Derek Anderson Flip Out (1 Viewer)

[Kevin Ashcraft]

I thought Anderson handled it unbelievably poorly, and Kent Somers did what a beat writer is supposed to do, ask the relevant question. When the national TV crew dissects Anderson laughing on the TV broadcast, it's much more germane to the "beat" to inquire about that then some plain vanilla fill-in-the-blanks question that 90% of these post game Q&As are filled with. Sometimes we forget to put ourselves in other people's shoes. Somers job is to create a story, and therefore sell papers, EVERY DAY covering a moribund team. At that moment, Anderson laughing was THE story. Now I personally don't dig much on what beat writers have to say for this very reason. But don't condemn the guy for doing his job. What fan among us can honestly say it doesn't drive you nuts when you see laughing in blowouts? Aaron Brooks was vilified for it every time he made a bad play. As an Eagles season ticket holder, I can't tell you how many times fans in the stands lost their minds when McNabb would be seen walking off the field with a smirk after a pass thrown into the ground on a key 3rd and long or some other such mistake.

I'm surprised so many are attacking the reporter in this situation. He's asking a legitimate question that Cardinals fans want answered. Fans pay lots of money that goes into player's pockets, and the sport is so successful because we let a select few bridge the gap between players and fans. Members of the media are the conduit between the fans who pay lots of money and the players who receive lots of money. They should be professional, but there's nothing unprofessional about the question."I don't mean this to be sarcastic or pointed but, I mean, but that went out on Monday Night television and a lot of fans are talking abotu it right now as a big problem with this team. Can you put into context what was going on at that moment?"There were a lot of ways Anderson could have responded. "Honestly, I don't really remember laughing on the sidelines. We take every game seriously, and are pretty focused on what we're trying to do as an offense on the sidelines. Occasionally a player cracks a joke or whatnot but I don't remember this particular instance." Or maybe he could have said "Yeah, Deuce made ya know, an inside joke that was between us. We laughed for a second but I don't know why fans would talk about what's a big problem with this team. Right now there are a ton of problems, but our sideline demeanor isn't one of them. We're working hard out there, but we're not passing the ball well, and that's my fault. Every week we work hard on it and try to improve, but today was a big step back for us. Tomorrow I'm going to look at the film and try to get better, like I do every week." Or he could say "Deuce said something like man, Troy Smith is way better than Alex Smith. That brother's got it. And I laughed."But Anderson got very defensive -- and then lied. He said "What Deuce and I talk about is nobody else's business." It's totally legitimate to follow up with this: "Why was something funny when you're down 18 points in the 4th quarter." Anderson tried to sidestep the question, and the reporter thought it was a question worth asking. He wasn't going to just let Anderson have his way and avoid the question, so he pressed more -- I don't see anything wrong with that.Then Anderson says 'It wasn't funny, I wasn't laughing about anything." Which was a lie. And Somers called him out on it. And then Anderson exploded.If the media weren't allowed to ask questions athletes didn't like, I'm pretty sure interest in the NFL would decrease. And that'd be bad for Anderson's paycheck. So he should take it like a man and answer the questions, IMO.

Why should a fan care if DA is laughing? They aren't the ones on the field. Somers is not some representative of the fans. He is a writer. This is why I said Somers has a little-man complex, trying to verbally berate a million-dollar athlete about a smile.If a fan doesn't like that a pro athlete smiles while getting beat or after getting beat, then don't financially support the team/player. More often that not, there will be someone else to take your place. Only in sports do people keep coming back no matter the level of pleasure/satisfaction/enjoyment. In business, you simply find another company to give your money to.Media asking tough questions increases interest in the NFL....where is the correlation. People are going to root for their teams regardless of what questions some so-called "fan ambassador" does or does not ask. Unless you want to get 50 million people to take the attitude Somers has, the NFL will be just fine. Fans/media don't drive the sport, they are merely spectators. Teams/players are what drive the sport.

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

In Anderson's defense...kind of a loaded question and the guy kept asking it even when Anderson gave an answer. He should have thrown the podium aside on and gone Jim Everett on the guy.

Anderson never gave an answer, he just went on a tirade on how he studies his ### off blah blah blah.He knows he got caught and didn't provide a proper explanation, he dopingly just attempted to change the subject.

Even giving that DA was lying, why in the world does he need to give a "proper explanation"? So some fan will sleep better?

