The Weird, Wacky and Awesome World of the NFL - General Banter thread

Hazys · 29-01-2015 3:26am

The arrogance of sports journalists:

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29-01-2015 4:26am

Hazys wrote: »

The arrogance of sports journalists:

i think it was dave damashek pointed out the idiocy of reporters that clamour (and i mean clamour he draws some of the biggest crowds) around lynches desk on media day and then complain when he says nothing as if thats not exactly what they expected

Dirty Dingus McGee · 29-01-2015 6:25am

Hazys wrote: »

The arrogance of sports journalists:

What a load of bull.Without the sport the media would have nothing to report and a lot of journalists would be doing something else.Also I don't think insulting the intelligence of players is way to get them to be more media friendly.

29-01-2015 8:17am

But a player signs up for the NFL knowing the media obligations that entails, and if they really hate that they have the option of not signing an NFL contract and finding a league or sport with no such obligations. It may be inane, it may be tiresome, but it's part of the deal.

PIORUN · 29-01-2015 9:27am

Deleted User wrote: »

But a player signs up for the NFL knowing the media obligations that entails, and if they really hate that they have the option of not signing an NFL contract and finding a league or sport with no such obligations. It may be inane, it may be tiresome, but it's part of the deal.

I was thinking that, no matter how shy or whatever he is, all he has to do is give boring 2 to 3 word answers, they would quickly tire of him and move on to the next story.Whats he's doing is having the opposite affect and is hitting him in the pocket.

Guffy · 29-01-2015 10:41am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

But a player signs up for the NFL knowing the media obligations that entails, and if they really hate that they have the option of not signing an NFL contract and finding a league or sport with no such obligations. It may be inane, it may be tiresome, but it's part of the deal.

Why should he forgo the best contract he can get because he doesn't want to talk to the media. It's not out of shyness it's from mistrust, the media report what they want sort of philosophy. I wonder was an interview he had previously given had been twisted and he just refuses to take part now.

Silver-Tiger · 29-01-2015 11:06am

Seamus Angry Luck wrote: »

i think it was dave damashek pointed out the idiocy of reporters that clamour (and i mean clamour he draws some of the biggest crowds) around lynches desk on media day and then complain when he says nothing as if thats not exactly what they expected

Damashek is an embarrassment to decent media people.

GoldFour4 · 29-01-2015 11:31am

To be fair that journalist sort of has a point. Some players (Lynch is a good example) get very lucrative endorsement deals because of the amount of media attention they get.

Obviously it must be tiring to answer questions week in week out but there has to be some level of understanding amongst the players that people do actually want to hear what they're thinking before the biggest game of the year.

29-01-2015 1:30pm

Silver-Tiger wrote: »

Damashek is an embarrassment to decent media people.

i agree he's terrible but what does it say about the rest when he's the voice of logic

29-01-2015 1:33pm

malistheman wrote: »

To be fair that journalist sort of has a point. Some players (Lynch is a good example) get very lucrative endorsement deals because of the amount of media attention they get.

Obviously it must be tiring to answer questions week in week out but there has to be some level of understanding amongst the players that people do actually want to hear what they're thinking before the biggest game of the year.

i dont agree with how lynch does it i think he could well take a leaf out of belicheks book if he does not like interviews if any thing what he's doing is attracting more media so i feel his stance is silly as you said 2-3 words then "on to new england" and its problem solved

the media are no better however how can you go to his press day and then complain about him saying nothing when you knew it was going to happen. and its a two way street for that matter how many of these sports journalists would be earning the money they do without the players

j8wk2feszrnpao · 29-01-2015 2:55pm

Seamus Angry Luck wrote: »

how many of these sports journalists would be earning the money they do without the players

I've yet to see a stadium fill up to view the journalists in their press box.
The media needs the players/coaches far more than the players/coaches needing the media.

UnitedIrishman · 29-01-2015 3:45pm

munstermagic11 wrote: »

I've yet to see a stadium fill up to view the journalists in their press box.
The media needs the players/coaches far more than the players/coaches needing the media.

And the NFL of all sports allows more access to players than any other really, and get more than just the usual soundbytes you get with the likes of soccer. The media might help make players more money but there would be a ton of writers etc without a job if players just sat there with the basic rehearsed responses every week. At least they aren't afraid to speak their minds and give an opinion.

29-01-2015 3:46pm

munstermagic11 wrote: »

I've yet to see a stadium fill up to view the journalists in their press box.
The media needs the players/coaches far more than the players/coaches needing the media.

both need each other its not a one way street and there is no reason for it to be an us vs them mentality.

by the way apparently lynch does what he does because a journalist misquoted him in college if thats the case it was minimum 8 years ago he needs to move along and just say his few worlds.

