Lelie coming home to the islands... or retirement?

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

Former University of Hawaii star WR Ashley Lelie is coming back to the islands... having been traded away by the Parkwood Predators for Oakland rookie WR Johnie Morant and the Opihi's 4th round pick in 2005.

There's no truth to the rumors that Lelie's coming back to Hawaii to retire from football - it only seems that way based on how he's been playing in this 2004 preseason (wait, did we say "playing"? we meant NOT playing!).

Opihi head coach, Jim White, shrugs it off and responds, "This is just a slump. Ashley excelled playing here in Hawaii, and we have no doubts that he'll return to his superstar form once back in the islands.... (long pause)... Well, okay, we do have some doubts about it... but what the heck, it's good to have a local boy home!"

The Opihi will announce within 24 hours whether Ashley will be activated or will begin the season on the Developmental Squad.

Predators to confirm...

[Preds]

Confirmed...

It still burns me that I let Clinton Portis slide only to end up with this bum!

All that being said, I was going to give Ashley 1 more year to see what he had, but my recent acquisition of pothead RB Ricky Williams for dirt cheap means I need to burn a roster spot on him for a year or so... that roster spot ended up being Ashley's seeing as I like Ricky's longterm prospects MUCH more than Lelie's!

Since Lelie was gonna get cut in 2 days, I felt snagging a 4th round pick and a big WR (albeit injured) with some upside wasn't too bad. Add in the fact that I dodged the cap hit and the deal gets even better.

The Opihi can throw Lelie back on the DS, and see if he develops or not, so this could be win win for both sides.

Overall though, as far as the Predators organization is concerned, Lelie was a wasted 1st round pick for me in 2002 (rumors have it he can't handle the cold weather ;)). Anyhow, the scout that pimped Lelie 2 years ago has been FIRED!

Jim, I truly hope this comes back to haunt me, as I know you were very fond of the former UH star. Unfortunately for him... I think Watts is gonna start in his place sooner rather than later.

Good luck!

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

Originally Posted by Preds

Jim, I truly hope this comes back to haunt me, as I know you were very fond of the former UH star. Unfortunately for him... I think Watts is gonna start in his place sooner rather than later.

Good luck!

I have a sinking feeling that Watts is going to win that position much sooner than later. But maybe Ashley's been saving himself for the regular season... yah, that's the ticket!?!?!

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

I've got one DS spot open right now... so for the next couple of days, at least, let's put Ashley on the DS. No other cuts need to be made as of now.