Bernie's Ram Bits

[RamDez]

Bernie's Ram Bits
By Bernie Miklasz
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Friday, Sep. 09 2005



Update from Rams park -- I recently offered the opinion in print
that no matter who coaches the Rams, the team's front-office executives owe
that coach their support instead of back-stabbing him.

In response to that comment, I received a phone call at the office from
Samir Suleiman, the Rams' director of football administration. After
identifying himself, this is the message Suleiman left on my office voice mail:

"Do me a favor," Suleiman said. "Tell your source - because I don't believe
they were your words - but tell your source that I'm not a back-stabber, I'm a
goddamn throat slasher, and he'll know the difference before it's all said and
done."

First of all, it's stunning that an NFL team executive would leave such a
violent message in the voice mailbox of a newspaper reporter. (I couldn't reach
Suleiman for comment. But Rams special assistant John Hadley said he
discussed the voice mail with Suleiman, who confirmed leaving it. Hadley
otherwise declined comment.)

And before picking up any sharp objects, Suleiman should know that I had no
source. I didn't need a source. It's an open secret among media at Rams Park
that the team's front-office executives routinely distribute anti-Martz leaks
to friends in the national media.


More Rams predictions: ESPN the Magazine picks the Rams to finish second to
Arizona in the NFC West ... On an ESPN.com predictions panel, the Rams received
seven of 12 votes to win the NFC West, with Arizona (3) and Seattle (2)
collecting the other first-place votes. ... Vic Carucci of NFL.com
picks the Rams second, behind Seattle. ... Pete Prisco of CBS
Sportsline.com likes Arizona in the NFC West, followed by the Rams. ...
Dan Arkush of Pro Football Weekly has the Rams third, behind Seattle
and Arizona, and writes, "The offense has 'Greatest Show on Turf' potential,
but elementary cutback runs are like Kryptonite against Larry
Marmie's defense. I have a feeling it could be a trying season under the
Arch."


On the Sporting News annual list of the NFL's Top 100 players, five Rams were
cited: WR Torry Holt (20), OT Orlando Pace (34), WR
Isaac Bruce (77), DE Leonard Little (80) and QB Marc
Bulger (96). ...

... Perhaps the worst Rams defensive statistic in 2004 was this: 24
TD passes allowed, with only six interceptions. That ratio needs major surgery
for 2005, but the young secondary will be tested.

• Rams running back Steven Jackson is the "honorary captain" for
Taste of the NFL 2005 on Monday at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in
Creve Coeur. Jackson and several teammates will sign autographs as the area's
top chefs serve their signature dishes. Proceeds benefit the St. Louis Sports
Commission's Sports for Kids program and the St. Louis Area Food Bank. Call
314-992-0686.

[RamDez]

"Do me a favor," Suleiman said. "Tell your source - because I don't believe
they were your words - but tell your source that I'm not a back-stabber, I'm a
goddamn throat slasher, and he'll know the difference before it's all said and
done."

wow, this is big and just before the season opener. I dont like this one little bit

[ZigZagRam]

That's just sad...

:tut

[psycho9985]

If this is true,It means the front office may be looking to sabotage The season in order to rid themselves of Martz with justification;Inventing the justification.

We may see a giant coaching staff shakeup at seasons end.

[Nick]

"Do me a favor," Suleiman said. "Tell your source - because I don't believe
they were your words - but tell your source that I'm not a back-stabber, I'm a
goddamn throat slasher, and he'll know the difference before it's all said and
done."

Sounds like someone's position with this franchise needs to be reevaluated, and I'm not talking about Martz.

[RamDez]

If this is true,It means the front office may be looking to sabotage The season in order to rid themselves of Martz with justification;Inventing the justification.

We may see a giant coaching staff shakeup at seasons end.

I will bet against you on that

[RamWraith]

Disagree!

I believe we are looking at some major Oval Office shakeups for next season.

This is in my mind grounds for an immediate dismissal

We may see a giant coaching staff shakeup at seasons end.

[psycho9985]

Hopfully its just Sulieman venting a little frustration.

[maineram]

I bet once the league get's wind of this,(if it's true), there will be fines !!!

That's terrorizing in this day & age and shouldn't to tolerated.

Fire him now !!!!

Sounds like we need a Zygmunt / Barbara Walters exclusive !!!!!

Maineram -

[jkramsfan]

Ziggy/barbara Walters Interview.i Would Watch That.

[rampete]

samir suleiman, sounds like a man who knows what he's talking about...
if this isn't a verbal threat, i don't what is anymore these days...

[theodus69]

Sounds like a harmless,frustrated front office guy with thin skin and need to act like a puffer fish.LOL this day and age, everything is taken so personal. Lighten up!

[psycho9985]

It sounded to me like a direct threat to Martz' tenure.Or he might have been refering to Bernies/source

[AvengerRam]

If its true (and I won't assume it is just because Bernie posted it), then the guy should be fired immediately.

But, the bigger point to this is - once again - Bernie is making himself part of the story. Its kind of pathetic. He's not able to report any interesting or novel information about the team itself, nor is his analysis any better than any of ours', so he has to drum up controversy and put himself right in the center of it.

You want to know my reaction to the comments of some minor player in the Rams' Front Office who I've never even heard of?

Who cares?

That's my reaction.

[RAMMAN68]

If this is a true story or not, Bernie needs to lay off this topic.

He's just looking for attention, ala T.O.

Bernie, why don't you focus on the Cards, and leave football for those who actually like the sport.