Neil3030 · 29-01-2015 4:02pm

I think the benefit is mutual between the media and the athletes, in theory, but the pendulum has swung toward the media in recent years. In the beginning, the NFL needed coverage in print media and live radio and TV game coverage to embed itself as a major component of American culture. But nowadays, the sport must provide enough content to prop up 24-hour TV networks, daily print media, hourly online media, blogs, podcasts, etc. The industry now living off the sport is far greater than the sport itself, and a consequence of that is the competitiveness amongst writers to come up with novel, interesting content to stand out from the white noise. And this can sometimes involve twisting players' words, attacking players for certain things, furthering agendas etc. etc.

So in a way, Lynch's 'protest' against the media could be framed as a reality check - players need the media but not so much of the media that every player must speak to every organisation after every game and at every sanctioned media event, if they would rather stay out of the public eye.

However, this would be to take his 'protest' at face value. As someone eluded to earlier, there is no question that he is now one of the most famous and spoken about running-backs in the league, on the back of this campaign to never talk to the media. Whether that was his intention all along is anyone's guess, but I wouldn't rule it out.

helimachoptor · 29-01-2015 4:09pm

tbh one of the things that got me into NFL initially was the wide ranging coverage any and every story was covered, but after a while it burns you out and that is coming from a small team fan.

There are 3 beat writers for the Titans and in fairness they are pretty normal, they dont write too many showbiz articles, however i imagine that would change if the Titans became successful, off the back of any success you'd imagine there would be a proliferation of beat writers aswell. But at this point Neil i think you are correct with all of the network time given to NFL, College ball any hint of a story is jumped on by the media at large.

Vanolder · 29-01-2015 4:12pm

Deco99 wrote: »

This is exactly what those saying you were cribbing said those fines were for. So you're backing up the counter argument?

A lot of very touchy people around here... Maybe Ironic was too strong a word-I was really only pointing out those who had been fined the most for breaking the rules- no argument or cribbing. Maybe I found it funny rather than ironic... yeah it was funny.

29-01-2015 4:13pm

Neil3030 wrote: »

As someone eluded to earlier, there is no question that he is now one of the most famous and spoken about running-backs in the league, on the back of this campaign to never talk to the media. Whether that was his intention all along is anyone's guess, but I wouldn't rule it out.

well if it was he's a marketing genius apparently he's getting big bucks for the two ads he's doing that directly reference his interviews

adrian522 · 29-01-2015 5:02pm

Has anyone been watching the "Greatest games in the history of the NFL" series on Sky this week.

They are really well put together and have covered some absolutely classic games.

Ones I've seen included Miami v Oakland, not sure of the year, mid-late 70's I'd guess, Baltimore v Jets (Superbowl 3), Dallas v San Francisco (1981 Championship Game). I've also recorded but not yet watched the 58 Championship game, Baltimore v NY Giants, referred to as the greatest game ever played.

As I said they are really well put together, the show lasts over an hour and the plays are interspersed with interviews from the players and coaches. Check them out if you get a chance.

For the 49ers one I'd seen the catch dozens of times and the drive leading up to it, but didn't realise what a crazy game it was. 9 turnovers in total and the Cowboys had a great chance to get in FG range at the end.

Well worth a watch if you get a chance.

helimachoptor · 29-01-2015 5:04pm

yeah ive sent a few up to record, going to watch some over the weekend and then monday as ive the day off

mikemac1 · 29-01-2015 8:48pm

Provides a bit of insight for Lynch's attitude towards people he doesn't know and trust

Only 15 minutes so a short watch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3cWjT9lpZc

helimachoptor · 29-01-2015 10:18pm

Josh Gordon answers his critics, interesting read

https://medium.com/the-cauldron/an-open-letter-to-charles-barkley-co-cb5c4e64cf3

Knex* · 29-01-2015 10:52pm

Wonder how much is true, but I'm a natural sceptic. Regardless, he probably had to release something like that for the sake of his career.

Very interesting read , as you say, Heli.

castletownman · 29-01-2015 11:03pm

Anyone see that documentary The Immaculate Reception that was aired on Sky during the week? Absolutely mental, thoroughly interesting and insightful. It's crazy how it still divides opinions some 43 years on. Only the Americans can make sport so dramatic!

Neil3030 · 29-01-2015 11:12pm

I guess it all hinges on how clear the NFL made the timespan of the substance abuse program to Gordon, and whether it applied to the offseason. Fitting that this should get brought up here in light of the discussion on media frenzy - it certainly appears as though many 'analysts' went a bit OTT with their response.

j8wk2feszrnpao · 30-01-2015 12:54am

Seamus Angry Luck wrote: »

both need each other its not a one way street and there is no reason for it to be an us vs them mentality.

