Harrington on his way out?

[DONtheGREAT23]

ESPN.com news services
The Detroit Lions' season of discontent is carrying over to the offseason. The Ann Arbor News reported Wednesday that the Lions are deciding whether to release quarterback Joey Harrington in February.

The newspaper, citing sources close to the situation, said the organization is torn between keeping the third overall selection in the 2002 draft. Lions president Matt Millen is reportedly in favor of keeping Harrington, at a cost of $5 million next season. Harrington is also reportedly set to receive a $3 million roster bonus in July. However, the offensive coaching staff believes the former University of Oregon quarterback isn't the right player to lead the Lions to their ultimate goal, the Super Bowl.


The report also stated that Sherm Lewis, the former offensive coordinator, was forced into retirement after the season ended. Then, Lewis apparently wrote a letter to Millen, team owner William Clay Ford and vice chairman Bill Ford Jr. saying that the Lions would never win with Harrington.


Wednesday afternoon the Lions released a statement denying the report:


"We have absolutely no intention of releasing Joey Harrington and there has been no organizational discussion about cutting Joey as suggested in the article. Joey had his best season this past year and we firmly believe that he will continue to improve. We consider the report baseless and untrue."


The team also disputed Harrington's roster bonus and Lewis' letter to the front office:


"There is no roster bonus due to Harrington either in late February or early March.


No letters were sent from Lewis to anyone in the organization as suggested.


"Lewis was not forced to retire and did so on his own volition after a 36-year coaching career in the NFL and college."


Lewis also released a statement saying, "The suggestion that I sent letters to Mr. Ford, Bill Ford and Matt [Millen] regarding Joey [Harrington] is ludicrous. I did not send any letters as indicated.


In his third NFL season Harrington set career highs with 19 touchdowns, 3,047 yards and a 56.0 completion percentage and threw a career-low 12 interceptions. But he was booed often at home and challenged regularly by Mariucci.

im surpirsed to see them giving up on him so soon, especially when their backup is mike mcmahon

[Suds22]

Maybe they think they can get someone good in the draft.

[Magus Relmyn]

Uh, ok. I don't understand the logic by this potential move. Who else is out there? I'd rather have Harrington than Mike McMahon or some rookie from the draft right now.

[thechadman2]

Harrington is cool. He will stay.