The Unfolding Elam Melodrama

I haven't read much Brian Lincicome, but this article earned him a spot on my list of sports analysts who don't think before they speak (chief among them: Len Pasquarelli). What a diatribe! In it, Lincicome makes the following obtuse statement:

"Considering, it is not so strange then that since Elam is responsible for the Broncos appearing better than they are that he should be kissed off.

A fine bonus for 15 years of loyal, effective and consistent service, always there, always ready and nearly always accurate. There will remain a space among the Ring of Fame for Elam eventually, up there with Jim Turner whose kicking records Elam eradicated.

This was Elam’s choice, but only in the Corleone sense of things. Atlanta made Elam an offer he could refuse if Denver had been in any way interested, and if Elam were five years younger, could still kick off the ball into the end zone, the Broncos would have been much less shortsighted."

Had Lincicome read his own newspaper's content, he'd have figured this out sooner:

"One of the Falcons’ fears was that Elam would use them as a pawn in negotiations with the Broncos, who’d eventually get an opportunity to match. But Elam made it clear to Denver as far back as January that he wouldn’t feel comfortable doing that, no matter what team he might consider once free agency started."

Thus, Denver made Elam an initial offer--a very lucrative offer at that--and Atlanta simply made him a better offer. This was essentially a double-blind auction for Elam's services and Denver was outbid. Now Atlanta has their prize (winner's curse?). I think Atlanta overpaid. That's business.

Please Lincicome, if you are going to write a melodrama, at least get your facts straight.