Marcus Mariota hasn't signed rookie deal because he wants to surf, report says

[Betallsports]

What has been the delay in former Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota signing his rookie deal with the Titans? Surfing.


The NFL implemented a rookie wage scale in 2011, and it was supposed to make signing first-round picks easier. But Mariota, the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, is the lone holdout.

He's not holding out for money, which is essentially non-negotiable because of the rookie pay scale. Mariota, a native Hawaiian, wants to be able to continue one of his favorite past times.

According to EndZoneScore.com, and later reported by The Oregonian, the Titans have an offset language clause in Mariota's contract that forbids him from surfing, presumably due to potential injuries. Mariota, who has been drawing rave reviews during offseason workouts, is expected to sign eventually and report on time for training camp.


"I don't concern myself too much with it if a guy misses a few days," Titans general manager Ruston Webster told Nashville radio station 104.5 The Zone on Friday. "I personally don't see it (contract talks) being a major issue. I would expect we would get something done."


Mariota won't find anything resembling the Narrabeen in landlocked Nashville.

 

[Vlad the Impaler]

I told you he would suck. These read option not real qb's throw to spots qb's never work. So let's talk about his intelligence and leadership skills. In the NFL, if you are not good, intangibles mean nothing.

 

[Wanger]

I told you he would suck.

I figured you would have waited till his first incomplete pass to call him a bust but before his first training camp opens might be a new record, congrats.

 

[scottcarter]

I am pretty sure he's was talking about surfing the internet.

 

[seldomseen]

He's always come off as a bit of a tool.

 

[Vlad the Impaler]

I don't see that guy fitting in around Nashville, Tennessee especially when times get tough. Surfing, grew up in Hawaii, close to his family who will be 3 K miles away and his family is prob deep rooted in Hawaii. Prob. was a God around Oregon campus. Plus all the other stuff I have already documented. The guy has probably never seen a day under 50 degrees in his life. Not that that is really a deal breaker as alot of guys prob haven't.

 

[Vlad the Impaler]

Practice starts 3 weeks from now Marcus. Sign quickly. The Titans, Texans, and Jags. are not allowed to be good. You must pay your debt to society just like Blaine Gabbert, Matt Schaub, David Garrard, and my personal favorite, Vince Young had too.

 

[DNoonan]

Let the man surf. I'd prob quit my job if they wouldn't let me catch waves...will keep him balanced in the long run

http://www.surfermag.com/features/let-our-people-surf-marcus-mariota/#3ExVZXGZ6fwfdutp.97

guess he mostly body surfs which only partially counts anyway (if it even counts as "surfing")

 

[seldomseen]

He's a body surfer lol. How is that any more risky than simply just going into the water?

 

[DNoonan]

Most just can't stand up on a board but there def are some that rip and you can snap a neck or break your back if you don't know what you are doing. Check these guys out charging at the wedge. I last body surfed there about 17 years ago (in college).

 

[seldomseen]

I still do it from time to time when I go the beach. Waves in Hawaii and a lot bigger than here. I imagine anyone who really surfs just laughs at people like him. Same as when i used to skate growing up and seeing kids on roller blades.

 

[SmallDaddy]

That is not a good sign. If you dont live for being an NFL qb, you probably not gonna be very good at it