Delusions Of Adequacy
Footballguy
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/s...fs/15566067.htm
"Titans' Fisher says Volek lied to him
Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Coach Jeff Fisher lashed out at critics of the Tennessee Titans' dealings with Billy Volek, saying Wednesday that Volek lied to him and never took advantage of the opportunity to be the starter.
The Titans finally traded Volek on Tuesday to the San Diego Chargers for a sixth-round draft pick that could become a fifth-rounder depending on playing time. Fisher said Volek asked to be traded the day the Titans signed Kerry Collins late last month.
"I never at anytime in my career have gone into such detail (about a trade). But I felt the responsibility, as Billy felt he was thrown under the bus," Fisher said. "Billy threw this organization under the bus, along with a number of his teammates."
It was unprecedented public criticism by Fisher, who repeatedly has protected his players.
Volek inherited the quarterback job when the Titans traded Steve McNair to Baltimore in June, and Fisher claimed it was in the first week after Volek was made the starter during the offseason that the quarterback lied to the coach.
Fisher wouldn't say what the lie was.
Fans have been vehemently critical of the Titans for not giving Volek the chance to start the season, and the team is 0-2 with Collins as a starter.
Fisher said he met with Volek in his office Tuesday and was told the quarterback had no hard feelings.
Volek told several reporters on his way to the airport that he got a raw deal and didn't know why he went from starter to third-stringer before the season."
What I hear is that Volek had a very poor work ethic.
Regardless, the trade doesn't sound like an owner-inspired move that Fisher disagreed with.
"Titans' Fisher says Volek lied to him
Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Coach Jeff Fisher lashed out at critics of the Tennessee Titans' dealings with Billy Volek, saying Wednesday that Volek lied to him and never took advantage of the opportunity to be the starter.
The Titans finally traded Volek on Tuesday to the San Diego Chargers for a sixth-round draft pick that could become a fifth-rounder depending on playing time. Fisher said Volek asked to be traded the day the Titans signed Kerry Collins late last month.
"I never at anytime in my career have gone into such detail (about a trade). But I felt the responsibility, as Billy felt he was thrown under the bus," Fisher said. "Billy threw this organization under the bus, along with a number of his teammates."
It was unprecedented public criticism by Fisher, who repeatedly has protected his players.
Volek inherited the quarterback job when the Titans traded Steve McNair to Baltimore in June, and Fisher claimed it was in the first week after Volek was made the starter during the offseason that the quarterback lied to the coach.
Fisher wouldn't say what the lie was.
Fans have been vehemently critical of the Titans for not giving Volek the chance to start the season, and the team is 0-2 with Collins as a starter.
Fisher said he met with Volek in his office Tuesday and was told the quarterback had no hard feelings.
Volek told several reporters on his way to the airport that he got a raw deal and didn't know why he went from starter to third-stringer before the season."
What I hear is that Volek had a very poor work ethic.
Regardless, the trade doesn't sound like an owner-inspired move that Fisher disagreed with.
The Titans organization is a joke. It's sad to see Fisher going down with the ship.
Fisher is being dramtic by saying Volek "lied" to him - but basically what Volek did was not follow through on his commitment to the team. He was given the opportunity to become the leader of the offense, and obviously he didn't put in the effort that Fisher felt was necessary. You could argue that's as much Fisher's fault as it is Volek's... as the coach you should be evaluating your players constantly during the pre-season. Any sign of a slip or loss of focus by Volek should have been addressed and dealt with. You don't wait until the last week of the pre-season to sign a washed up quarterback with no knowledge of your offence and hand him the reigns.Fisher's hands are as dirty as Volek's on this one. If the team under-performs this year the managament of the organization (and the fans) have every right to call for Fisher's job.
