Letroy Guion caused enough havoc in one lifetime for the Green Bay Packers, who could simply take no more of it. The team decided to cut their defensive tackle on Tuesday, a move that has been a long time coming. The veteran has been a productive player on the field for the Packers, but a nuisance off of it. At the end of the day, Guion forced the team's hand and caused his own exit from the franchise.
Packers move on
Green Bay announced the transaction on Tuesday, though the loss won't immediately impact the team -- Guion was already suspended for the first four games of the season following a violation of the performance-enhancing drug policy.
He violated the substance abuse policy in 2015, so this is not the first time Guion has done something of this nature. The previous violation resulted in a three-game suspension.
The move is a calculated risk on the part of the Packers. On one hand, Guion had become a nuisance and had to go. On the other hand, however, the team is facing some real concerns on the defensive line. Montravius Adams is already set to miss an indefinite amount of time after undergoing foot surgery last week. They're saving $1.6 million, which is no small change at this point in the offseason. But, now players such as Ricky Jean-Francois and Christian Ringo will have to play elevated minutes, unless Green Bay decides to dip back into the free agency well.
Guion just too much trouble
Guion is a talented player. He started 15 games last season for one of the last four teams standing in the NFL, recording 30 combined tackles. He has registered 173 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles in his career, which has spanned time with both the Minnesota Vikings and the Packers. But talent doesn't trump availability.
His four-game suspension to start the season is the one on the books, but it may not be the only one. Just before training camp, Guion was charged with a DUI in Hawaii, which will likely trigger yet another suspension from the NFL. By the time the season actually begins, Guion could be looking at half a season lost due to his own lack of maturity and reckless attitude -- the Packers don't need to be responsible for that.
Odds are, Guion's career is over. He's not getting any younger and he has had his share of legal problems throughout his career. Green Bay gave him a chance, but there's a certain time when second and third chances can no longer be afforded to a troubled player.
