As Mario Williams’ time with the Buffalo Bills comes to a close, it is clear that some of his teammates will not be sad to see him go.
On Thursday, a report surfaced indicating the Bills are planning to release Williams as soon as the 2015 season concludes. According to an anonymous Bills player who spoke to Tyler Dunne of the Buffalo News, it was clear Williams had “checked out” when he refused to take part in a conditioning test before training camp.
“It’s been clear to me that Mario doesn’t care about anybody but himself,” the teammate said. “He followed that up by not giving any effort during the season and complaining about the scheme instead of manning up and saying he played like crap and doesn’t care.”
The same player said that Williams has “totally checked out” on the team.
It’s interesting that Williams has reportedly had a bad attitude since before the season, as it seems like his main gripe has been with Rex Ryan’s defensive system. Perhaps Williams, who signed a six-year, $100 million contract in March 2012, saw the writing on the wall in training camp and did not like the way he was being used.
“Those guys have to be your team leaders and bell cows,” the unnamed Bills player added. “To not give a crap like that shows why teams need to think twice before investing that much in one guy. We could easily have five solid players contributing than one guy who doesn’t give a (expletive).”
Everyone in Buffalo is frustrated that the Bills fell short of Ryan’s lofty expectations and are going to finish 8-8 at best. But Williams started bickering back in October, making it clear that he cares more about individual accolades than team success. Granted, he’s not the only player to rip the coaching staff, but his motives seem much more selfish than anyone else’s.
The Bills can save nearly $13 million under the salary cap by releasing Williams. At this point, the decision is basically a no-brainer.