 

[-jb-]

What a ####### joke all of this has become. OMGOMGOMG someone laughed! Let's publicly torment him! The media would be better served if we got rid of all the 12-year old girls doing the reporting.

Move on.

 

[Masked Vigilante]

Whoever the "reporter" was talking that tone with a professional athlete must have a huge "little man complex"

I thought the reporter was as calm, cordial and professional as he could have possibly been.

Ditto... DA turned it into a confrontation, the way a little kid does when he knows he's wrong.

That reporter was digging before and after it was obviously a sore spot. That's not cordial and it's not professional.Pretty lame.

A "Sore Spot" ?What are we dealing with here, some sensitive little 12 year old ?Sore Spot ?Answer the freaking question honestly and move on.

He doesn't need to answer the question.

 

[Casting Couch]

In Anderson's defense...kind of a loaded question and the guy kept asking it even when Anderson gave an answer. He should have thrown the podium aside on and gone Jim Everett on the guy.

Anderson never gave an answer, he just went on a tirade on how he studies his ### off blah blah blah.He knows he got caught and didn't provide a proper explanation, he dopingly just attempted to change the subject.

Even giving that DA was lying, why in the world does he need to give a "proper explanation"? So some fan will sleep better?

No need to lie, freak out, and change the subject.Just shows his insecurities as well as his immaturity.

 

[cobalt_27]

I thought Anderson handled it unbelievably poorly, and Kent Somers did what a beat writer is supposed to do, ask the relevant question. When the national TV crew dissects Anderson laughing on the TV broadcast, it's much more germane to the "beat" to inquire about that then some plain vanilla fill-in-the-blanks question that 90% of these post game Q&As are filled with. Sometimes we forget to put ourselves in other people's shoes. Somers job is to create a story, and therefore sell papers, EVERY DAY covering a moribund team. At that moment, Anderson laughing was THE story. Now I personally don't dig much on what beat writers have to say for this very reason. But don't condemn the guy for doing his job. What fan among us can honestly say it doesn't drive you nuts when you see laughing in blowouts? Aaron Brooks was vilified for it every time he made a bad play. As an Eagles season ticket holder, I can't tell you how many times fans in the stands lost their minds when McNabb would be seen walking off the field with a smirk after a pass thrown into the ground on a key 3rd and long or some other such mistake.

I'm surprised so many are attacking the reporter in this situation. He's asking a legitimate question that Cardinals fans want answered. Fans pay lots of money that goes into player's pockets, and the sport is so successful because we let a select few bridge the gap between players and fans. Members of the media are the conduit between the fans who pay lots of money and the players who receive lots of money. They should be professional, but there's nothing unprofessional about the question."I don't mean this to be sarcastic or pointed but, I mean, but that went out on Monday Night television and a lot of fans are talking abotu it right now as a big problem with this team. Can you put into context what was going on at that moment?"There were a lot of ways Anderson could have responded. "Honestly, I don't really remember laughing on the sidelines. We take every game seriously, and are pretty focused on what we're trying to do as an offense on the sidelines. Occasionally a player cracks a joke or whatnot but I don't remember this particular instance." Or maybe he could have said "Yeah, Deuce made ya know, an inside joke that was between us. We laughed for a second but I don't know why fans would talk about what's a big problem with this team. Right now there are a ton of problems, but our sideline demeanor isn't one of them. We're working hard out there, but we're not passing the ball well, and that's my fault. Every week we work hard on it and try to improve, but today was a big step back for us. Tomorrow I'm going to look at the film and try to get better, like I do every week." Or he could say "Deuce said something like man, Troy Smith is way better than Alex Smith. That brother's got it. And I laughed."But Anderson got very defensive -- and then lied. He said "What Deuce and I talk about is nobody else's business." It's totally legitimate to follow up with this: "Why was something funny when you're down 18 points in the 4th quarter." Anderson tried to sidestep the question, and the reporter thought it was a question worth asking. He wasn't going to just let Anderson have his way and avoid the question, so he pressed more -- I don't see anything wrong with that.Then Anderson says 'It wasn't funny, I wasn't laughing about anything." Which was a lie. And Somers called him out on it. And then Anderson exploded.If the media weren't allowed to ask questions athletes didn't like, I'm pretty sure interest in the NFL would decrease. And that'd be bad for Anderson's paycheck. So he should take it like a man and answer the questions, IMO.

