Why Did the Chicago Bears Release Vernon Gholston?

by John B on Aug 30, 2011 2:00 PM EDT

Former New York Jets linebacker and defensive end Vernon Gholston was released by his new team, the Chicago Bears yesterday. One might point to a lack of production to explain his release, but there must be more to it. I see two possibilities.

The first is that Lovie Smith simply did not give him a fair chance. Gholston was quite vocal that Rex Ryan did not give him a fair chance during his time with the Jets. Ryan only tried to give him playing time at two different positions to try and get something out of him and named him a starter during Calvin Pace's suspension to begin the 2009 season. Smith similarly might have given Gholston, the former first round pick, a raw deal for a guy picked so high.

The second possibility is that Smith was influenced by Ryan's negativity about Gholston. Remember, Gholston thinks Ryan turned the team against him. Smith might have also taken the bait.

I will leave it to you to decide which of these two was the real reason Gholston did not last in Chicago.

Poll

Why was Vernon Gholston released?

Lovie Smith did not give him a chance

257 votes

Rex Ryan influenced Lovie Smith

230 votes

487 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Four words

No reason not to.

"Verde que te quiero verde..."
Το πράσινο είναι ζωή!
That's right, I bleed green multiculturally
"if you shut someone down with class, it's more effective" - Udalango

by Rabbit T on Aug 30, 2011 2:30 PM EDT reply actions

I don't think there's more to it

Everybody loves a bargin. Given his draft position, it’s hard to think there’s nothing there. I liked the Gholston pick when it was made. I thought he would be a great pick. I, along with the Jets’ front office, was obviously very wrong. I think the Bears took a shot and saw that he’s just not that good. I think it’s that simple.

by bloglikeajet on Aug 30, 2011 2:33 PM EDT reply actions

Because he stinks at football?

by Buzzy on Aug 30, 2011 3:12 PM EDT reply actions

Seriously, where is this option?

It’s the shoe that fits.

by Timmaht on Aug 30, 2011 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Well...

It probably had to do with a little of both.
Im sure Rex’s opinion’s on scouting defensive talents are respected by many coaches including Lovie.
If he saw something from Gholston in practice mabye he would have given him the benefit of the doubt and some extra time to prove himself in practice.
But when your hearing bad things from a coach you respect AND you see no redeeming qualities in practice… well… theres nothing more to waste you time on.

by Can'tWait on Aug 30, 2011 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

I think JB forgot to use

sarcasm font…?

by Exystence on Aug 30, 2011 3:35 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

its been outlawed oops

founding member of PACOS (People Against the Constant Overuse of Sarcastic font)
GGN-Moderator

by Judgegavel on Aug 30, 2011 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions

well

now i’m founding PACOSM (People Against the Constant Overuse of Sarcastic font by Moderators)

maybe we will actualy get something done

"it's not easy being green"-kermit the frog
"we the mets are an improved ball club, now we lose in extra innings"-casy stengel
i cant spell a nosebleed
Unffical Seinfeld Gif-Man of GGN and AA(seriously, it should be offical)

by rexthejet on Aug 30, 2011 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions

How about option 3 he is a monkey.

He’s gone to two different Defensive minded coaches and didn’t get anything done. Now its preseason, he should have done more than a tackle. Nick Bellore has done more in the preseason than Gholston has in 3 years and 2 teams, Maybin records a sack with less time learning the playbook on the Jets than Gholston had with the Bears.

And the home of the .... JETS!!!
Now lets get a G-D snack!!!
"You might not like that. You might be very cynical about that. Well, f**k it, I don't care what you think."-Roy McDonald

by Noble_Lance on Aug 30, 2011 3:40 PM EDT reply actions

Because Veron Sucks Period!!!!!!!!!!!!

by 2xtheBully on Aug 30, 2011 3:59 PM EDT reply actions

i think there needs to be another option

3. he flat out sucks

by rexthejet on Aug 30, 2011 4:05 PM EDT reply actions

I pick this 1

by JetsFan718 on Aug 30, 2011 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Funny Post

But if i had to pick, i think it was because of Rex. At some level Lovie has at least had the thought creep into his mind that not only is he not getting anything out of him but even Rex (a well respected/great defensive mind in the NFL) couldn’t either….its not you Lovie this kid sucks lol

by GreenFlight on Aug 30, 2011 4:26 PM EDT reply actions

you forgot the biggest reason...

RACISM! Call Rev Al, Smith is obviously a rasist!…oh, wait Smith is black too. Umm, maybe VG just sucks.

by george JETson on Aug 30, 2011 4:38 PM EDT reply actions

Gholston couldn't spell CAT if you spotted him the C and the T.No football instincts! That could possibly

be why he’ll never wear another NFL Jersey unless he buys one.

by Putnan Prince on Aug 30, 2011 4:59 PM EDT reply actions

giggles uncontrollably to self as supervisor looks concerned.

Onions are tougher than you. Onions make me cry. You couldn't make me cry. Onions are tougher than you.

by leed's 13th child on Aug 30, 2011 5:44 PM EDT reply actions

third option should be "he just wasn't good enough to earn his spot"

buuuut if you did that you probably would have 100% on that option so it would defeat the purpose lol.

We are in another atmosphere. You're just in the Troposhere we in the Exospere. In other words the JETS are higher than you!

by Fly-as-a-JET on Aug 30, 2011 7:15 PM EDT reply actions

Its kinda crazy, but I might bring him back for the minimum.

He knows the system. And although he’s not the explosive playmaker that he should/could be, he’s solid at the point of attack. If he could learn to speed rush, he’d beast.

Resign the Kraken? Doubtful.

by Crackback on Aug 30, 2011 9:34 PM EDT reply actions

If Maybin starts to fall off put them together

and tell them the one to suck the most is cut.

by Timmaht on Aug 30, 2011 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions

No Thx he ’s done

by JetsFan718 on Aug 30, 2011 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions

i agree with third option

he is not very good

by RichTodd on Aug 30, 2011 10:10 PM EDT reply actions

Where is the “Vernon is not worth as much as he thinks he is” option? I think that’s it.

Don’t get me wrong, I think Gholston has talent and just needs to unlock it. I also think that he has an attitude problem, and until he takes a bite of humble pie, he’ll be entirely incapable of playing for the NFL at any real level. He needs to both realize and accept that he has to improve to be a valuable player, his location in the draft doesn’t guarantee it.

by Scott Piazza on Aug 30, 2011 11:47 PM EDT reply actions