QuoteNO FAN IN FLETCHER
It took a few weeks, but we finally heard from agent Fletcher Smith.
Smith, you may recall, represents Eagles running back Brian Westbrook. After we explained that Westbrook's unexpected holdout would have to end by August 9 or he would lose his shot at free agency in 2006, published reports indicated that neither the Eagles nor Smith had previously known about the rule. (Additional information we've gleaned from league insiders confirms that Smith wasn't aware of the provision that requires all players under contract to show up at least 30 days before the start of the regular season or lose an year of service toward free agency.)
Writes Smith, in an e-mail we received Wednesday evening:
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To whom it may concern,
You have reported on more than one occasion that I didn't know about Article XVIII, Section 1 (b) of the CBA that requires a player, under contract, to report within 30 days before the start of the season otherwise he will lose his accrued season for that year. To begin with, I was well aware of the rule and how it applied to Brian's situation. To assume otherwise is absolutely ridiculous. I didn't speak with you or anyone else with respect to my knowledge of the rule nor lack thereof. As stated above, Brian and I
were fully aware of the rule and the consequences. Contrary to one of your report(s), we did not learn from you that Brian needed to report to camp by August 8th or forfeit an accrued season. If you received your report from a Philadelphia news story, please note that I was not "quoted" anywhere in any article indicating that I was unaware of the rule. In fact, I didn't have any substantive conversation with the Philadelphia media nor any other media outlet(s) until days after the story was originally reported. When I
eventually spoke to a Philadelphia reporter about this issue, he later ran a much different version of my understanding of said article. I understand your need for sensationalism and providing provocative stories to entertain your readers, of which I am one. I would just ask, for future references that you seek the truth before printing such negative stories.
---------------------------------------
Oh, well. That's one less Christmas card we have to open.
For what it's worth, PFT wasn't the only one out there who was saying that Smith had no clue about the rule in the CBA.
Hey Fletch...how about getting a deal done instead of doing damage control, eh?
The guy is brainless, but give the man his money. West playing for a million and change is a steal on one side and a complete joke on the other. I'm still surprised that the colts didn't make a run for him in the offseason.
Yay! Everyone loves the sports media!
QuoteDan Gross | Eagles boot Gary Papa
6ABC sports anchor Gary Papa was booted from the sidelines of the Eagles/Ravens game Saturday, say eyewitnesses, after he promised the Eagles he wouldn't ask Brian Westbrook about his contract situation and moments later, did just that.
Westbrook, who didn't want to discuss his contract, and agreed to be interviewed only when told he wouldn't have to, walked away furious after the Papa interview.
That's when the team, we're told, asked Papa to leave the sidelines for the rest of the game.
An Eagles spokesman yesterday declined to address the Westbrook/Papa incident but said while Papa hosts the in-house highlights package which fans see at the stadium, he is not a member of the TV broadcast for the game and will not be interviewing players on the sidelines for the rest of the pre-season.
Papa did not return our call.
Did you guys see the interview? Westbrook looked like he wanted to punch Papa in the face. Papa didn't just ask him once...he brought up the contract THREE times during the interview.
Why tell the guy you won't ask him about it and then do it not once, not twice but three times?
Gary Papa saw it as his opportunity to be a real "hard-hitting" journalist. Lame.
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on August 25, 2005, 09:02:53 AM
For what it's worth, PFT wasn't the only one out there who was saying that Smith had no clue about the rule in the CBA.
No, they weren't...but the media was getting their info FROM PFT, not from their own research or knowledge. CSN even quoted PFT.
they werent the only but they were the first...and thats who gets remembered
Quote from: ice grillin you on August 25, 2005, 09:16:35 AM
they werent the only but they were the first...and thats who gets remembered
Again, they reported it first, CSN got it from PFT and the rest of the national media got it from CSN wire.
sorry mommy :'(
MURP 4, MURPette 1, troll 0
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Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on August 25, 2005, 09:13:15 AM
QuoteDan Gross | Eagles boot Gary Papa
6ABC sports anchor Gary Papa was booted from the sidelines of the Eagles/Ravens game Saturday, say eyewitnesses, after he promised the Eagles he wouldn't ask Brian Westbrook about his contract situation and moments later, did just that.
Westbrook, who didn't want to discuss his contract, and agreed to be interviewed only when told he wouldn't have to, walked away furious after the Papa interview.
That's when the team, we're told, asked Papa to leave the sidelines for the rest of the game.
An Eagles spokesman yesterday declined to address the Westbrook/Papa incident but said while Papa hosts the in-house highlights package which fans see at the stadium, he is not a member of the TV broadcast for the game and will not be interviewing players on the sidelines for the rest of the pre-season.
