Moss story only getting started
It was just three days ago that the Randy Moss era in New England peaked, with his outstanding 8-year-old jammies inspired presser outfit following the win over the Jaguars. Now he's clearly reached his low point, getting in the papers for all the wrong reasons during Conference Championship week.
Mike Reiss' blog on the Boston Globe has all of Moss' reponses to the story. Unsurprisingly, what Moss has to say is more interesting and confusing than the usual athlete denial. It's important to note that Moss hasn't been accused by the police of anything, and hasn't been arrested. There will be a hearing to decide whether Moss was at fault on January 28.
Either way, the story is going to a lot of attention this week, which is a shame. I don't argue that it's a story, but personally I don't care much. I love football and am in no position to judge someone's private life. Like many fans, I get tired of football coverage that focuses on personalities and soap operas rather than the game.
Philip Rivers' mouthiness was a topic of a full feature on Sportscenter last night. I could be wrong, but does anyone care? Never once in the piece did it mention Rivers has played the most inspired football of his life.
Moss' story is going to keep the soap opera cycle spinning all week. It may just jeopardize his place on the team next year, although I doubt it. I am sure the story is going to make this week less enjoyable.
Comments
Actually, I think Randy was able to head this one off at the pass (so to speak), at least temporarily. Contrary to the usual Pats protocol, he was allowed to address the media and talked about it at length. Silence would have increased suspicion. Then, he carefully noted/warned that before the media go nuts with the story, they should make sure they have all the facts. Again, this puts a caution flag up in front of the media by giving them at least a twinge of guilt if they start throwing insinuations around without justification (and it reminds the media of the flurry of bad press Sean Taylor got when he was kllled). It also completely deflects any more questions about the matter to any Pats players/Belichick. Their response is now, "Randy said a lot about it last Wednesday, and there's really nothing more to discuss about it right now." Call me a homer, but, yet again, I think the Pats have smartly handled a matter that could be fatally distracting to another team.
Posted by: Glenn | January 16, 2008 09:03 PM
Like Randy said he was advised by his coaches just to play ball and let them worry about the rest of that stuff. The situation will be blown up way more then it has to be because that is what the media does but it wont stop him nor the Pats this weekend or in the Superbowl. Randy shake then haters off and good luck this weekend!
Posted by: Reggie | January 16, 2008 11:57 PM
Having witnessed Moss's act in Minnesota for years, I can honestly say that I think he's telling the truth on this one. He never really talked about the issues when he was guilty as charged.
Posted by: Todd | January 17, 2008 10:47 AM
Rivers is not playing the most inspired football of his life, that happened back at NC State and is unlikely to happen again. He got away with a few bad throws last week against a great defense that played poorly. Replay last weeks game 10 times and the Colts win 9. Actually replay that game this week and the Pats win 35-17. See i deflected everything away from Moss too, by talking about how no one cares about Rivers and his inspiration.
Posted by: Brendan | January 17, 2008 01:05 PM
I care that Rivers is acting like a brat. He disrespected my team and he's not any fun to root for. As a football fan it does matter. As a fantasy player, no it means nothing.
Posted by: Jacyln | January 17, 2008 01:06 PM
i think on sunday january 20th randy moss would be stoped by the chargers defense and their offense would go to work on the pats d
Posted by: silvester | January 17, 2008 02:00 PM