Some answers finally
While doing the morning rounds of the sports sites that I visit regularly, I came across a two-part article (part 1 & part 2) that details an interview with Joey Harrington following his departure from the Detroit Lions.
Now while it has been said that I have biased feelings towards Harrington (I drafted him in my previous two fantasy league teams), it was good to finally hear how he felt about the way he was treated while in Detroit. He admits that he played poorly, but he also points out (correctly) that he was not the only player that played poorly and that he was unfairly made the scapegoat for the organization. When asked about his thoughts on when ex-coach Steve Mariucci had lost confidence in him, he offerred this:
There was an incident. It was about halfway through my third season. I went into his office to talk with him. I said, “Coach, I need you to give me permission to throw the ball downfield. To take some shots downfield. I feel like I can’t.” He said, “I don’t know where you’re getting that idea.” I said, “You tell me every day if there’s any chance of a mistake, pull it back, check down. I feel roped in. Let me take some chances.” He stood up, went to his sink and started brushing his teeth. He said, “I’ve got to go do some interviews. If you want to talk about this, come back later.”
And then he walked out.
I look back on that now and it seems like such a defining moment. But at the time, I was so focused on making him happy, on getting in his good graces, I just let it go.
I hardly feel that this is the right way for a coach to treat his quarterback - a quarterback that had no offensive line, no running game, and no support from anyone in the organisation. He was brought in to help turn the franchise around but was unsuccessful in doing so. He did, however, handle himself with poise and professionalism while under fire from the fans, the media, and his teammates. It was good to finally hear how he really felt about his treatment in Detroit - I hope Harrington finds the success he deserves while he is in Miami.
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