I ran into Mike Karney at a friend's restaurant in Scottsdale last week. He sat at the next table to us and was with his agent I think. My friend introduced me to him. My buddy out there is a big saints fan and knows Karney. Karney evidently got his a jersey for his kids signed by a bunch of players. He thinks Karney is a great guy.
Karney is not that tall but built like a weight lifter. He was very friendly and we talked a little bit about saints football. He was telling us about his upcoming wedding (this week I think) and how Deuce was in his wedding. In talking about Deuce leaving he was saying how thats just part of the business. In retrospect I think he knew when we were talking he probably wasnt in the Saints plans for this year.
He is obviously a very nice guy and I sure hope he lands somewhere. Pro football is a funny business in that I guess its hard to make personnel decisions involving good people who just dont fit into your plans. I think for the type of offense the Saints run they need someone more versatile than Karney. It must have been hard decision for them as Karney is a very personable young man. It was probably even harder to let Deuce go, you could tell last season Sean Payton had great affection for Deuce.
In most jobs the older you get and the harder you work, the more valuable you become to your business. It just doesnt work that way in pro football. Working hard and being a nice guy is not always enough. Indeed being loyal to a good employee in football is not always in the best interest of your team. Its tough for the players who get let go. I imagine its not so easy for the coaches and managers who have to make the hard decisions either.
I wouldnt be surprised if Karney does end up in Arizona. For all I know, that might be why he and his agent were out there last week when we ran into them.