Westbrook on knee surgery, the fans
Here's the followup on our promised interview with Brian Westbrook, which did not go as planned.
Westbrook on knee surgery, the fans
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
You might be wondering what happened to the interview with Brian Westbrook promised in a Friday afternoon posting.
At Tra Thomas’ charity golf tournament Friday in DeLand, Fla., BWest begged off speaking at length to your Eagletarian, but readily agreed to do so on Saturday, at the youth football clinic Tra was conducting in the local high 
school football stadium.
Long story short, because I don’t think the public is all that interested in the trials and tribulations of reporters trying to get stories, BWest unagreed to speak with me on Saturday. He’s a quirky, cantankerous interview subject in the best of times, and with all the hubbub surrounding the departures of longtime Eagles franchise icons, including Brian Dawkins and the weekend’s host, I think he decided these were not the best of times.
Of course, Westbrook could have just said that on Friday, rather than leading me to believe we would speak, then putting me off again and again on Saturday, and, I believe, working to make me unwelcome at the charity event I had been invited to attend, but that’s life covering professional athletes. One is reminded constantly that their time is much more precious than one’s own.
Anyhow --- and that really is the short version, trust me – I did manage to wedge in a few questions here and there, as Brian was climbing in and out of SUVs, and some puffed-up local dignitary was threatening me with arrest.
The main issue with Westbrook is the arthroscopic left knee cleanout he underwent around the time of the Super Bowl, which the Eagles did not announce. I asked Brian what he wanted fans to know, as he recovers and gets ready for 2009.
“Nothing. I don’t have anything I want to say to the fans,” he said.
Asked specifically about the surgery, he said: “I didn’t have to have it. It was a surgery that’ll make things a lot better, so the (week-to-week) soreness won’t be there and hopefully, I’ll be able to participate in practices without so much pain. It was a basic cleanout.”
Westbrook, who turns 30 in September, said he’d thought about having something like this done previously, but “I wanted to make sure I was there to help the team win football games.” One of the event officials prevented me from asking a follow-up there, but I assume Westbrook was talking about not wanting to have anything done during the season, which would have meant missing a stretch of games.
He said he thinks he has several years left, at a position where players seem to age almost overnight. After a career year in 2007, in which Westbrook broke franchise records for receptions (90) and total yards (2,104), his yards per carry in 2008 slipped to 4.0, his lowest since 2005. His 54 receptions for 402 yards were his lowest totals since 2003.
My question about the changes on the team, and his thoughts about the depaertures, was asked a couple of times and was not answered.
Westbrook, only six weeks or so past the surgery, not surprisingly did not participate in Tra’s charity basketball game Saturday evening, in which Kevin Kolb and Juqua Parker were the standouts, though BWest watched from the bench.
Maybe we can trade K. Kolb to the Sixers for a power forward who can block and play tight end.— va philly fan
Comment removed.- “Nothing. I don’t have anything I want to say to the fans." I'm confused. Was that quote given with the level of narcissistic entitlement that it seems to have? If so, isn't that the lead of this story: "Westrook Challenges For Title of 'Most Obnoxious Eagle'"? If not, and if there was somehow some nice way he said he doesn't have anything to say to the fans, shouldn't that be explained? I'm assuming it was the former. What a jerk. Go Phils.— ErikN
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- In general, the players still don't get it...that is, the fans make the sport and without the fans they have no job, no lifestyle and no money. Players owe it to the fans to answer reasonable questions. Not sure what Bwest's answer was all about, but, let's give him the benefit of the doubt for now. In today's economy, players should be very grateful of what they have.— psuwelsh
- Dam, that really saddens me, I thought Bwest was one of us. What a d#@k! That is why I think the Eagle should have kept Dawkins. I know as far as performance his time was up, but as for a class act and who understands the passion and love of us Eagle's fans he was number one. I hope they draft a back and cut Westbrook!— ddstman
- Dam, that really saddens me, I thought Bwest was one of us. What a d#@k! That is why I think the Eagle should have kept Dawkins. I know as far as performance his time was up, but as for a class act and who understands the passion and love of us Eagle's fans he was number one. I hope they draft a back and cut Westbrook!— ddstman
- Les, how do you put up with these prima donna players? The only thing that could be worse would be trying to get a straight answer from a politician.— Janugent
- westbrook is about as interesting an interview as a third line hockey player from western Canada. Les, I read your blog and columns for your analyses and opinion; not for the boilerplate quotes from players. players really only have interesting things to say once their careers are over.— alex3780
- Prima donna players, how about whiny reporters. Oh Les, sorry BWest blew you off, are you still crying? Grow some balls or get a real job. I am sure it was real hard work attending a golf tournament. Did you have enough to eat?— albanykey
- The Eagles better use more than one of their draft picks on RB's. One 1st round pick and a 2nd or 3rd round pick. You see too many RB's just dissappear when they hit 30 years old or have a injury filled season like Westbrook just completed.— fred13
