Really hate to say it, but Jim Otto is a tool (1 Viewer)

[Raider Nation]

I'm sure everyone would expect me to defend Otto on this one, but he comes off looking like a bitter old coot, when all Bentley wanted to do was honor him.

Uniform No. 00, made sacred by Raiders legend Jim Otto, is staying safe

on the shelf for another season. That's just the way Otto wants it. No,

it's the way he demands it.

Cleveland Browns center LeCharles Bentley petitioned the NFL to change

its strict policy on uniform numbers so he could bring "00" out of

hibernation and pay homage to Otto. The NFL said no last month, opting

not to alter its number system and consequently denying the fellow

request of New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush to suit up in his

USC No. 5.

Otto called Bentley's "00" pursuit "ridiculous." Then came stronger

words from the Hall of Fame center, whose "00" became ingrained in

Raiders lore via his 1960-74 playing career.

"To let him wear my number, that I built into a legacy, all it takes is

one ounce of coke up his nose and that legacy is gone," Otto said last

week in Livermore at a Raiders' golf tournament benefiting Special Olympics.

"I don't know who he is. I played 15 years with the Raiders. He's

played, what, three or four years in New Orleans? What kind of legacy

would he give double zero? I don't think he should wear it and I don't

think anyone in the NFL should wear it."

Otto didn't seem to be implying that Bentley is a drug user, rather Otto

was pointing out how a foolish act could damage the "00" image he worked

so hard to build. Otto holds the franchise record with 210 consecutive

starts and played in 308 games if you count preseason, playoff and

all-star games.

Bentley is no slouch, though. He's made the Pro Bowl in two of his four

seasons, all of which were with the Saints. A second-round draft pick

out of Ohio State, Bentley played two seasons at right guard before

returning to his natural spot at center.

"In terms of who LeCharles is, you can make a strong argument he's the

best center in the NFL. I don't think he'd tarnish the image (of "00"),"

Bentley's agent, Neil Schwartz said. "He'd enhance the image and explain

the story of '00' to kids. Kids today might not know who Jim Otto is. If

anything, Charles would know the responsibility of what it would mean to

wear '00.'"

Bentley, a Cleveland native, wore a "00" Browns jersey at his

introductory press conference in March after signing a six-year, $36

million deal, touted as the richest ever for a center. He's also had

"00" over his locker this offseason, even though he's No. 57 on the

team's Web site.

Bentley turned down an interview request, as he's done with

Cleveland-area reporters regarding the jersey issue.

An NFL spokesman said Bentley would not even be allowed to wear "00" in

exhibition games because of the league's jersey-numbering system, which

began in 1973. The system forbids anyone from wearing "00" or "0," so if

you want those numbers, hit the roulette table. The last player to wear

"00" was wide receiver Kenny Burrough, who played from 1970-81 and was

grandfathered to wear the goose eggs since he had that number prior to 1973.

The NFL's competition committee recommended against number changes for

this season but might look into it again in October, committee co-chair

Rich McKay said at last month's owners' meeting in Denver.

"There's no real sentiment yet on the committee that there will ever be

a change of the system or that there's any need to have a change," McKay

said.

Offensive linemen are assigned numbers 50 to 79.

While Bush's quest -- or that of his marketers -- drew most of the

attention regarding the jersey-number policy, the decision to keep "00"

out of reach shouldn't be forgotten, nor should Otto's legacy.

Otto, whose No. 00 reflected his palindromic name, relayed his strong

feelings about his jersey number to Schwartz and declined to speak with

Bentley about it.

Schwartz makes a strong case that Bentley has only the best intentions

to wear "00," something Bentley conveyed before free agency.

Schwartz said Bentley told him: "One thing to negotiate is I want to

wear '00' and I need management to support me on it. When I was younger,

I was a huge Cleveland Browns fan. But I grew up watching NFL Films, and

me being an offensive lineman, Jim Otto is who I wanted to represent."

Schwartz said the Browns backed Bentley, and he still holds out hope

that Bentley someday will wear "00" so that another generation of fans

can recognize Otto's body of work.

It's Otto's war-torn body, however, that gives him the right to fight

for his number -- his "00" -- and defend it the way a Hall of Fame

lineman protects a quarterback.

LINK

 

[radballs]

People make too big of a deal about numbers. Really, who cares?

 

[CalBear]

People make too big of a deal about numbers. Really, who cares?

Ask the people who induced labor just so their kid wouldn't be born on 6/6/06.

 

[refacer]

People make too big of a deal about numbers. Really, who cares?

Ask the people who induced labor just so their kid wouldn't be born on 6/6/06.

Sorry but I agree with him, Joe Schmidt of the Detroit Lions let his #56 to be unretired for Pat Swilling who did absolutly nothing to bring any greatness to his number. Good job mr. 0tt0.

 

[Kirby]

it's my number!

