Shurmur hired as Giants coach ‘because he’s an adult,’ says GM
Damning with faint praise: Gettleman hired Shurmur ‘because he’s an adult’
Introducing his new head coach to local media, New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman said repeatedly that the reason he hired Pat Shurmur is that “he’s an adult.” Which was interpreted by the New York press corps as implying that Bob McAdoo, of the previous administration, is immature. Here are excerpts from the press conference: “I really believe the head coaching job of the New York Football Giants is a job for an adult, and Pat’s every bit of that. He’s an adult. He’s mature. He’s got wisdom. . . . This is a job for a grown-up.” How impressed was Gettleman that the 52-year-old Shurmur met his standards on maturity? “We’re halfway through the interview and I’m writing down, ‘This is an adult.’”
Between the Lines: This incident reinforced rumors that Gettleman’s first two choices, Matt Patricia and Josh McDaniels, rebuffed him because they’re not sure he has the intelligence to succeed.
Brady threatens to quit radio gig after insult to his 5-year-old daughter
New England Patriots QB Tom Brady appears weekly on Boston radio WEEI, but that relationship is in jeopardy following an on-air comment by one of the station’s hosts about his daughter. WEEI’s Alex Reimer called the 5-year-old Vivian Brady “an annoying little pissant.” Brady called in Monday: “I’ve tried to come on this show for many years and showed you guys a lot of respect. My daughter – or any child – does not deserve that.” He cut the interview short and said he’s unsure of his future with the station, which promptly suspended Reimer indefinitely.
Chris Simms: Belichick works 15-hour days, expects same from players and staff
Chris Simms, former starting QB of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was a coaching assistant for the New England Patriots in 2012. Now working for PFT, Simms provided a look at the Patriot Way: “They have the most in-depth playbook in the sport.” He said Bill Belichick tirelessly adds to it. “A couch in the building had a grease spot from where his head was resting.” Belichick expects players and staff to arrive at the facility “a little before 6 in the morning.” Those who leave before 9 p.m. “might get fired.”
Lane Johnson promises free beer to fans if Eagles win Super Bowl
In August, with the Philadelphia Eagles coming off a 7-9 season, right tackle Lane Johnson made a promise that didn’t seem to mean much: “If we win a Super Bowl, I’m going to give out beer to everybody.” Bud Light, an official sponsor of the NFL, promised to help with the cost and distribution. But that was when the Eagles were a 50-1 longshot to win the NFL championship. Now Johnson and Anheuser Busch are looking at the real possibility of it happening. “I will be a man of my word,” Johnson said, vowing to provide the beer as part of a parade celebration. A Budweiser spokesman said: “We look forward to delivering on our promise and sharing a few beers with our friends in Philly should the Eagles bring home the Lombardi Trophy.”
Between the Lines: This looks like a potential riot.
Vikings announcer calls comments by Philly fans ‘repulsive’
Paul Allen, play-by-play announcer for the Minnesota Vikings, chastised Philadelphia Eagles fans for insensitivity in the NFC Championship game. Speaking on Pro Football Talk (NBC Sports Network), he said: “Some things that were said to Pat Elflein’s family when he went down with a broken ankle . . . it was very difficult and quite honestly repulsive. . . . Best of luck to the New England Patriots.”
Dear Paul: Perhaps the Philly fans needed more beer
Manny Machado shifts from third base to shortstop
Manny Machado, All-Star third baseman of the Baltimore Orioles, is moving back to his original position, shortstop. At 25 and in the final year of his contract, he sees higher free-agent value as a slugging shortstop, though the O’s have indicated unwillingness to compete on the open market for his continued service. Twice a Gold Glove winner on the corner, Machado had 33 home runs and 95 RBI last season despite a slow start. Tim Beckham, who batted .310 with 10 homers in 50 games as Baltimore’s shortstop last year, is expected to transfer to third base. “Machado can play great at shortstop, and he’s going to hit,” said MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds, a former infielder. But Machado has had two knee surgeries, and Reynolds pointed out: “You gotta move around a lot at shortstop. The only thing that can hurt him in this situation will be the injury bug.”
Indians remove Chief Wahoo from uniforms but still sell offensive logo on T-shirts
The Cleveland Indians years ago acknowledged the offensiveness of the broadly grinning Chief Wahoo. They team’s ownership and management decided that the racist caricature must go, but it would be gradually phased out. Along those lines, the team announced that the controversial logo, which dates to 1932, will not be appearing on its uniforms in 2019. However, the trademark is being retained so Chief Wahoo can continue to appear on T-shirts.
Between the Lines: The bottom line rules.