BlackJesus

The retirement threat to me looks really bad on Trey, as that's like the 'nuclear option' in negotiations and makes the team not want to even listen to you after that. The idea that a 29 year old player who just had his best year would quit and make $0 rather than $15 million because he thinks he deserves $20 million is absurd. And if he wants to do the "I'll take my ball and go home" baby shit, then Duke should just laugh in his face.

Trey: "You need to pay me more money or I'll just quit playing altogether." Mike: (leans forward slowly and whispers) "Did you forget who the fuck you're talking to?"

There's nothing stopping Trey's agent from leading with that headline right now, if that indeed were the case. It would certainly help his client's standing in the public eye, since right now most Bengals fans on twitter are turning on him fast. The Bengals made a bet on him with a reasonable 4 year deal that he would blossom into a star. He then did. End of story. They don't need to now bet against themselves and erase their leverage for making the right gamble.

If Trey says he will retire rather than play for 15 million this season, I hope the Bengals call his bluff. Thankfully Mike Brown is exactly the right guy for that game of chicken. Especially as this is bigger than one player and goes to the foundation of all the team's contracts.

Nobody has said anything about the Bengals going back on a verbal deal, including Trey. He signed an extension and then had a career year so thinks it should get him another raise. But the team can't give every player a yearly raise who outperforms their contract, especially with a salary cap. He made the wrong bet on himself by accepting too little and now wants a mulligan. Tough shit.

Now he's threatening Retirement! 😵‍💫 Fuck off!

The Bengals bet him on being a star player and won the bet. Fair and square. The players can't win every contract.

It's a selfish move for Trey to pull this shit the night before the draft, when the team has more important things to worry about. That already leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I hope Mike & Duke tell him he can play for his current deal or get fucked. The Bengals need to stand their ground or they will have every player demanding a raise and trying to hold them hostage.