Papa did not return our call.
Did you guys see the interview? Westbrook looked like he wanted to punch Papa in the face. Papa didn't just ask him once...he brought up the contract THREE times during the interview.
Why tell the guy you won't ask him about it and then do it not once, not twice but three times?
Westbrook was pissed for sure, but what got me was the way Papa asked the question the first time. he had a smirk on his face and looked like a little kid who was about to reach into the cookie jar without his mother's permission. I knew at that moment he had been told not to broach that subject. Westbrook confirmed that by his facial expression. Channel 6 has dropped the ball repeatedly this year in covering the preseason. I'd be surprised if they keep the contract.
RE: Papa, it was obvious he ambushed Westbrook...or, the Producer in his ear spurred him to ambush Westbrook, but that's unlikely because that Producer is probably an ETN regular who is familiar with their guarded/proprietary format.
Papa took advantage of what was supposed to be a one-on-one fluff piece in order to break a story, which was unfair to Westbrook, who is trying to keep his negotations in-house.
Looks like we'll see more of Spads running in a bungee coard the next two weeks.
Quote from: PhillyGirl on August 25, 2005, 09:15:19 AM
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on August 25, 2005, 09:02:53 AM
For what it's worth, PFT wasn't the only one out there who was saying that Smith had no clue about the rule in the CBA.
No, they weren't...but the media was getting their info FROM PFT, not from their own research or knowledge. CSN even quoted PFT.
Clayton & Pasquarelli were reporting it too. I think Clayton even talked about it before the CSN/Daily News/Inky people got a hold of it. He talked about it on his segment on ESPNews.
Journalists getting their information from other journalists who made up their information? That's just crazy!
PFT, Gary Papa, Westbrooks Agent, CSN: all gay.
Quote from: MURP on August 25, 2005, 09:34:45 AM
PFT, Gary Papa, Westbrooks Agent, CSN: all gay.
Super-gay? Quasi-gay? Lame-o-gay?
Al Morganti said on WIP this morning that he thought Pappa was forced to ask the question by a producer in his ear, just from the way he was stumbling on the queston.
Either way, it's a joke that he got in trouble. You're not supposed to ask a player about the biggest issue surrounding him? Why do the interview then.
Quote from: Sun_Mo on August 25, 2005, 09:37:36 AM
Al Morganti said on WIP this morning that he thought Pappa was forced to ask the question by a producer in his ear, just from the way he was stumbling on the queston.
Either way, it's a joke that he got in trouble. You're not supposed to ask a player about the biggest issue surrounding him? Why do the interview then.
Ask him all you want if it is not a condition established beforehand. But if you promise to not bring it up, then you do not ambush the guy after telling him you won't bring it up.
That was Westbrook's first interview since he reported to camp (and his last, too). There were a million other things he could've asked.
I hate sideline interviews anyways, especially when the game is going on and they're showing that cliche crap instead of the game, which ESPN is the masters of doing.
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on August 25, 2005, 09:42:46 AM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on August 25, 2005, 09:37:36 AM
Al Morganti said on WIP this morning that he thought Pappa was forced to ask the question by a producer in his ear, just from the way he was stumbling on the queston.
Either way, it's a joke that he got in trouble. You're not supposed to ask a player about the biggest issue surrounding him? Why do the interview then.
Ask him all you want if it is not a condition established beforehand. But if you promise to not bring it up, then you do not ambush the guy after telling him you won't bring it up.
That was Westbrook's first interview since he reported to camp (and his last, too). There were a million other things he could've asked.
I hate sideline interviews anyways, especially when the game is going on and they're showing that cliche crap instead of the game, which ESPN is the masters of doing.
however anybody feels about it, i think we can all agree that we're all being punished now. rumor has it that this week, dave is going to demostrate the little stand that kickers use to practice field goals.
Quote from: Sun_Mo on August 25, 2005, 09:47:34 AM
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on August 25, 2005, 09:42:46 AM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on August 25, 2005, 09:37:36 AM
Al Morganti said on WIP this morning that he thought Pappa was forced to ask the question by a producer in his ear, just from the way he was stumbling on the queston.
Either way, it's a joke that he got in trouble. You're not supposed to ask a player about the biggest issue surrounding him? Why do the interview then.
Ask him all you want if it is not a condition established beforehand. But if you promise to not bring it up, then you do not ambush the guy after telling him you won't bring it up.
That was Westbrook's first interview since he reported to camp (and his last, too). There were a million other things he could've asked.
I hate sideline interviews anyways, especially when the game is going on and they're showing that cliche crap instead of the game, which ESPN is the masters of doing.
however anybody feels about it, i think we can all agree that we're all being punished now. rumor has it that this week, dave is going to demostrate the little stand that kickers use to practice field goals.
