Peter Brand, co general manager of the Colorado Yeti, released a statement today releasing the recent activity surrounding kicker/punter turned defensive tackle John Smirh. Brand was clear that he and general manager Tom Ozzbourne are doing everything they can to retain Smirh, "The Yeti organization is committed to all of its players, and Smirh is no exception; our goal in this situation is always going to be retaining Smirh's services, as we feel he is a valuable part of our defensive line and team as a whole".
However, it is also clear from Brand's statement that the Yeti organization has not ruled out the possibility that Smirh could be dealt before the deadline, "Obviously the best interests of the team as a whole have to come first. We believe that retaining Smirh is the best case scenario for this team, and he is not officially on the trade block at this time, but we have not ruled out that possibility if we cannot find a way to rectify the situation".
It is unclear why Smirh is unhappy with the Yeti organization; some have speculated that he is not happy with his position on the depth chart between fellow defensive tackle Bubba Thumper, while others have postulated that it is his dealings with Brand that have led to his distaste. Smirh could not be reached for comment at the time of this article.
However, it is also clear from Brand's statement that the Yeti organization has not ruled out the possibility that Smirh could be dealt before the deadline, "Obviously the best interests of the team as a whole have to come first. We believe that retaining Smirh is the best case scenario for this team, and he is not officially on the trade block at this time, but we have not ruled out that possibility if we cannot find a way to rectify the situation".
It is unclear why Smirh is unhappy with the Yeti organization; some have speculated that he is not happy with his position on the depth chart between fellow defensive tackle Bubba Thumper, while others have postulated that it is his dealings with Brand that have led to his distaste. Smirh could not be reached for comment at the time of this article.