The biggest news to come out of Winter Park today was no news regarding embattled cornerback Cedric Griffin. He's still on the team and apparently not going anywhere anytime soon.
Benched in the first quarter of Sunday's loss in Detroit, there was some speculation that Griffin might have played his last down with the Vikings. After the game, Griffin hinted it might be time to start fresh somewhere else after the season.
Asked what it might take to turn his career around, Griffin said, "If it's next year, hopefully, it's with a different mindset, a different group. It's just kind of frustrating."
Coach Leslie Frazier said today that he hasn't spoken to Griffin since the game, nor had he read Griffin's comments. But Frazier made it clear that Griffin won't be released any time soon.
"Cedric is not in my doghouse," Frazier said. "He's a guy who has worked extremely hard for us and battled back from tough injuries. He's had some moments that are a little bit difficult. But I haven't given up on him. He hasn't given up on himself. We'll revisit things this week as we prepare for our next opponent and see where he fits at that point. But he's not in my doghouse at all."
Frazier said he has been talking to Griffin about his lack of confidence for a few weeks now.
"It's been something that's been ongoing," Frazier said. "He's not playing with the confidence that I know he is capable of having. He's made some plays for us ... I don't ever want him to get down because that position. It's hard to play corner in our league if you don't play with confidence. You're going to get beat at times, but you have to believe in yourself and your abilities in order to be successful at that position."
Griffin was benched after giving up a 57-yard touchdown pass to Titus Young. While the other corners were pressing at the line of scrimmage, Griffin played off the line and let Young get a clean run on a go route.
