Full disclosure. I, DA, am a New York Giants fan. Yep, dyed-in-the-wool, Big Blue Wrecking Crew glutton for punishment. I have memorized the 1986 NFL Films season-in-review. I still keep a chronological VHS collection of every game from the 1990 season in my parents attic. I once waited three-hours at the mall for Dave Meggetts autograph. I own a Kerry Collins jersey.
Let me restate this: I own a Kerry Collins jersey.
So, it may come as some surprise that right now I would rather play a game of naked Twister with Rosie ODonell and Donald Trump, than admit my previous allegiance to Tiki Barber.
I have long tried to dilute my passion for the Giants by smothering it with a reporters cap. As a member of the media, its vital for me to stay objective and detached from the sports I cover. To hell with that right now. Tiki has me bent.
After abruptly announcing his retirement at mid-season last year, he created a media firestorm and a complete distraction for a team battling for the NFC East division crown and a high seed in the playoffs. He insisted that it was only because he was going to be outed by a member of the New York press corps and he wanted to declare it himself.
But every time he attempted to downplay the idea that his announcement was completely self-serving and a detriment to the team, it came off as insincere and contrived. This week, in just his second day as a member of NBCs Today Show, Tiki once again blasted coach Tom Coughlin.
Tiki insists Coughlins old-school ways were too much of a grind and forced his decision to retire. Tiki said the physical toll on his 31-year-old body by a coach that didnt understand the pressures of todays athlete was too much to take. He went on to suggest Coughlin would be forced to change his ways to be successful in todays game.
Most of that is probably true. There are about four Giants fans drunk in Moonachie, NJ who would argue Coughlin does NOT have to change. But what is the point in taking shots at a former coach now, besides becoming the story once again?
Throughout the last year-plus, Tiki became the mouthpiece for Giants concerns with Coughlin. After the embarrassing loss to the Panthers in the 2005 playoffs, Tiki complained publicly. After a loss to Jacksonville last season, Tiki complained publicly. After the hideous collapse to the Bears at home on Sunday Night Football, the turning point in the season for the Giants, Tiki... well, you get the point.
Tiki did reflect the thoughts of every Giants fan. Some of that criticism may have forced Coughlin to change strategies mid-season as well. The Giants did make the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time since Bill Parcells.
But at the end of the day, it was too often about Tiki and not the Giants. He was clearly the greatest running back the franchise had seen since Frank Gifford. His knack at gaining six yards on third-and-five was uncanny. His ability to hit the hole, squirt past linebackers, keep his balance and break the big one was as polished as any back since Barry Sanders. Unfortunately, that was all tainted by his self-absorption.
Tiki said it did not bother him that he left the game before winning a championship. He said he accomplished everything he wanted to in pro football and there was too much was left for him in his post-playing career. Lets be clear: it IS refreshing to see an athlete realize there is more to life than running behind the pulling guard. But its another thing to call Matt Lauer your hero, which Tiki did upon accepting a position with NBC.
I am sure Matt is a very nice guy. In fact, I would probably enjoy sharing a bowl of Crispix with him. But if Lauer is your hero, you likely need a CAT scan. Like, now.
Tikis comments only serve as fuel for more locker room dissention this season, more ammo for a New York media always circling for blood. It might even keep his former teammates from achieving THEIR goal of winning a championship. Then again, that would not mean much to Tiki anyway. Matt Lauer just asked about new spring fashions.
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A
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