Should Randy Moss have chosen to talk to reporters about his contract after the Patriots big Week 1 win over the Bengals? Probably not. There’s a time and a place to discuss contracts and the business aspect of football, and immediately after a win that was a great team effort is not the right time. However, does he really deserve to be ripped and owned by the media the way he has been all day long on Monday? In my opinion, absolutely not. Before we get into dissecting his comments, have a look at the video of Randy Moss talking about his contract:
In a three-minute span, Moss made four important points, most of which I thought were a positive for Patriots fans who are worried about their star wideout saying he’s unhappy with his current situation and that he doesn’t feel wanted in New England. Here they are:
1. “Me being unhappy doesn’t have [anything] to do with me toning my game down. I’m here and I understand my role. My role is to take the ball deep and take the top off the defense.”
Translation: Don’t worry if I’m unhappy that I don’t have a new contract. I’m still going to play hard and do what I’m supposed to do.
2. “When you think that you’re doing a good job you want to be appreciated and, me personally, I don’t feel that I’m appreciated…”
Maybe he shouldn’t have said this. It’s not a good idea to call out the front office and tell people you don’t think they appreciate having you on the team, even if that’s the way you feel. In any event, at least he’s not backpedaling. He said he feels unwanted, he’s sticking to it. Would the Patriots prefer he didn’t say that and would they rather discuss it in private? Absolutely. Still, nothing earth-shattering or Oakland Raider Randy Moss.
3. “I want to let you all know, I want to let the fans — the real fans — of the New England Patriots know that I’m not here to start any trouble. I’m here to play my last year out of my contract.”
This to me is the most important part of the press conference. Not surpringly, I didn’t hear any member of the media mention this statement at all. Moss is stating plain and simple that he’s not going to start trouble. That means he doesn’t plan on whining or quitting on the team or cashing it in. Whether he’s telling the truth or not, he’s openly stating he intends on playing out the last year of his contract and not being a problem to the team.
4. “I want to be here as a Patriot. I love being here. I just think, from a business standpoint, this probably will be my last year here as a Patriot and I’m not retiring. I’m still gonna play some football.”
This is Moss taking another shot at the Patriots for not offering him a contract and letting them know he still thinks he can play and deserves one last big deal. It’s also Moss making sure everyone knows he doesn’t want to leave. Again, it’s not a huge deal and nothing that deserves being blown out of proportion.
Conclusion: The only real problem I have with Moss’ comments is the timing. Talking about this type of thing right after an opening game win was unprofessional. At the same time, there’s no need for people to be crucifying him. If anything, it’s refreshing to hear a player speak honestly about his feelings while simultaneously assuring fans that — even if he is unhappy — he doesn’t plan on letting it affect his game. Whether or not that holds true remains to be seen.
Video Credit: YouTube user 504hoodfigga