 

[Sinrman]

"To let him wear my number, that I built into a legacy, all it takes isone ounce of coke up his nose and that legacy is gone," Otto said lastweek in Livermore at a Raiders' golf tournament benefiting Special Olympics."I don't know who he is. I played 15 years with the Raiders. He'splayed, what, three or four years in New Orleans? What kind of legacywould he give double zero? I don't think he should wear it and I don'tthink anyone in the NFL should wear it."

Schwartz said Bentley told him: "One thing to negotiate is I want towear '00' and I need management to support me on it. When I was younger,I was a huge Cleveland Browns fan. But I grew up watching NFL Films, andme being an offensive lineman, Jim Otto is who I wanted to represent."

First off, let me say that I agree that a number is a number, and it's just ridiculous... kinda like with Bush and #5.Second, Otto definitely comes off as an old coot with a piss poor attitude. I'm sorry your Holiness, err Mr. Otto. The world doesn't revolve around you and your "15 years with the Raiders." It's a number... get over it.

 

[wadegarrett]

"To let him wear my number, that I built into a legacy, all it takes is

one ounce of coke up his nose and that legacy is gone," Otto said last

week in Livermore at a Raiders' golf tournament benefiting Special Olympics.

"I don't know who he is. I played 15 years with the Raiders. He's

played, what, three or four years in New Orleans? What kind of legacy

would he give double zero? I don't think he should wear it and I don't

think anyone in the NFL should wear it."

Schwartz said Bentley told him: "One thing to negotiate is I want to

wear '00' and I need management to support me on it. When I was younger,

I was a huge Cleveland Browns fan. But I grew up watching NFL Films, and

me being an offensive lineman, Jim Otto is who I wanted to represent."

First off, let me say that I agree that a number is a number, and it's just ridiculous... kinda like with Bush and #5.Second, Otto definitely comes off as an old coot with a piss poor attitude. I'm sorry your Holiness, err Mr. Otto. The world doesn't revolve around you and your "15 years with the Raiders." It's a number... get over it.

I'm with this guy. Otto is a t00l.

 

[Borat]

I wonder how Robert Parish feels about this?

 

[elcohiba]

It could be the pain killers talking here.

(Nearly 40 surgeries. 28 knee operations (nine of them during his playing career alone.) Multiple joint replacements. Other joints riddled with arthritis. Debilitating back and neck problems. One time, Otto nearly died on the operating table. He also fought off three life-threatening bouts of infections due to his artificial joints, and during one six-month stretch, was without a proper right knee joint because he had to wait for the infection to clear up before another artificial one could be implanted. Today, Jim Otto is handicapped. And he says he wouldn't change a thing if given the opportunity to do it over again.)

 

[trader jake]

"commitment to winning #00"

his coke line was way out of line...shut your yap otto

 

[RC94]

People make too big of a deal about numbers. Really, who cares?

 

[Pictus Cat]

When people know your number, it's kind of cool. When I didn't initially get the number I wanted in high school, I was a little dissappointed. When people start calling you by your new number or people that have known you call you old #, the dissappointment is pretty much gone.

I can relate to Mr. Bentley's desire to wear his heroes number. Nice to see the game is still fun for him.

00 was more tarnished by whats his name's reaction.

 

[Kosar]

"commitment to winning #00"

his coke line was way out of line...shut your yap otto

 

[s_ezy]

otto might be the one on coke here

Bentley: i would be honored to wear the number of a great player i respect

Otto: no way you coke head

:whoosh: , right over otto's head

 

[amnesiac]

He's also had "00" over his locker this offseason, even though he's No. 57 on theteam's Web site.

guessing that won't last much longer.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I'm still trying to figure out what Otto's done to get the league to retire his jersey number for all teams.

 

[CalBear]

I'm still trying to figure out what Otto's done to get the league to retire his jersey number for all teams.

The rules on legal jersey numbers were enacted after Otto already had 00. The rules are stupid, but they don't allow 00 (or 0, for that matter).

 

[Chase Stuart]

I'm still trying to figure out what Otto's done to get the league to retire his jersey number for all teams.

The rules on legal jersey numbers were enacted after Otto already had 00. The rules are stupid, but they don't allow 00 (or 0, for that matter).

Yeah, I'm familiar with that. But it sounds like his beef is that no one on any team should ever rock the 00s, right?

 

[skillz]

Granted I was born in 1975 but when I think of "00" I don't think of Jim Otto. So whoever wears that number, it means nothing to me. I am sure there are a lot of NFL fans out there who are in the same boat as me. Otto needs to get a grip.

Plus, it's not like Bentley wants to wear the number while playing for the Raiders where the fans may associate him with how Otto played while wearing the same number for the team. Seems like an odd way to voice opposition to a player that actually wanted to pay tribute to you. He certainly could have been a better sport about it instead of busting out the coke reference, and dissing Bentley's career.

 

[Tom Servo]

Apparently we've found the Bob Feller of the NFL...

 

[Chase Stuart]

Granted I was born in 1975 but when I think of "00" I don't think of Jim Otto. So whoever wears that number, it means nothing to me. I am sure there are a lot of NFL fans out there who are in the same boat as me. Otto needs to get a grip.

