[moklerman]

This is what it comes down to for me. When Martz and Bulger make comments that are...let's say "questionable" just to be nice, some of you argue that you can't go by what was said, you have to interpret what they meant. Or, you just don't understand what the reporter was asking and Martz or Bulger were "forced" into answering because they were on the spot.

Well, that's all nonsense. If I can figure out how to wiggle out of a question then these guys with their publicists can figure out what to say, not to say or say nothing at all. If a reporter asks me (assuming I'm Martz) "How does Bulger compare to Warner in his training camp habits?" I think it would be fairly easy to say something like: "Bulger is his own man. He approaches practices with a passion and dedication that gives me reason for excitement for this year. If he continues to improve, the sky's the limit, etc., etc."

What's so hard about that? Deflection and misdirection are rudementary aspects of taking the conversation where you want it to go yet these millionaires can't handle it? Media interaction and public image are both subjects that, in this day and age, are focused on by the NFL. I can't believe that these guys wouldn't be able to handle the high pressure questions presented to them on opening day of training camp. Cuz you know the whole sports world is watching right at that moment.

Also, I'm not sure if some of you have been out in the real world recently but I'm going to let you in on a secret--people screw people over all the time. Especially in the work place and on a rare occasion, if millions of dollars are involved. To argue that Martz and Bulger are unfeeling robots and had no personal interest in what happened to Warner is laughable. I think Kurt Warner's great but if someone told me that they were giving me a choice between 15 million dollars or sitting on the bench making the league minimum if he stays, guess what? I'd have 15 million in my bank account.

I give Martz a lot more credit when it comes to being driven by ego or personal feelings and don't put anything past him in that arena. Bulger doesn't seem to be that type of guy but he's not fan friendly either. And defending Bulger by assoiciating him with Randy Moss is hilarious to me. Why not just go all the way and say he was playing golf with O.J., so he must be a great guy.

I understand quotes can be interpreted in more than one way so I'm not going to go so far as saying the quotes from this article are absolute, but I think they are telling to say the least. When's the last time anyone out there heard a player comment on how many autographs he was going to sign? I can't remember anyone else on the list. I understand that these guys will sign a handful of them in most cases and don't have time to sign ALL of them. Warner was an exception and somewhat unique in that he made a point to try and sign all of them. I don't hold it against Bulger for not doing the same, but making the comment he did (see my signature) makes him look like an ass. It may be what all NFL players think but no one is bright enough to articulate it to the press. That's why Bulger doesn't get his gold star for the day on that one.