What is the Real Story Behind the Beast-NFL Bad Boy Brandon Marshall

Recently Brandon Marshall, wide receiver for the Denver Broncos (a.k.a. the Beast), has been drowning in a sea of controversy and speculation. His legal problems with former girlfriend Rasheedah Whatley and March 1 arrest for a physical fight with fiancé Michi Nogami-Campbell are only part of the drama. Now Marshall has refused to attend the Broncos' mandatory minicamp and demanded a trade. Rumors are flying, but what is the real story?

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The Whatley-Marshall Dispute

When it comes to the story of Rasheedah Whatley everyone has an opinion. A report by John Barr on Outside the Lines recently brought details of the relationship between Whatley and Marshall to light. The case, originally expected to go to trial this summer in Atlanta, has been a publicity nightmare for Marshall, but he has maintained the support of the NFL. According to Outside the Lines, Marshall has been involved in 7 separate cases of domestic violence since 2006 in 3 different states and Puerto Rico. In early August 2008 he was disciplined by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and given a 3 game suspension.

When Marshall appealed Goodell's action his suspension was reduced to 1 game and a fine. When the appeal was questioned by Outside the Lines the NFL made the official statement, "We take the issue of domestic violence very seriously in several ways. On Brandon Marshall, a potential reduction in his initial three-game suspension was always contemplated if he complied with required counseling and other conditions of the suspension." Marshall himself continues to assert, "I have never put my hand on Rasheedah Whatley."

Bad Habits Die Hard

In addition to the Marshall-Whatley case, on March 1, 2009 Marshall and his fiancé Michi Nogami-Campbell were arrested outside their condo in Atlanta for disorderly conduct when an off-duty cop witnessed a physical altercation. According to ESPN.com's Bill Williamson the police officer claims, "at one point Marshall grabbed Nogami-Campbell by her shirt and pinned her up against the wall, while she continued to hit and kick him." The charges on the couple were dismissed the same day.

Williamson also reports NFL league spokesman Greg Aiello has confirmed Marshall will not face any disciplinary action regarding this incident. Marshall's response to this announcement included this statement to KDVR, "I'm thankful to the league and their findings today, but this is also a continuance of me looking into the mirror and growing into the man I know I should be. Getting straight to the point, I understand that there can't be any more hiccups from me. With that said, I guarantee, repeat, I guarantee there won't be any more from this day forward."

Brandon Marshall Misses Broncos Mandatory Minicamp and Demands a Trade

NFL.FanHouse.com writer Josh Alper reported on Friday June 12, 2009 "Brandon Marshall Wants a New Deal." According to Alper, 2009 will be Marshall's final season of his rookie deal, which will net him a salary of $2.2 million. "That's a cut below what other receivers with Marshall's numbers earn, but few of them come with as many questions marks," Alper writes. As a Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, Marshall has caught 226 passes for 2,899 yards and 15 touchdowns during the last 3 years. In the 2007 and 2008 seasons he's had at least 100 receptions.

The Associated Press reported on June 12, 2009 that Marshall would be meeting with coach Josh McDaniels and owner Pat Bowlen. Then on June 15 NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on 850 KOA (Denver) that Marshall had asked Bowlen for a trade. Although offering a new contract may change Marshall's mind, as Alper points out, after 13 incidents involving police since 2004, a "bizarre arm injury" and hip surgery Bowlen and McDaniels have a lot to consider.

The Beast's Place in Fantasy Football

So what does all this mean for Brandon Marshall? It means Marshall is a wild card. Is he a talented wide receiver that can deliver the goods? If you review his record: yes. However the combination of hip surgery, relationship drama, the Atlanta lawsuit, his demand to leave the Broncos and a bunch of negative press may prove to be too much. Marshall has NOT shown he can handle his emotions like a grown up even in the simplest of situations, so who knows what will happen if things don't play out the way he's planned. And where is his career headed if he in convicted in the Whatley court case? How will his fans and the NFL respond? For the summer, it appears fans will have to play the waiting game.

An accomplished athlete in his high school days, Marcus Whittman is a sports writer freelancing for the fantasy football web site http://www.Stinkball.com. Whittman enjoys watching live games and putting together a variety of fantasy sports teams each season.