Plus, it's not like Bentley wants to wear the number while playing for the Raiders where the fans may associate him with how Otto played while wearing the same number for the team. Seems like an odd way to voice opposition to a player that actually wanted to pay tribute to you. He certainly could have been a better sport about it instead of busting out the coke reference, and dissing Bentley's career.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Chase, just tried to PM you and it says your PM Inbox is full.

 

[Raider Nation]

Chase, just tried to PM you and it says your PM Inbox is full.

He's a popular guy.....

 

[Slinger]

I've never heard of Jim Otto in my life and regret that I have just now. What a tool.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I've never heard of Jim Otto in my life and regret that I have just now. What a tool.

I don't think I'd go that far. Otto's the first in a long, long line of dominant AFL/AFC centers.

 

[On The Rocks]

JJiimm OOttttoo iiss aa rreeaall (double) zero!

 

[Raider Nation]

JJiimm OOttttoo iiss aa rreeaall (double) zero!

I always wish that I had turned my avatar setting to OFF when I see yours.The migraine should be setting in about 3 minutes from now.

 

[Jack Ham & Eggs]

On the Rocks-

Nice avatar.

I think I hit on her one night after about 9 beers.

 

[Family Matters]

People make too big of a deal about numbers. Really, who cares?

Jim Otto, that's who. I am a little surprised he didn't do his research before making his comments. He comes off in a disrespectful manner towards an entire generation based on his comments. And Bentley is a class act.

 

[Family Matters]

I've never heard of Jim Otto in my life and regret that I have just now.  What a tool.

I don't think I'd go that far. Otto's the first in a long, long line of dominant AFL/AFC centers.

Sometimes age isn't kind to these old NFLers types. His body of work can't be destroyed by these comments but it sure makes a dent.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I've never heard of Jim Otto in my life and regret that I have just now. What a tool.

I don't think I'd go that far. Otto's the first in a long, long line of dominant AFL/AFC centers.

Sometimes age isn't kind to these old NFLers types. His body of work can't be destroyed by these comments but it sure makes a dent.

I absolutely agree about age. But I could really care less what a player does off the field, and that applies even stronger for what a player says 30 years later in an interview.If Jerry Rice comes out in 40 years and says something bigoted, it wouldn't change my opinion of him as a player. I'm probably in the minority on this one, but that sort of stuff (and what Otto said) just doesn't bother me much. I watch football for what the guys do on the field.

That being said, Joe Namath is one of the nicest, most admirable men that ever lived.

 

[radballs]

I've never heard of Jim Otto in my life and regret that I have just now.  What a tool.

I don't think I'd go that far. Otto's the first in a long, long line of dominant AFL/AFC centers.

Sometimes age isn't kind to these old NFLers types. His body of work can't be destroyed by these comments but it sure makes a dent.

I absolutely agree about age. But I could really care less what a player does off the field, and that applies even stronger for what a player says 30 years later in an interview.If Jerry Rice comes out in 40 years and says something bigoted, it wouldn't change my opinion of him as a player. I'm probably in the minority on this one, but that sort of stuff (and what Otto said) just doesn't bother me much. I watch football for what the guys do on the field.

That being said, Joe Namath is one of the nicest, most admirable men that ever lived.

Can I kiss you now Chase?

 

[Garrett]

I've never heard of Jim Otto in my life and regret that I have just now. What a tool.

I don't think I'd go that far. Otto's the first in a long, long line of dominant AFL/AFC centers.

Sometimes age isn't kind to these old NFLers types. His body of work can't be destroyed by these comments but it sure makes a dent.

I absolutely agree about age. But I could really care less what a player does off the field, and that applies even stronger for what a player says 30 years later in an interview.If Jerry Rice comes out in 40 years and says something bigoted, it wouldn't change my opinion of him as a player. I'm probably in the minority on this one, but that sort of stuff (and what Otto said) just doesn't bother me much. I watch football for what the guys do on the field.

That being said, Joe Namath is one of the nicest, most admirable men that ever lived.

 

[Family Matters]

I've never heard of Jim Otto in my life and regret that I have just now.  What a tool.

I don't think I'd go that far. Otto's the first in a long, long line of dominant AFL/AFC centers.

Sometimes age isn't kind to these old NFLers types. His body of work can't be destroyed by these comments but it sure makes a dent.

I absolutely agree about age. But I could really care less what a player does off the field, and that applies even stronger for what a player says 30 years later in an interview.If Jerry Rice comes out in 40 years and says something bigoted, it wouldn't change my opinion of him as a player. I'm probably in the minority on this one, but that sort of stuff (and what Otto said) just doesn't bother me much. I watch football for what the guys do on the field.

That being said, Joe Namath is one of the nicest, most admirable men that ever lived.

Can I kiss you now Chase?

You should be ashamed of yourself for this type of behavior.Can I watch?