Packers add troubled receiver to troubled team
Signing of Pro Bowl receiver adds depth to position
By Brett Winkler
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After blowing their season-opener with a zero-point performance, the Packers signed Koren Robinson, who “hasn’t blown a zero in years.”
Ted Thompson signed the troubled wide receiver to bolster a lackluster passing attack and give the Pack a much-needed threat in the return game. Robinson, a former 1,000-yard receiver and Pro Bowl kick-returner last season, certainly can help. That is, if he’s allowed to play.
Robinson is facing a possible one-year suspension from the NFL for violating the league’s Substance Abuse Policy, with pending charges for driving while under the influence and fleeing arrest last month.
Following the incident, Robinson was promptly released by the Minnesota Vikings, the team he represented in last year’s Pro Bowl. When Minnesota — home of the infamous sex boat debacle — feels that a player’s behavior in a vehicle is inappropriate, it would seem impossible for said player to find work elsewhere. Thankfully for Robinson, Ted Thompson still has a job (for now).
It appears that Thompson, the former vice president of football operations in Seattle, is trying to defend his decision to burn the ninth overall pick in 2001 on the receiver. Robinson spent four years as a Seahawk before being released from the team, and showed potential in 2002 when he caught a career high 78 balls for 1,240 yards.
Unfortunately, Robinson’s behavior has indeed been inappropriate. In addition to likely sanctions from the NFL, Robinson may be looking at jail time in Washington. A hearing is scheduled for next month to determine whether his latest run in with the law violated the terms of his parole for yet another separate drunk driving offense.
While the Packers need plenty of help, so does their latest addition. Robinson attended an alcohol treatment program last year, clearly to no avail. While Brett Favre could use some new targets to assist him in driving the offense down the field, Robinson has yet to show that he can maintain sobriety while driving.
Off-the-field issues aside, the Packers’ return game probably will be a little more dangerous with Koren Robinson in town. Then again, the same is true for the streets of Green Bay.


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