The media needs them more; but it's all a money game anyway.

The vast fortune in the game is a result of many factors, and the media is one.
But the money that they media make is on the back of the players and coaches.

Lynch's case is a very rare one; but the media surround him, and despite saying very little, it still makes headlines.

30-01-2015 1:24am

Knex. wrote: »

Wonder how much is true, but I'm a natural sceptic. Regardless, he probably had to release something like that for the sake of his career.

Very interesting read , as you say, Heli.

interesting read but i would be in the same boat as you the 2nd hand smoke line seems like a cop out to me and the fact that as well as "2nd hand smoke" he was only .01 over the legal limit it just all seems like he is an excuse maker (for example i have a friend who claims admits her son failed 4 college exams but claims he failed all of them by 1 percent it just does not seem realistic) but in fairness we have no proof to the contrary so its hard to out and out state otherwise unless the league brings out proof to the contrary

30-01-2015 7:30am

munstermagic11 wrote: »

I've yet to see a stadium fill up to view the journalists in their press box.
The media needs the players/coaches far more than the players/coaches needing the media.

munstermagic11 wrote: »

The media needs them more...

I think without the NFL the media just fill tv schedules and papers with other news, other sports, politics, entertainment etc. Much of the media in Europe gets by fine without ever mentioning the NFL.

But I think without the media to show games, to fill newspapers with analysis, to advertise and hype up the sport, the NFL is a much smaller and poorer sport, with much less advertising revenue, interest etc.

I think Lynch could show more respect for the goose that lays golden eggs for those cleats and grills.

j8wk2feszrnpao · 30-01-2015 10:42am

Deleted User wrote: »

Much of the media in Europe gets by fine without ever mentioning the NFL.

Yes. They cover the PL, La Liga, Serie A, Champions League....

Deleted User wrote: »

But I think without the media to show games, to fill newspapers with analysis, to advertise and hype up the sport, the NFL is a much smaller and poorer sport, with much less advertising revenue, interest etc.

Some of the media is required, there's no doubting that.

Deleted User wrote: »

I think Lynch could show more respect for the goose that lays golden eggs for those cleats and grills.

Despite his actions, he made the main report for NFL.com and ESPN.com; so he's still laying golden eggs for others.

adrian522 · 30-01-2015 11:05am

He just has a very unique way of looking for attention. Reporters should just ignore his antics rather than paying him so much attention which just seems to encourage him.

j8wk2feszrnpao · 30-01-2015 11:15am

adrian522 wrote: »

He just has a very unique way of looking for attention. Reporters should just ignore his antics rather than paying him so much attention which just seems to encourage him.

Could be true; his beast Mode Cap could land him with a fine.
I'd imagine he didn't mind having that advertised for free

30-01-2015 11:18am

munstermagic11 wrote: »

Could be true; his beast Mode Cap could land him with a fine.
I'd imagine he didn't mind having that advertised for free

damn right he will make wayyyyyy more money than he gets fined

30-01-2015 1:49pm

munstermagic11 wrote: »

Yes. They cover the PL, La Liga, Serie A, Champions League...

True.

And when was the last time a person required to appear before the media, as they are also obliged to do, was just so rude as to shrug their shoulders and say they were killing time? Even those who claim antipathy to the media, such as Ferguson or Roy Keane, still turn on the soundbites for the cameras when required.

It's kinda part of the deal, as I said if the player is so set against it why sign up to a sport where it's built into the contract? Oh yeah, because they don't want their principals on the media and the point they want to make stand between them and the millions they make...in a large way because of that media.

Guffy · 30-01-2015 1:57pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

True.

And when was the last time a person required to appear before the media, as they are also obliged to do, was just so rude as to shrug their shoulders and say they were killing time? Even those who claim antipathy to the media, such as Ferguson or Roy Keane, still turn on the soundbites for the cameras when required.

It's kinda part of the deal, as I said if the player is so set against it why sign up to a sport where it's built into the contract? Oh yeah, because they don't want their principals on the media and the point they want to make stand between them and the millions they make...in a large way because of that media.

Aren't post and pre match press conferences obligatory?

j8wk2feszrnpao · 30-01-2015 2:33pm

Deleted User wrote: »

And when was the last time a person required to appear before the media, as they are also obliged to do, was just so rude as to shrug their shoulders and say they were killing time?

Well actually, you mentioned him. Alex Ferguson failed to turn up for obligatory BBC interviews for years and just took the fine.