Why should a fan care if DA is laughing? They aren't the ones on the field. Somers is not some representative of the fans. He is a writer. This is why I said Somers has a little-man complex, trying to verbally berate a million-dollar athlete about a smile.If a fan doesn't like that a pro athlete smiles while getting beat or after getting beat, then don't financially support the team/player. More often that not, there will be someone else to take your place. Only in sports do people keep coming back no matter the level of pleasure/satisfaction/enjoyment. In business, you simply find another company to give your money to.Media asking tough questions increases interest in the NFL....where is the correlation. People are going to root for their teams regardless of what questions some so-called "fan ambassador" does or does not ask. Unless you want to get 50 million people to take the attitude Somers has, the NFL will be just fine. Fans/media don't drive the sport, they are merely spectators. Teams/players are what drive the sport.

Alternatively, DA yucking it up on the sidelines in the midst of an embarrassing defeat on national television paints the portrait of someone who isn't taking his work seriously enough. For someone with a track record as beleaguered as his, who is just hanging onto a job only because of the poor alternatives, otherwise, it translates poorly.You can say all you want that it shouldn't matter, but fact is, the public face on a very public entity and job that he holds down as the quarterback of an NFL team...that goes a long way in determining his ability to continue working in that capacity. I suspect, he soon will be looking for another line of work, both because of his ability and his attitude.

 

[Joe T]

If the media weren't allowed to ask questions athletes didn't like, I'm pretty sure interest in the NFL would decrease. And that'd be bad for Anderson's paycheck. So he should take it like a man and answer the questions, IMO.

Only he did answer the question like a man, yet the reporter kept asking the same question over and over like a complete jack ### because he didn't get the response he wanted.Ask a question once. Fine.Ask a follow up. Fine.Ask the same thing 5 times and you come off like a tabloid reporter trying to get a reaction.

 

[Chase Stuart]

If the media weren't allowed to ask questions athletes didn't like, I'm pretty sure interest in the NFL would decrease. And that'd be bad for Anderson's paycheck. So he should take it like a man and answer the questions, IMO.

Only he did answer the question like a man, yet the reporter kept asking the same question over and over like a complete jack ### because he didn't get the response he wanted.Ask a question once. Fine.Ask a follow up. Fine.Ask the same thing 5 times and you come off like a tabloid reporter trying to get a reaction.

What was his answer to the question?

 

[Joe T]

If the media weren't allowed to ask questions athletes didn't like, I'm pretty sure interest in the NFL would decrease. And that'd be bad for Anderson's paycheck. So he should take it like a man and answer the questions, IMO.

Only he did answer the question like a man, yet the reporter kept asking the same question over and over like a complete jack ### because he didn't get the response he wanted.Ask a question once. Fine.Ask a follow up. Fine.Ask the same thing 5 times and you come off like a tabloid reporter trying to get a reaction.

What was his answer to the question?

"It was a private conversation between me and Deuce and its nobody's business."Not to mention the reporter interrupting him 4 or 5 times while he continued to answer the same question over and over.Reporter: "... but what was funny?"... DA: continues his rantReporter: "... but was was so funny?..."DA: continuesReporter: ".... but what was so funny?"That's your definition of professional? Interrupting someone over and over who is trying to answer your question? Please.

 

[Joe T]

I also liked Wisenhunt's (spelling?) response in his press conference.

Essentially, "it could have been handled better, but we have bigger things to worry about than that."

 

[Chase Stuart]

If the media weren't allowed to ask questions athletes didn't like, I'm pretty sure interest in the NFL would decrease. And that'd be bad for Anderson's paycheck. So he should take it like a man and answer the questions, IMO.

Only he did answer the question like a man, yet the reporter kept asking the same question over and over like a complete jack ### because he didn't get the response he wanted.Ask a question once. Fine.Ask a follow up. Fine.Ask the same thing 5 times and you come off like a tabloid reporter trying to get a reaction.

What was his answer to the question?

"It was a private conversation between me and Deuce and its nobody's business."Not to mention the reporter interrupting him 4 or 5 times while he continued to answer the same question over and over.Reporter: "... but what was funny?"... DA: continues his rantReporter: "... but was was so funny?..."DA: continuesReporter: ".... but what was so funny?"That's your definition of professional? Interrupting someone over and over who is trying to answer your question? Please.

That's not an answer; that's declining to comment. NFL players are supposed to actually answer the questions the media asks.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I also liked Wisenhunt's (spelling?) response in his press conference.Essentially, "it could have been handled better, but we have bigger things to worry about than that."

