I'm not going to write about the Terrell Owens apology. It's already been analyzed ad nauseam via newspapers, television, sports talk radio, chat rooms, blogs, online journals, smoke signals, etc. Instead, I want to salute a local reporter here in Philly who was both witness and participant to the biggest circus Moorestown, NJ has ever seen.
David Henry of Channel 6, Philadelphia's local ABC affiliate, deserves a raise. I want to shake his hand, because he is the author of the best question in the history of sports press conferences.
After reading his apology, Owens stood stoically behind his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who was attempting to blame the media for Owens' self-inflicted troubles. As Rosenhaus' high-pitched whine grew louder and testier, Henry asked:
"What have you done for your client, other than get him kicked off the team?"
A clearly flummoxed Rosenhaus tersely replied, "Next question."
As a sports fan, I've grown weary of journalists lobbing softball questions at spoiled athletes like Owens and assholes like Rosenhaus. Henry asked the question that all of us want to know: What exactly does this slimeball bring to the table?
Earlier this year, Rosenhaus smugly promised that he would get his client a new contract, hinting all the while that if the Eagles failed to capitulate, then Owens would hold out of training camp. The Eagles called Rosenhaus' bluff, and Owens showed up on time. The Jerry Maguire-wannabe failed.
During the Q&A, Rosenhaus alternately criticized/lambasted/chided the various media outlets that were gathered on Owens' unkempt front lawn, blaming them for Owens dismissal from the Eagles. It was the last desperate act of desperate man who failed to anticipate the Eagles' resolve in refusing to renegotiate.
Rosenhaus is smarmy, and his condescending attitude highlights the fact that he believes he is smarter/better/cooler than everyone else in the room. Most Philadelphia fans would love to crack him over the head with a bottle of Yuengling - I know I would - but that is what makes David Henry's question so perfect. Henry's query managed to embarrass a very small, insecure man in a very large, public way. For once, Rosenhaus didn't have a witty comeback or bold pronouncement.
Kudos, David Henry.
ha ha
That's great;
Listen, TO signed a contract. Not the Eagles fault if it wasn't a goldmine for him. TO should sue his previous agent for malpractice if the contract was so bad.
ha ha
That's great;
Listen, TO signed a contract. Not the Eagles fault if it wasn't a goldmine for him. TO should sue his previous agent for malpractice if the contract was so bad.
That was one of the best questions ever
hose sports journalists have such a tough balancing act...and David Henry deserves and award for exposing Drew Rosenhaus wearing the Emperor's New Clothes. Right on the money, man. WTG David.
That's a great question to ask Rosencletus...
...but I can't help but think about the time when the Sixers were playing the Lakers in the finals a couple of years back and Henry threw a hissy fit b/c he couldn't get an exclusive on the LA restaurant selling cheesesteaks. Petulant.
But...
The media, specifically ESPN did become part of the story. I'm not blaming ESPN, but without them T.O. doesn't have the national forum. It's weird to consider their part in the story while watching their coverage - they've benefited greatly.
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