NEW YORK – Why? That is the biggest question I ask myself when I hear about players talking in public about house business. I honestly wish Antrel Rolle could somehow reply to this story and tell us exactly what happened because players usually say their words were taken out of context. Until Rolle replies publicly about this, we have no choice but to take what he said from reliable writers and sources as the truth. I just shake my head every time I hear about a player talking about their feelings in public, when will these players learn to just keep their mouths shut in public?
Now when I say players should keep their mouths shut, I am talking about them keeping their mouths shut to the press. I am talking about their personal feelings on another player or coach remaining private. This is not how New York football handles their business and the fans are beginning to get annoyed with Rolle. He is speaking to the press too much about Big Blue for someone who has only been on the team for one year. He happens to be dissing head coach Tom Coughlin, the only coach other then Bill Parcells to bring a Lombardi trophy to New York, since Super Bowl wins were recorded. I am in awe that Rolle would have the nerve to tell the press that Coughlin needs to lighten up because he feels it is effecting his fun. Your fun? Really Antrel?
You know what is fun? Winning a Super Bowl is fun. Playing a season without 16 players landing on the IR List and not turning the ball over 42 times is fun. The Giants are a dangerous team when they are healthy and their second stringers aren’t making mental errors because of a lack of real playing time. The good news is that the Giants are now deep with players who have real game experience under their belts. But Antrel needs to calm down. He is a fan favorite and the players seem to respect him but he will learn what happens to people in New York who like to talk to much. This isn’t Arizona and the fans in New York do not like talkers. He does not want to become a pariah like Tiki Barber has to fans.
I was equally surprised to hear that Kenny Phillips got into the mix and offered some equally judgmental comments. Phillips has been in town much longer then Rolle and I expect him to know better then that. The team stuck by Phillips when he was dealing with a serious injury and he must know that Coach Coughlin had the final word on all of that. All I have to say to Kenny is, come on man.
My advice to Antrel Rolle is simple, the fans have accepted you, shown you love and respect your game on the field. Don’t take the weight of this city on your back because you can’t keep your personal opinions to yourself. You are not bigger then New York or the history of the Giants organization. Take it down a notch and enjoy the fact that you are playing on a solid 10-6 team that had some misfortune in 2010 but will be better in 2011. Think of the millions of New Yorkers and people around the world for that matter, who have to go to work everyday (if they are lucky enough to have a job) in an environment without any fun. You’re better then that Antrel, I know you are.
What are your thoughts about safety Antrel Rolle voicing his personal opinions to the press about Head Coach Tom Coughlin?
RD – nygreporter.com
UPDATE:
Kenny Phillips went on ESPN today to clarify the comments made yesterday. I applaud Kenny for doing the right thing and letting the fans and Giants organization know that he appreciates his job with the team and has no ill will towards Tom Coughlin or the front office. This is the first time that I can recall Phillips involved with anything like this so he certainly gets a pass.
It would be nice if Antrel Rolle came out and confirmed Kenny’s comments or made some of his own. We know that Rolle is a passionate and fiery guy but this isn’t his first time talking in public about personal feelings. Do the right thing Antrel, New York still has love for you!
Nothing to elaborate on here. Rolle is about another radio spot away from being the newest member of The Buffalo Bills
I think he will be alright. He had to hear what the fans were trying to tell him and he doesn’t want to become the next Tiki Barber.