Without a doubt. But it was Anderson who made a mountain out of a molehill. Can't imagine any other quarterback would do that. Even Vince Young is smarter than that.

 

[Joe T]

If the media weren't allowed to ask questions athletes didn't like, I'm pretty sure interest in the NFL would decrease. And that'd be bad for Anderson's paycheck. So he should take it like a man and answer the questions, IMO.

Only he did answer the question like a man, yet the reporter kept asking the same question over and over like a complete jack ### because he didn't get the response he wanted.Ask a question once. Fine.Ask a follow up. Fine.Ask the same thing 5 times and you come off like a tabloid reporter trying to get a reaction.

What was his answer to the question?

"It was a private conversation between me and Deuce and its nobody's business."Not to mention the reporter interrupting him 4 or 5 times while he continued to answer the same question over and over.Reporter: "... but what was funny?"... DA: continues his rantReporter: "... but was was so funny?..."DA: continuesReporter: ".... but what was so funny?"That's your definition of professional? Interrupting someone over and over who is trying to answer your question? Please.

That's not an answer; that's declining to comment. NFL players are supposed to actually answer the questions the media asks.

Ok. So, if you don't get an answer you think is an answer, you are allowed to berate the players. Got it.

 

[Dizzy]

Handling adversity is a pretty important trait for an NFL QB to have I believe… and Anderson couldn’t handle the simplest of questions from a reporter? No wonder the dude throws rockets to open spots on the field (in between bad INT’s).

A simple, “Deuce was trying to lighten the moment to keep me up… that’s all.” And that would have been the end of it. Instead he goes on the defensive immediately and flips out… answering a question with a question? Like I said before, he came off as somebody that is guilty of exactly what the finger-pointers are thinking about him.

 

[heidbrink]

So...what was so flippin' funny? Being mildly curious as to what was said initially, the obfuscation and tantrum only makes curiosity grow.

 

[massraider]

If the media weren't allowed to ask questions athletes didn't like, I'm pretty sure interest in the NFL would decrease. And that'd be bad for Anderson's paycheck. So he should take it like a man and answer the questions, IMO.

Only he did answer the question like a man, yet the reporter kept asking the same question over and over like a complete jack ### because he didn't get the response he wanted.Ask a question once. Fine.Ask a follow up. Fine.Ask the same thing 5 times and you come off like a tabloid reporter trying to get a reaction.

What was his answer to the question?

"It was a private conversation between me and Deuce and its nobody's business."Not to mention the reporter interrupting him 4 or 5 times while he continued to answer the same question over and over.Reporter: "... but what was funny?"... DA: continues his rantReporter: "... but was was so funny?..."DA: continuesReporter: ".... but what was so funny?"That's your definition of professional? Interrupting someone over and over who is trying to answer your question? Please.

That's not an answer; that's declining to comment. NFL players are supposed to actually answer the questions the media asks.

They are also allowed to say no comment. You're being obtuse if you claim that Somers didn't have an agenda here.

 

[Dizzy]

They are also allowed to say no comment. You're being obtuse if you claim that Somers didn't have an agenda here.

Isn't it their (reporters) job to have an agenda... even if it means they have to create one in lean times? Let's face it, without Anderson's flip-out... what's the storyline for Cardinals beat reporters today?No harm, no foul when it's all said and done.... but there are a lot of media outlets probably thanking that reporter today.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

In Anderson's defense...kind of a loaded question and the guy kept asking it even when Anderson gave an answer. He should have thrown the podium aside on and gone Jim Everett on the guy.

That...or just answered the question.

It's a poorly worded question. He could have simply asked what he was laughing about on the sideline. Instead he asked him "why were you laughing when you were down 24-6?" He was provoking him. Guy asking was a jackass.

No doubt, it was definately a loaded question. DA looked bad for going nuts, he could have stayed calm and just explained himself and moved on even though he could have been madder than a wet het inside. The crazier DA got, that reporter kept asking questions about it.....and you're right he was definately a professional at how to stay come and basically take this guy for a fishing trip.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

If the media weren't allowed to ask questions athletes didn't like, I'm pretty sure interest in the NFL would decrease. And that'd be bad for Anderson's paycheck. So he should take it like a man and answer the questions, IMO.