Deleted User wrote: »

It's kinda part of the deal, as I said if the player is so set against it why sign up to a sport where it's built into the contract? Oh yeah, because they don't want their principals on the media and the point they want to make stand between them and the millions they make...in a large way because of that media.

They sign the deal for the money. Simple as that.

The media plays it's part, but I think you're over stating the value some of these guys make.
Some aspects of the media are required, i.e. the TV coverage. But some of the guys asking the same questions over and over add little to the NFL coffers.

PerrinV2 · 30-01-2015 2:33pm

Well's here Gronk and Lynch playing some Mortal Kombat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNpkSyryQz4

30-01-2015 4:25pm

munstermagic11 wrote: »

Well actually, you mentioned him. Alex Ferguson failed to turn up for obligatory BBC interviews for years and just took the fine.

Afair, he ignored them but then again it wasn't compulsory. Later, it became compulsory and he took the fines once or twice, and then ended his exile.

munstermagic11 wrote: »

They sign the deal for the money. Simple as that.

The media plays it's part, but I think you're over stating the value some of these guys make.
Some aspects of the media are required, i.e. the TV coverage. But some of the guys asking the same questions over and over add little to the NFL coffers.

But they can't "just take the money". They sign up to the deal, warts and all, bound by rules and obligations, these include commercial obligations to feed the machine that pays them so well. If all television companies withdrew their support, and franchises had to fall back on attendances to generate revenue, bet he'd have more respect for their role in his millions. And part of the tv deals, the sponsorship, is access to players and coverage. The players don't get to decide that it's just game time that should interest the media.

helimachoptor · 30-01-2015 4:26pm

imo if he's taking money from a company he should be giving a functional interview

Guffy · 30-01-2015 4:33pm

Jimmy Kimmel solves deflategate by identifying the locker room guy

j8wk2feszrnpao · 30-01-2015 4:38pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Afair, he ignored them but then again it wasn't compulsory. Later, it became compulsory and he took the fines once or twice, and then ended his exile.

It went on a for a few years when it was compulsory.

Deleted User wrote: »

But they can't "just take the money".

In Lynch's case it appears that he can.
But maybe he's ok with some of the fines.

Deleted User wrote: »

If all television companies withdrew their support, and franchises had to fall back on attendances to generate revenue, bet he'd have more respect for their role in his millions.

He probably should trot out some lines and just give a few answers.

But it has nothing to do with respect, the media aren't in it to help the players out from the goodness of their own heart.

Morrison J · 30-01-2015 5:46pm

Golden Tate is on Soccer AM tomorrow morning.

Silver-Tiger · 30-01-2015 10:57pm

They just don't know the level of Athlete / Superstar they have on the couch.
Suh was on a couple of years ago and just got the usual American Football jokes.

Then after him they'll have some league 1 footballer / sh1t band and dribble all over them .

Utter tripe. How it's still going is beyond me.

phatkev · 31-01-2015 12:30am

shots have been fired by Eric Winston!!

Think about it, a 2-year-old could [be NFL Commissioner] and still make money.”

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/30/nflpa-president-eric-winston-takes-a-shot-at-roger-goodell/

Itssoeasy · 31-01-2015 4:29pm

Pro football hall of fame voters are meeting as we speak to elect the 2015 class.

Hazys · 01-02-2015 3:23am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT9pygVQwgk

raze_them_all_ · 01-02-2015 1:36pm

Seahawks offer lynch a pretty big contract extension going by reports

01-02-2015 4:38pm

raze_them_all_ wrote: »

Seahawks offer lynch a pretty big contract extension going by reports

he could be getting over 10 mil a year by all accounts so much for the hawks cutting him

Hazys · 01-02-2015 8:15pm

Seamus Angry Luck wrote: »

he could be getting over 10 mil a year by all accounts so much for the hawks cutting him

Great player but seems like a huge cap hit for a RB nearing the end of his prime.

Especially when you have to pay your QB top dollar soon

Neil3030 · 01-02-2015 8:30pm

The guaranteed money will be the key. Lynch should have at least two solid years left, so i'd be very surprised if the guaranteed money doesn't just about cover two years salary, or even less.

GoldFour4 · 02-02-2015 4:46pm

Johhny Football entered rehab last wednesday. Hopefully he sorts his life out.

adrian522 · 02-02-2015 4:55pm

So the Patriots will host the opening game of the 2015 season.

What game would you like to see selected?

The possibilities re:

Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins

Eagles for me would be the most exciting of those.

The Weird, Wacky and Awesome World of the NFL - General Banter thread

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