:-D
I wish there was an option to watch NFL games without any commentators at all. Just give me the down, distance, score, time and the sounds of the game.
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on August 25, 2005, 09:49:14 AM
:-D
I wish there was an option to watch NFL games without any commentators at all. Just give me the down, distance, score, time and the sounds of the game.
on PTI they said there was a CFL game (I think) that broadcasted without announcers and ratings went up.
an option to punch Spadz through the TV.
Quote from: jeffreyjpa on August 25, 2005, 09:23:13 AM
.....................Looks like we'll see more of Spads running in a bungee coard the next two weeks.
If Spaz is willing to demo how it really is a bungee by jumping off the roof of the Linc with it , them I am cool.
..accidents happen... >:D
QuoteOh, well. That's one less Christmas card we have to open.
:-D
Quote from: Sun_Mo on August 25, 2005, 09:37:36 AM
Al Morganti said on WIP this morning that he thought Pappa was forced to ask the question by a producer in his ear, just from the way he was stumbling on the queston.
Either way, it's a joke that he got in trouble. You're not supposed to ask a player about the biggest issue surrounding him? Why do the interview then.
We need a good old fashion chokin of journalists like Evrett gave Jim Rome years ago, none of this kickin and pushin camera men. Go right for the talking head.
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on August 25, 2005, 09:49:14 AM
I wish there was an option to watch NFL games without any commentators at all. Just give me the down, distance, score, time and the sounds of the game.
They tried that about 20 years ago on NBC. It went over like a lead balloon because the American public has, by and large, the collective attention span of a roomful of pre-schoolers and needs the constant droning of announcers to keep them focused on the screen.
It's funny because I feel the same way. We watch the games at the pub and it never ceases to amaze me that nearly everyone wants the sound turned up to ear-splitting decibals so that they can hear the announcers comments.
I honestly don't get that.
For me, I like to have the sound one of two ways:
1. Muted
2. Loud enough so I can hear it.
I hate it when someone has the sound on, but "turns it down" so that they can have conversations during the game.
I had a Super Bowl party, and people kept asking me to turn down the sound. I said that the party was to watch the game, not to play charades or compare cookie recipies.
Didn't help that the Eagles were losing. Didn't help my mood one bit. :boom
Quote from: Geowhizzer on August 25, 2005, 12:27:09 PM
For me, I like to have the sound one of two ways:
1. Muted
2. Loud enough so I can hear it.
I hate it when someone has the sound on, but "turns it down" so that they can have conversations during the game.
I had a Super Bowl party, and people kept asking me to turn down the sound. I said that the party was to watch the game, not to play charades or compare cookie recipies.
Didn't help that the Eagles were losing. Didn't help my mood one bit. :boom
you're reaction was tame in my mind. if someone asked me that during the Super Bowl when the Eagles are playing, there's gonna be trouble.
The only problem with having satellite is you cant just Mute the announcers and listen to 94.1 because of the Delay
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on August 25, 2005, 12:49:49 PM
The only problem with having satellite is you cant just Mute the announcers and listen to 94.1 because of the Delay
What they need is an alternative audio track just like the way they do SAP except call it FAP and just have Stadium play by play audio track, no Buck/Aikmen Maden/etc :yay
FAP, that's a great acronym.
You could definitely tell Westbrook was pissed when he repeated the same answer twice. I knew a question about the contract was coming, but I was hoping it wouldn't. I've had enough of contract talks for this offseason. Papa was trying to break the big story like someone said, because the low budget news stations never break any big stories in sports, so he was going for the gold and fell flat on his face. If he actually thought he was going to get some "exclusive info" then he is a complete idiot.
That's why I never get when 50 different reporters ask people the same question when they know they are going to get the same answer. Then reporters get real cocky and when they get a player one-on-one they think they can crack him and get some exclusive info. It isn't happening. Get over yourselves.
I remember last year, and I like Vai, but he reported on WIP that he had a sit down with Andy Reid and he said Andy said him and TO's personalities would clash. Then as soon as he broke the story everyone is like: Well that's that, TO is not coming here. You have to be stupid and have a pretty big ego if you think Andy is going to give anything away about his offseason plans, especially to a lowly news sports reporter who can break the story any time. This year Vai blows the TO "is going to pull a prank" story. That's 0/2 Vai. Better get to work. But hey, that is what happens when the news sports guys try to break stories. I only listen to CSN, ESPN, ESPNews, PFT sometimes, and a few others.
At least that one was broken up a little by paragraph. Still way too long though. No one cares that much, dude.