Only he did answer the question like a man, yet the reporter kept asking the same question over and over like a complete jack ### because he didn't get the response he wanted.Ask a question once. Fine.Ask a follow up. Fine.Ask the same thing 5 times and you come off like a tabloid reporter trying to get a reaction.

What was his answer to the question?

"It was a private conversation between me and Deuce and its nobody's business."Not to mention the reporter interrupting him 4 or 5 times while he continued to answer the same question over and over.Reporter: "... but what was funny?"... DA: continues his rantReporter: "... but was was so funny?..."DA: continuesReporter: ".... but what was so funny?"That's your definition of professional? Interrupting someone over and over who is trying to answer your question? Please.

That's not an answer; that's declining to comment. NFL players are supposed to actually answer the questions the media asks.

Ya, to a point. If he asks him something personal the guy doesn't have to answer. "Hey, when's the last time you were with your wife?" You think he should answer that? I agree that DA made this into a huge issue by how he handled it but none of us realize how tough it is to be in his shoes and how difficult it must be to try as hard as he is and get booed, ridiculed etc...Let's just say the guy giving the interview certainly wasn't giving him any breaks that's for sure.

 

[massraider]

They are also allowed to say no comment. You're being obtuse if you claim that Somers didn't have an agenda here.

Isn't it their (reporters) job to have an agenda... even if it means they have to create one in lean times? Let's face it, without Anderson's flip-out... what's the storyline for Cardinals beat reporters today?No harm, no foul when it's all said and done.... but there are a lot of media outlets probably thanking that reporter today.

The game last night being uninteresting isn't really enough for me to justify what Somers did, IMO. To create a story. Somers got a nice reaction from Anderson, and then goaded him on. I really doubt he went in there to GO AFTER Anderson. He wanted a response to what Gruden was saying on the telecast (Boy, you can tell Anderson isn't in charge of hiring head coaches huh? Gruden became Mr. Tough Guy once he could go after a guy that can't help his career), and that's more than fair. He got his answer, to repeat the same thing over and over again, he knew what he was doing. To answer your question, no, I really don't think it's his job to create a story. There's plenty to report on without making one struggling player a scapegoat.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Anderson definitely could have handed it better, but the way the reporter asked it was clearly meant to provoke him, especially the way he kept on about it. And predictably, everyone in the media today is attacking Anderson and defending the reporter. Shocking.

 

[Dave Baker]

A non-issue to me. The reporter asked a silly question, which just about anyone would have a problem with, and Anderson over-reacted and walked out. There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that the reporter, nor anybody else, seriously believes that Anderson thought his team getting shelled and him looking terrible is funny. Even in the worst of times, we often laugh at something. I remember spending half my father's funeral laughing with friends and talking about stuff. Not because my father's passing was funny, but because you can't spend all your time upset. Does no good. Sure, in the midst of extreme tragedy laughing is a challenge, but this is nothing close to a tragedy.

I remember Jim Edmonds in baseball used to take a lot of flak from teammates et al when he was found joking in the locker room after losses. I didn't get it then and I don't get it now. When is it ok for Anderson to laugh about something? After the game? 1 hour later? 1 day later?

When talking about the game (i.e. press conference), it might be odd for Anderson to laugh. And he wasn't then. He acted immaturely to the question, clearly. Do reporters often ask silly questions? Yes. Athletes need to learn to deal with it better. To those (like Gruden) who believe that Anderson has no right to laugh at something while on the sidelines of a game that's now in essence over, I say cut them slack. And it's absolutely nobody's business what he is laughing at while on the sidelines at the end of a blow out.

So, silly question by the reporter? Of course. You'd have to be out of your mind to honestly and sincerely think that Anderson finds getting shelled by an opponent and looking terrible personally (possibly meaning he's out of a job soon) funny. Do I blame the reporter for asking it? Well, I wouldn't that question if I was a reporter, but enough people (Gruden) questioned the laughing so it made it worthwhile for the reporter to probe (and incidentally get exactly what he wanted in the response). A lot of papparazzi make a nice living out of getting celebrities to blow up.

Do I think Anderson acted poorly? Of course. You've got to be able to respond to foolish questions by the media as they're asked all the time. I used to find it comical listening to the inane questions by reporters after Laker and Kings games in their locker rooms. But an athlete needs to let the reporters act like children, not do so themselves, however understandable his frustration might have been.

 

[simey]

I also liked Wisenhunt's (spelling?) response in his press conference.Essentially, "it could have been handled better, but we have bigger things to worry about than that."

