Richie Incognito reinstated, should Patriots sign him?
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Yesterday the NFL said that Incognito has been reinstated into the league and as a free agent, is free to sign with any team.
Suspended last season amid allegations that he bullied a teammate, former Miami player Richie Incognito has been reinstated by the NFL.
"He can fully participate," said league spokesman Greg Aiello.
Now that he is reinstated, the burning question is there a team that is willing to give him a second chance? There have been many instances of other players getting second chances after they had done much worse things (see Vick, Michael and Stallworth, Donte). Of course those were all done outside of the locker room and away from the team. Where as Incognito's involved other teammates and directly affected the all so important team chemistry.
If a team decides to bring him on they will of course have to have a locker room that is capable of handling him and a coach that will keep him under control.
The Patriots have both of those. And after today's shocking trade of Logan Mankins they have a need at the guard position as well. But is it good idea?
Coach Belichick is not Joe Philbin. He isn't going to let his locker room descend into a "Lord of the flies" type situation like what happened in Miami last year and he definitely won't be clueless as to whats going on between his players either. He commands the respect of his players and isn't afraid to dole out punishment or even cut a player if needed. He has had success in the past taking on players with a troubled history. Sometimes they don't work out. Although when a player buys into the Patriot Way and becomes a team player they have had great success.
Another pro in bringing in Richie Incognito is that he would bring that nasty attitude that Mankins was known for. Incognito was still a good player last year before his suspension, especially in the run game.
As always, when signing a player with a troubled past there are some cons. The cons in this case might out weigh the good that would come from signing him. The biggest con in this situation might be that the Aaron Hernandez fiasco is still fresh in the mind of the people making the personnel decisions. Adding a player that bullied another so bad that he had thoughts of taking his own life doesn't sound like something the Patriots want to deal with at this time.
Another thing to consider is that the strong Patriots locker room is unusually shaken at the moment. With reports coming out that several players aren't too happy with the trading of a popular teammate. Adding an unpopular and possibly troublesome new teammate into the fold this quickly could prove to be disastrous.
Does Richie Incognito deserve a second chance in the league. Yes he does. It is just highly doubtful that second chance happens with the Patriots.
What do you think? Should the Patriots sign Richie Incognito? Leave a comment and tell us why they should or shouldn't.
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