Final comments from Randy Moss
Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff January 16, 2008 12:48 PM
FOXBOROUGH -- Here is the remaining portion of Randy Moss' interview with reporters in the locker room at Gillette Stadium today:
How much are you looking forward to, after the season, clearing your name?
“That’s the one thing I want to do, because throughout this whole season, everything has been positive. Why would I bring something negative on? Come on. What we’re trying to do, and hopefully what’s going to happen if we do things right in the next month, I would never – as much as I care and love the game of football and love my teammates and coach, I would never put myself or them in a situation of something like this.”
Does this make you want to change who you hang around with in the future?
“No, because I’ve known this young lady 11 years. So if this is supposed to be a friend of mine, change what? I’ve known you for 11 years. I know all you men and ladies here [in the media], if you’ve known someone for over 11, 15 years, you wouldn’t think in your wildest dreams that something like this would happen to you.”
Is she trying to get money out of you?
“Over an accident – six figures.”
Six figures?
“I’m going to end it at that. I’m going to end it, because I do not want to get in trouble.”
In general, though, how hard is it to sway public opinion when these things come up?
“It’s hard, because of everything I’ve been through, mostly the negatives, off the field. It’s really hard for me to sit up here and say that I’m innocent. Battery – I didn’t hit no woman. I’ve never laid my hands on a woman. So for you to say battery, now I think if there was such a thing in the court system as an accident, then that’s what I’m guilty for. But for you to say I physically, or in an angry manner – whatever the manner may be – put my hands on a woman physically, I’ve never done that.”
Are people going to believe you?
“I think the best thing is to check my resume, ask around. I’ve never hit a woman. I do not hit women. That’s not what I’m supposed to be doing. I have a job to do, that’s to provide for my family and help raise my children. That’s what I do.”
Are you disappointed in the timing of this?
“I’m very disappointed in the timing. I’m disappointed at the timing first, of myself, for being able to be in this situation. But knowing someone 11 years, it’s hard to avoid that because I wouldn’t expect someone like that to do me like that.”
She said she wanted medical attention and that you denied her medical attention.
“She lives in her own house and has her own vehicle, so how could I deny her medical attention. Does that make sense? She has her own house. She has her own car. So how am I going to deny someone medical attention when you live by yourself and have your own vehicle.”
What made you go to Bill and were you happy with the way he responded to it?
“No, I can’t never be happy because this is something negative, a black cloud hanging over my head. That’s something I did not want coming into the season, is anything negative. Everything I tried to do – from getting here early, and making sure I eat the right food, all the way to practicing and playing good, I wanted all that to be an A-plus.”
(more on why he went to Belichick)
“I just thought, look at all of this [assembled media]. The only reason I went to Coach was because I knew the magnitude of something like this, how it was going to take off. Like I said, if I’m guilty, I am truly sorry and I am going to stand up for what is right, I really am.”
What would you say to this lady, face to face, if you saw her today?
“Man, I don’t want to get into that. I’ve known this woman 11 years. Know what I mean? I don’t wish anything bad on this woman. That’s the love I have for her as a friend. Even though these allegations are false, or whatever she’s claiming, I mean I really can’t be mad at that, because if that’s what she’s doing, that’s what she’s doing. If she’s hurt and she needs money, that’s on her.”
Is it safe to say that the friendship is over?
“It has to be. Yes, the friendship is over. Like I said, I’m not mad, I’m not bitter, I am mad at this situation of extortion. Yes, I am mad about that. But for something friendly, an accident to occur, I mean it happens. Stuff does happen.”
What was the accident?
“I’m not going to get into that. That’s for you all. Listen, this is the last thing I’m going to say. One thing I’m going to say and I’m going to end it. You all are going to make judgments. You all are going to say what you all want to. Today, tomorrow, next week, you all are going to say whatever you all want. But make sure, and very sure before you rush to judgment, that you know what you’re talking about before you say it. That’s all I’m going to say. I appreciate it.”
Speculation runs rampant around here and threads aren't closed. I know you are a big Pats fan, but they are big boys, I'm sure they don't need special moderation.