Without a doubt. But it was Anderson who made a mountain out of a molehill. Can't imagine any other quarterback would do that. Even Vince Young is smarter than that.

Derek Anderson responded poorly, but his response was an emotional one, not one that signifies that he isn't smart. Vince Young is hardly the poster child for emotional stability. That reporter never even would have brought up the smiling/laughing moment had the ESPN crew (Gruden) not focused in on it. The reporter heard the negative comments that were stated and ran with it. It was obvious (at least to me) that the reporter was not acting on good intentions while questioning Anderson. I remember when Steve Smith (CAR) used to try to make Jake Delhomme smile whenever Jake would be having a bad game (and the cats were losing). There are even sound bites and footage on it. No reporter ever confronted Smith or Jake (Smith probably would have clocked the reporter). Maybe it's only acceptable if you are popular. Anyway, It's not that uncommon for players to have a smiling moment between them during a game they are losing. What is uncommon is a QB sitting on the bench eating a hot dog during the game. Now that is rare.

 

[LittlePhatty]

Ask a question once. Fine.

Ask a follow up. Fine.

Ask the same thing 5 times and you come off like a tabloid reporter trying to get a reaction.

And he got one.Someone with a bit of emotional intelligence would realize the only way out of that is to keep your cool and let the idiot reporter continue to flap his jaws and make a fool of himself instead of you.

The whole thing is way overblown though. ESPN came up with that "big news Monday" type of thing and in the void of any real story they had to create one.

 

[fatness]

A "Sore Spot" ?What are we dealing with here, some sensitive little 12 year old ?

Apparently widdle football pwayers must be pwotected fwom weporters.

 

[aimlessgun]

To all the people attacking the reporter: from the outside sure it looks a bit bad. But as a Cards fan I was totally behind what he did, because after that loss, screw Derek Anderson. Screw him and his horrible play and for that abomination of a game and for murdering our ####### season. That is how fans felt last night, in the postgame emotion, that DA deserved to get ridiculed. A beat reporter isn't supposed to be a fan, but of course they have it inside of them, and I'm guessing Somers let a little fan anger sway his judgement.

Childish, emotional, unprofessional? Maybe, especially looking at it the morning after. At the time? F*** Derek Anderson.

 

[Todem]

I love all these ### wipe reporters, writers and talk radio schmucks who never played a minute of true orgainized sports yet have the balls to judge, write and badger professional athletes who live, sweat, bleed and go through tons of pain for their teams. I know that is their job....but most of them are out of shape hacks who only can dream of being world class athletes.

DO you really think Tom Jackson, or Michael Irvin or any former player will sit and ask questions like that? Of course not...because they have been there. These morons are asking the questions moron fans who have never played sports would ask.

*uck all those p*****!

I am with Derrick on this one. He does not have to answer about a laugh on the sideline when he is having a conversation about whatever it was with a teammate. Do you really think he is laughing about anything having to do with the game or the fact they got their ### handed to them?

Our over stimulated media galore society is really pathetic.

 

[Todem]

To all the people attacking the reporter: from the outside sure it looks a bit bad. But as a Cards fan I was totally behind what he did, because after that loss, screw Derek Anderson. Screw him and his horrible play and for that abomination of a game and for murdering our ####### season. That is how fans felt last night, in the postgame emotion, that DA deserved to get ridiculed. A beat reporter isn't supposed to be a fan, but of course they have it inside of them, and I'm guessing Somers let a little fan anger sway his judgement. Childish, emotional, unprofessional? Maybe, especially looking at it the morning after. At the time? F*** Derek Anderson.

No F*** the reporter. Uncalled for. Your season was a disaster before it ever started. Your ownership cheaped out on Boldin, Rolle, Dansby.That is who you all should be mad at.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