Nothing can stop the fire except penicilin... >:D
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on August 25, 2005, 09:49:14 AM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on August 25, 2005, 09:47:34 AM
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on August 25, 2005, 09:42:46 AM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on August 25, 2005, 09:37:36 AM
Al Morganti said on WIP this morning that he thought Pappa was forced to ask the question by a producer in his ear, just from the way he was stumbling on the queston.
Either way, it's a joke that he got in trouble. You're not supposed to ask a player about the biggest issue surrounding him? Why do the interview then.
Ask him all you want if it is not a condition established beforehand. But if you promise to not bring it up, then you do not ambush the guy after telling him you won't bring it up.
That was Westbrook's first interview since he reported to camp (and his last, too). There were a million other things he could've asked.
I hate sideline interviews anyways, especially when the game is going on and they're showing that cliche crap instead of the game, which ESPN is the masters of doing.
however anybody feels about it, i think we can all agree that we're all being punished now. rumor has it that this week, dave is going to demostrate the little stand that kickers use to practice field goals.
:-D
I wish there was an option to watch NFL games without any commentators at all. Just give me the down, distance, score, time and the sounds of the game.
Don't you remember THE SILENT GAME in 1982 broadcast by NBC? No play-by-play announcer, no color commentator, it was just the sounds on the field.
I like commentators, but only if they are good. I like the Fox national crew with Buck, and Aikman. Collinsworth is a little weasel, but it's always good to mix in a doubter to laugh in the face of when proven wrong. I hated Aikman as a player, I love him as an analyst/commentator. He's fair, objective, and knows the game. Also he doesn't have an annoying voice like Collinsworth. I like Buck too. I don't love him, but he's better than most play-by-play guys out there.
Sideline reporters are useless though, unless they report injuries game time. Half of the time the reports are wrong because they didn't get MRIs yet.
Quote from: bobbyinlondon on August 25, 2005, 04:47:34 PM
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on August 25, 2005, 09:49:14 AM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on August 25, 2005, 09:47:34 AM
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on August 25, 2005, 09:42:46 AM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on August 25, 2005, 09:37:36 AM
Al Morganti said on WIP this morning that he thought Pappa was forced to ask the question by a producer in his ear, just from the way he was stumbling on the queston.
Either way, it's a joke that he got in trouble. You're not supposed to ask a player about the biggest issue surrounding him? Why do the interview then.
Ask him all you want if it is not a condition established beforehand. But if you promise to not bring it up, then you do not ambush the guy after telling him you won't bring it up.
That was Westbrook's first interview since he reported to camp (and his last, too). There were a million other things he could've asked.
I hate sideline interviews anyways, especially when the game is going on and they're showing that cliche crap instead of the game, which ESPN is the masters of doing.
however anybody feels about it, i think we can all agree that we're all being punished now. rumor has it that this week, dave is going to demostrate the little stand that kickers use to practice field goals.
:-D
I wish there was an option to watch NFL games without any commentators at all. Just give me the down, distance, score, time and the sounds of the game.
Don't you remember THE SILENT GAME in 1982 broadcast by NBC? No play-by-play announcer, no color commentator, it was just the sounds on the field.
Nah, bro. I was only 3 in 1982. ;)
You're old, mister.
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on August 25, 2005, 07:48:02 PM
Quote from: bobbyinlondon on August 25, 2005, 04:47:34 PM
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on August 25, 2005, 09:49:14 AM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on August 25, 2005, 09:47:34 AM
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on August 25, 2005, 09:42:46 AM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on August 25, 2005, 09:37:36 AM
Al Morganti said on WIP this morning that he thought Pappa was forced to ask the question by a producer in his ear, just from the way he was stumbling on the queston.
Either way, it's a joke that he got in trouble. You're not supposed to ask a player about the biggest issue surrounding him? Why do the interview then.
Ask him all you want if it is not a condition established beforehand. But if you promise to not bring it up, then you do not ambush the guy after telling him you won't bring it up.
That was Westbrook's first interview since he reported to camp (and his last, too). There were a million other things he could've asked.
I hate sideline interviews anyways, especially when the game is going on and they're showing that cliche crap instead of the game, which ESPN is the masters of doing.
however anybody feels about it, i think we can all agree that we're all being punished now. rumor has it that this week, dave is going to demostrate the little stand that kickers use to practice field goals.
:-D
I wish there was an option to watch NFL games without any commentators at all. Just give me the down, distance, score, time and the sounds of the game.
Don't you remember THE SILENT GAME in 1982 broadcast by NBC? No play-by-play announcer, no color commentator, it was just the sounds on the field.
Nah, bro. I was only 3 in 1982. ;)
Screw you, you friggin' youngin'! :-D
I was 2 in 1982. Phreak is old.