Sep 29, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (99) celebrates a sack on Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (not pictured) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Reading about Marcell Dareus’ immaturity and its negative impact on the Buffalo Bills’ reputation is almost becoming routine. Every few months, Dareus finds a new way to embarrass the organization through drugs, drag racing or tardiness and it needs to stop.
The Bills tried to send a message to Dareus late last year when they benched him for the first half of the Patriots game after he was late to a team meeting. His offseason behavior would suggest the message was ineffective. Regardless of what the league does to discipline Dareus, it’s time for the Bills to send a stronger message.
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There are some who believe Stevie Johnson’s trade to the San Francisco 49ers stems all the way back to his goofy comments on the Jim Rome Show about not working out in the off-season.
“I usually never work out.” And “They give us the booklet and stuff, but I get it and I put it in a drawer. I really don’t do it.”
If Johnson suggesting he takes full advantage of his offseason to rest and relax irritated the Bills enough to send him packing a year later, Dareus’ should warrant immediate action
At the bare minimum, the Bills should suspend Dareus for multiple games or extend any league suspension he faces and also let him know his next strike will be his last with the team. I’m more inclined to part ways with Dareus now.
The Bills are on a new course with Russ Brandon, Dough Marrone, EJ Manuel, Sammy Watkins, etc., to restore the team’s credibility in the league. Nothing from Dareus’ recent behavior suggests he respects such a mission.
It’s hard to part ways with a former top pick and Pro Bowl level talent, but when that individual consistently demonstrates a lack of respect for the organization and its community, the hard thing is the right thing to do.