The Packers second post-draft minicamp began yesterday, and the big story out of Green Bay was the absence of four players. Three of these players, Brett Favre, Bubba Franks and Javon Walker were expected. The fourth, defensive end Cletidus Hunt, came as a surprise to his coaches and teammates.
But not to me.
Cletidus Hunt was drafted by Green Bay in the third round of the 1999 draft. The Packers took Hunt despite a huge red flag: Hunt had tested positive for marijuana at the scouting combines earlier that year. Hunt's plus side was that he is a tremendous physical specimen. He is 6'4" and 310 lbs. It was thought that his potential was unlimited; however one must question the character of a man who knows he's going to be drug tested and still tokes up. Maybe not the character, but at least the will power.
After 3 marginal seasons, Hunt was given a 6 year - $25 million dollar deal and was told that he was to be the cornerstone of the Packers defense. Hunt responded by failing 2 additional drug tests and is now one failure away from a 1 year suspension. Moreover, Hunt has displayed typical stoner behavior throughout his career. He has the reputation of being an under achiever. He has missed several mandatory training camp days as well as "voluntary" camps. Each year he is fined $250,000.00 for not participating in the Packers off-season training program. Each year he chooses to pay the fine and stay in Memphis where he lives. He was benched for the last game of the 2004 season. When asked why he was benched, he replied that "Coach Sherman wanted to rest me for the playoffs". This was a shock to Sherman who thought he had made it clear to Hunt that he was being benched for poor performance.
So why would anyone be surprised that Hunt was absent from the first day of minicamp?
Hunt is the modern day "Ferdinand the Bull", a brute of a man who would rather stop and smell the daisies, or in Hunt's case, the sweet sweet smell of frog. For me, I don't think there's anything wrong with that. Hunt is probably a big ol' sweetie. I just have no need for him on my football team. I want you to think about something: Cletidus Hunt.... Ray Nitchke. See what I mean?
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