A non-issue to me. The reporter asked a silly question, which just about anyone would have a problem with, and Anderson over-reacted and walked out. There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that the reporter, nor anybody else, seriously believes that Anderson thought his team getting shelled and him looking terrible is funny. Even in the worst of times, we often laugh at something. I remember spending half my father's funeral laughing with friends and talking about stuff. Not because my father's passing was funny, but because you can't spend all your time upset. Does no good. Sure, in the midst of extreme tragedy laughing is a challenge, but this is nothing close to a tragedy.I remember Jim Edmonds in baseball used to take a lot of flak from teammates et al when he was found joking in the locker room after losses. I didn't get it then and I don't get it now. When is it ok for Anderson to laugh about something? After the game? 1 hour later? 1 day later?When talking about the game (i.e. press conference), it might be odd for Anderson to laugh. And he wasn't then. He acted immaturely to the question, clearly. Do reporters often ask silly questions? Yes. Athletes need to learn to deal with it better. To those (like Gruden) who believe that Anderson has no right to laugh at something while on the sidelines of a game that's now in essence over, I say cut them slack. And it's absolutely nobody's business what he is laughing at while on the sidelines at the end of a blow out.So, silly question by the reporter? Of course. You'd have to be out of your mind to honestly and sincerely think that Anderson finds getting shelled by an opponent and looking terrible personally (possibly meaning he's out of a job soon) funny. Do I blame the reporter for asking it? Well, I wouldn't that question if I was a reporter, but enough people (Gruden) questioned the laughing so it made it worthwhile for the reporter to probe (and incidentally get exactly what he wanted in the response). A lot of papparazzi make a nice living out of getting celebrities to blow up.Do I think Anderson acted poorly? Of course. You've got to be able to respond to foolish questions by the media as they're asked all the time. I used to find it comical listening to the inane questions by reporters after Laker and Kings games in their locker rooms. But an athlete needs to let the reporters act like children, not do so themselves, however understandable his frustration might have been.

Good posting Dave, everyone handles pressure differently. I wonder if that reporter got his great idea to ask the question after listening to Gruden say during the game that he didn't like that.I don't know, I like Gruden a lot actually. But is that Gruden's job, to call him out like that? I guess maybe it is, but he really threw DA under the bus when he chose to call him out. He didn't have to say that he didn't like that personally on National Television. He did, the reporter probably heard it and asked the question.DA handled it poorly but you could see the frustration of the booing and the losing oozing out of this guy as he was yelling. It was like the entire night's frustration starting coming out. Once he got started, he wasn't coming back and he probably did the right thing by leaving because he basically lost his emotions and he wasn't getting it back anytime soon.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

To all the people attacking the reporter: from the outside sure it looks a bit bad. But as a Cards fan I was totally behind what he did, because after that loss, screw Derek Anderson. Screw him and his horrible play and for that abomination of a game and for murdering our ####### season. That is how fans felt last night, in the postgame emotion, that DA deserved to get ridiculed. A beat reporter isn't supposed to be a fan, but of course they have it inside of them, and I'm guessing Somers let a little fan anger sway his judgement. Childish, emotional, unprofessional? Maybe, especially looking at it the morning after. At the time? F*** Derek Anderson.

The fans should be upset at whomever had him slated as the QB1. They knew what Leinart brouht to the table, they knew that Warner's career was ending soon but they did nothing. They let Leinart go with no plan, except to start Derek Anderson. You can curse Derek Anderson all you want but they let go a lot of good players last year and had a very BAD plan in store for their currrent players and their loyal fans.

 

[Todem]

A non-issue to me. The reporter asked a silly question, which just about anyone would have a problem with, and Anderson over-reacted and walked out. There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that the reporter, nor anybody else, seriously believes that Anderson thought his team getting shelled and him looking terrible is funny. Even in the worst of times, we often laugh at something. I remember spending half my father's funeral laughing with friends and talking about stuff. Not because my father's passing was funny, but because you can't spend all your time upset. Does no good. Sure, in the midst of extreme tragedy laughing is a challenge, but this is nothing close to a tragedy.I remember Jim Edmonds in baseball used to take a lot of flak from teammates et al when he was found joking in the locker room after losses. I didn't get it then and I don't get it now. When is it ok for Anderson to laugh about something? After the game? 1 hour later? 1 day later?When talking about the game (i.e. press conference), it might be odd for Anderson to laugh. And he wasn't then. He acted immaturely to the question, clearly. Do reporters often ask silly questions? Yes. Athletes need to learn to deal with it better. To those (like Gruden) who believe that Anderson has no right to laugh at something while on the sidelines of a game that's now in essence over, I say cut them slack. And it's absolutely nobody's business what he is laughing at while on the sidelines at the end of a blow out.So, silly question by the reporter? Of course. You'd have to be out of your mind to honestly and sincerely think that Anderson finds getting shelled by an opponent and looking terrible personally (possibly meaning he's out of a job soon) funny. Do I blame the reporter for asking it? Well, I wouldn't that question if I was a reporter, but enough people (Gruden) questioned the laughing so it made it worthwhile for the reporter to probe (and incidentally get exactly what he wanted in the response). A lot of papparazzi make a nice living out of getting celebrities to blow up.Do I think Anderson acted poorly? Of course. You've got to be able to respond to foolish questions by the media as they're asked all the time. I used to find it comical listening to the inane questions by reporters after Laker and Kings games in their locker rooms. But an athlete needs to let the reporters act like children, not do so themselves, however understandable his frustration might have been.

