Good riddance to Shaun Alexander, readers say

The Olympian | • Published April 22, 2008

Participants of The Olympian's reader network were asked to share their take in the departure of Shaun Alexander from the Seahawks. Here are some of their responses:

Will Shaun strike back?

I hope Alexander gets a job with a rival team, comes back, and just stomps the stuffing out of the Hawks. It is a sad day when loyalty is rewarded this way. I can remember Shaun having the chance to move on a couple of years back, Seattle courting him, and him choosing to stay in Seattle. Now when he is injured and not playing well, they dump him. I hope he heals up and gets a job in Dallas.

Steve Rosenoff, Lacey

Another case of 'done for me lately'

Was this a surprise? No, not at all. I think the writing was on the wall in 2006. The addition of the free agent running backs recently made it absolutely clear that Alexander was gone. It saddens me because it reinforces that "what have you done for me lately" dogma in professional sports. Injuries certainly had an effect on his productivity, no question.

The key was the loss of offensive guard Steve Hutchinson via the Minnesota Vikings' poison pill contract. The running game was never the same after that loss. Then throw the loss of Mack Strong and what do you expect?

Apparently the Seahawks expected the same numbers prior to the loss of Hutchinson and Strong. Get real. What was Alexander supposed to do? According to pundits, he should have changed his running style to fit the patched-together offensive line. That's kinda like telling Kobe Bryant to just take 30-foot set shots instead of his natural style. I don't like it, but I understand why they let him go.

Thanks, Shaun. I am one of those football fans that really appreciate what you brought every Sunday to the field and how you lived your life off the field. I wish you the best.

Jim Patrick

Good riddance at 30

Seattle needs a major upgrade in its running game, so the move was to be expected. It's sad when a long-time player is forced out, but the pages keep turning on the calendar and running backs at age 30 are nearing the end of their productive years as starters.

Gregg Reynolds, Olympia

Shaun's no Emmitt Smith

Letting Alexander go was the right thing to do. He seemed to have gone over the hill and I don't think he would ever be worth the money to keep him. He was able to make some good moves but never was the el primo as other running backs, i.e. Retired Emit Smith of Dallas. I would love to see the 'Hawks get Jonathan Stewart who played at Timberline and since an Oregon Duck.

Charlie E. Brough

No more extra weight needed

I count myself as one of Shawn Alexander's biggest fans. However I'm a bigger fan of the Seahawks as a team. In my view, he has been less a positive factor the last couple years. Injuries considered, I'm not surprised at the decision. I wish him well where ever he ends up.

William Wilcox, East Wenatchee

Overrated and overdue

It was overdue. Alexander has been an overrated running back his entire career despite all the touchdowns and the MVP year when Steve Hutchinson should have won the award for opening the holes. Alexander was a soft runner, a mediocre blocker, a below average receiver and an egotistical "me-firster". Bring on a replacement who runs with authority.

Dick Nichols, Tumwater