Ever wonder why Marion Barber, one of the best running backs in the league, never, ever does an interview? I'll be honest, the thought never crossed my mind until the Dallas Morning News' Barry Horn brought it up yesterday, but that might be because I'm busily fighting the urge to stab myself in the earballs with a spork after being exposed to Tony Kornheiser and Emmitt Smith.
For those of you who are curious about Barber's silence, it's pretty simple, actually: he doesn't want to say anything that might be misconstrued. Perfectly reasonable, and advice more players could stand to heed. In any event, Horn asked former Cowboys quarterback-turned-Fox analyst Troy Aikman about it:
"He's a nice guy. He's just so shy and worried that he may say something that will come out wrong or be taken out of context. ... It's kind of a shame. He is such a quality guy. I believe that if a player doesn't talk to the media that at the end of the day, it hurts the player more than it hurts the media...I can totally see how Aikman would love to play with a guy like Barber; he doesn't say much, and treads people who get in his way. I'm pretty sure most everybody would love to have a teammate like that. But for Aikman to suggest that keeping to himself hurts Barber more than the media, well, I'd just point you to Terrell Owens, Chad Javon Ocho Cinco and Joey Porter. (And don't even get me started on Randy Moss and his disgusting acts.)
I wish he would let people see him as the mild-mannered, bright guy he is...I'll tell you this: He is one of those guys I would have loved to have played with. He's as unselfish and as good a teammates as they come."
I'm not sure how putting these dudes in front of a microphone make anybody better off (although I take great pleasure in Joe Buck's mock outrage at Moss fake-mooning Packers fans). If anything, I could go for fewer player interviews, which would hopefully lead to fewer Andrea Kremer sightings, and, ultimately, a world of televised football without a booth full of blowhards stating and restating the obvious.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-19-2008 @ 4:16PM
Steeler fan said...
Good for Marion! I am a Steeler fan but it is easy to pick out a class act no matter who they play for. Let the other blowhard on the Cowboys do all the talking because the media just hopes he will say something stupid and they jump on it like a dog on a meat bone. Marion doesn't need the crap that goes with just saying anything that sounds negative. You go Marion you are a pleasure to watch play. (although I hope you gain 0 against the Steelers this year)
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11-19-2008 @ 6:34PM
amart7 said...
Steeler fan, I totally agree with you. I can't think of anyone in the league who plays as hard as MBIII. I am not saying as well, but as hard. He always plays his hardest and never seems to give a substandard effort. If every player on my Cowboys played like that, or every player on any team, they would be unstoppable.
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11-19-2008 @ 6:42PM
BStrong said...
I totally agree. Lest we forget, Troy Aikman is now a part of that media that he referred to. So when Troy suggest that MBIII talk to the media, he is partially doing this in his own self interest (which isn't terribly wrong). I commend MBIII for not talking and try to bring all this attention on himself. Like others have said -- there are WAY too many players saying too much alright!
BStrong
http://funtosayfootball.com
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11-19-2008 @ 11:10PM
Pep said...
I think it is great that MB doesn't give in to the media. If he wants to just play ball let him. There are plenty of loud mouths like T.O. to run his their mouths because of their over inflated
egos. MB is a class act I hope he stays that way.
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11-20-2008 @ 2:01PM
Sarge said...
For all the loud-mouths in the NFL who feel they need to be that way to get attention should notice that here in Marion Barber is a player who is getting great recognition simply by playing hard and being a solid team player. His play on the field speaks louder than any words he can say.
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