Champ Bailey’s agent blames release on playing hurt

One of the more shocking offseason moves was the Denver Broncos release of defensive back Champ Bailey. Bailey’s agent blames his declined play on the fact that he battled through injury.

“Champ is appreciative of the 10 years he had there,” agent Jack Reale told Mike Klis of the Denver Post.  “It’s unfortunate frankly that he tried to play hurt this year.  Because most people with that injury would wind up on IR.  But he felt this was a year they were going to go to the Super Bowl, and he was dadgum if he was going to watch that game from the press box or sidelines.”

“[H]e tried to get it done. And unfortunately everybody wants to judge him based on playing hurt.  Which is how it goes in the league.  Rarely, if ever do you get an ‘attaboy’ if you don’t play as well hurt as you do when your healthy.”