browns terminated Gary Baxter’s contract. Last week it was announced that Baxter had arthroscopic knee surgery to remove some cartilage.
“Last year we were able to hold a roster spot open for Gary as he attempted to make a monumental comeback,” said Browns General Manager Phil Savage. “After he underwent a knee scope last week, we are unfortunately not in a position to hold a roster spot this year. We are releasing Gary today in hopes he will be able to continue his rehab and get back into the NFL, either with another team, or possibly with the Browns. Gary has made tremendous strides thus far, and we believe he can play professional football again in the future.”
In this statement it seems like Phil Savage is covering his behind in order to avoid criticism that the Browns just dumped a guy when he was hurt. I really do believe that the Browns acted ethically in this situation, though. They did as much as any NFL franchise would do to keep a player around even when he wasn’t able to help the team. This season with a serious lack of depth in the defensive backfield, the Browns were just not in a position to keep the Baxter dream alive.
And no, I don’t believe that Phil Savage and company actually think Baxter will ever be back in a Cleveland Browns uniform. It was just a really upbeat, encouraging thing for him to say.