Good posting Dave, everyone handles pressure differently. I wonder if that reporter got his great idea to ask the question after listening to Gruden say during the game that he didn't like that.I don't know, I like Gruden a lot actually. But is that Gruden's job, to call him out like that? I guess maybe it is, but he really threw DA under the bus when he chose to call him out. He didn't have to say that he didn't like that personally on National Television. He did, the reporter probably heard it and asked the question.DA handled it poorly but you could see the frustration of the booing and the losing oozing out of this guy as he was yelling. It was like the entire night's frustration starting coming out. Once he got started, he wasn't coming back and he probably did the right thing by leaving because he basically lost his emotions and he wasn't getting it back anytime soon.

No question DA did not handle it like a pro. But man....the reporter was so bush and really baited him, and he knew it.Gruden....come on man what are you doing. As a former coach...you should know better.

 

[TommyGilmore]

That's not an answer; that's declining to comment.

Chase,He already answered when he said it was a private conversation. He is under no obligation to divulge the contents of private conversations. The reporter was out of line for demanding to know what was said, and you are out of line for expecting him to tell.

 

[aimlessgun]

The fans should be upset at whomever had him slated as the QB1. They knew what Leinart brouht to the table, they knew that Warner's career was ending soon but they did nothing. They let Leinart go with no plan, except to start Derek Anderson. You can curse Derek Anderson all you want but they let go a lot of good players last year and had a very BAD plan in store for their currrent players and their loyal fans.

Oh for sure. Last night I was angry at DA. Today I've shifted the anger to Whisenhunt and the FO Such is the life of a fan

 

[CalBear]

What was up with Gruden last night, anyway? Between this bit, and the rant about changing the NFL rules if a sub-.500 team wins the NFC West, and his incorrect analysis of Anderson's pick to Takeo Spikes (which occurred because Anderson went to his secondary read and didn't see Spikes breaking to the ball, not because Anderson stared down his primary read), he seemed to be something of a loose cannon. Usually he's a lot more reasonable as a broadcaster.

 

[Bad_Mo]

Why was DA laughing on the sidelines? Probably talking about how he screwed AZ with his contract.

 

[cascaa]

found DA video of previous meltdowns check him out!

 

[ookook]

The largest share of the blame falls with the MNF crew. To berate a QB having a bad game like that for something THAT EVERY PLAYER COULD BE FOUND DOING DURING SOME LOSS OR ANOTHER is out of line. For the other commentators not to bring the point up after the rant is unforgiveable.

People handle distress different ways. Many smile when uncomfortable. People's faces show a very wide range of emotions during conversations and it is natural to smile if a friend of colleague is trying to cheer you up when you are down. To not smile in return with acknowledgement of the effort would be a larger offense than smiling while losing.

In all honesty, I cannot believe anyone who has played sports at any level does not understand this.

One of Gruden's shortcomings as a coach that he has taken into the booth is that he does not afford people the same respect he demands of them. It also makes him feel good about himself to put other people down.

It is a problem.

 

[dickey moe]

found DA video of previous meltdowns check him out!

.04 poops/10

 

[Your Mom]

I love all these ### wipe reporters, writers and talk radio schmucks who never played a minute of true orgainized sports yet have the balls to judge, write and badger professional athletes who live, sweat, bleed and go through tons of pain for their teams. I know that is their job....but most of them are out of shape hacks who only can dream of being world class athletes.DO you really think Tom Jackson, or Michael Irvin or any former player will sit and ask questions like that? Of course not...because they have been there. These morons are asking the questions moron fans who have never played sports would ask.*uck all those p*****!I am with Derrick on this one. He does not have to answer about a laugh on the sideline when he is having a conversation about whatever it was with a teammate. Do you really think he is laughing about anything having to do with the game or the fact they got their ### handed to them?Our over stimulated media galore society is really pathetic.

Outstanding post. Was thinking the same thing while reading all the posts. Couldn't have said it better myself.