- westbrook knows his playing days are numbered and could be resentful. he was one hell of a football player and at the top of his class for most of his career. as a writer who watched his entire career you should be more forgiving toward him. your article was vindictive after all you were invited to a outing not an interview.— JACK V
- I agree with jay johnstone the less coverage on these guy's, the less premadonnas we have to read about. The only time we read about things happening with these guys is at contract time. $15 million,$20 million $25 million a year, for them. $5 hot dog, $9 beer, $80 ticket to a game, $150 REPLICA jersey for us. Any lost footage from WWII or Civil War on the History Channel?— peterolcan
- I know your job is hard, Mr. Bowen. Especially when we are all wondering how Westbrook's knee is doing and it's your job to let us know. However, when Westbrook says, "I don't have anything I want to say to the fans", was he actually saying, "It's Saturday and I'm trying to live my life and do some charity work and you are yelling in my face." Or was he saying, "I don't have anything specific to tell the fans right now. If you wait a month, I'll know how my knee is doing and let you know." I'm not defending him being rude to you, but I have sympathy for him and other celebrities being pounced on at all times. And he knows anything he says - even saying, "Nothing", is going to wind up in print and make somebody mad. I wonder how you would be in his position, Mr. Bowen. Les! Les! Hey Les! Seems like your column has dropped off lately - is the bankruptcy affecting your work?— Monkeeeeeee
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- oh pity this reporter for finding out how insignificant he is to these pro athletes. you sound like a whining teenage groupie— mongoS
- Wow, a whole article about the inept reporting of Philly reporters. Great. He does not have anything to say to the fans. So what? Do you expect him to aplogize for having a terrible season. Do you expect him to rip Andy for wrong personnel and play calling? Donovan speaks out a little and look what you guys did to them. The media here are like sharks, they jump on BS issues because they never get any REAL stories - they are always broken by National guys.— smush
- As soon as #36 scores the first TD in week one of the regular season...everybody will love him again.— Lehigh Philly
- the only player worth interviewing is t.o. cuz he'll rip his team in two without blinking and thats hilarious for lulz.— green faerie
- Most of these dopes are j offs. You do a good job covering the Eagles, Les. I couldn't care less how Westbrook feels about anything. I just wanna watch him play on Sundays.— mikerainey82
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- How can anyone call Bwest Prima Donna? When's the last time you even saw him celebrate after a brilliant touchdown run? He's a quiet guy who has never shown to have a very warm personality to the media but a great player and team guy. At least he doesn't run his mouth about how the FO needs to bring in more talent (they do) or he wants out, or about how they should have won the NFC championship but the D lost it.— ItsOnLikeDK
- Ladies and getlemen, there goes Captain Obvious again: LONED*CK taking an article having NOTHING TO DO WITH MCNABB and slandering him!!!! Wow!!! So creative, d*uchebag!!!!! Can't wait to see number 5 taking snaps at the nova Care Complex AGAIN this year. Your thoughts, Lonewolfsh*tstain?????— elektrika
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- Les is a little upset about Brian passing on the interview so Les bags him in the column. I'm with BWest...it's the offseason...if he doesnt want to do the interview than so be it.
It seems he was willing to use the press to help draw attention to his renegiotiation efforts. Who can forget his down on the little farm interviews. If he didn't want to speak with you that's fine, he should of been upfront Friday. He is like the three stooges, they don't like the guys who ask the tough questions, just the one's trying to be their "friends".— Earl J- Millionare atheletes and A.I.G, out of touch with the average folk and really dont care if we like it or not.— bigphillydad
What are you all thinking????? You know that the "Banner/Reid Gag Order Rule" is in effect for all signed players. Why do you think Tra Thomas waited unitl he was a Jag to say something? I've been to the Novacare complex. They have secret rooms where they apply electic shock torture to players that say anything but cliches. Just more of the same horse bleep from the team we love . . .— Justicek- Comment removed.
- Just one question. Can KK Slam the Rock?!?— Chuckle Berry
- Sounds like he nmight have been rude but I think sometimes fans think players and coaches have some duty to stir up controversy. It's like McNabb, if he keeps quiet and doesnt respond to lame, mean-spirited attacks attcks, he is "not a leader" or he is a pawn of the team, if he responds, he is "too thin-skinned."— Jim C.
- LOL. All you Westbrook bashers are idiots and posers. " It hought he was one of us" and he "owes" us and bla bla bla. Yall are gonna be the same fans with his name on your backs cheering him on as he has ANOTHER pro bowl productive season. I like Les but what's your story here bud??? Can't blame him for turning down the interview...He'd only be ask about lack of production, eagles let go, and other nonsense. You just gotta think of it this way....it's his job as a player to not talk about other's situations and it's Les job to ask him. Kind of a nonstory here.— ads254
- The guy ( Westbrook ) is one of the truest warriors I've ever seen.He's offseason , let him relax.. He's a game changer.We are lucky to have had him play at such an outstanding level for so long. If he didn't want to talk leave the guy alone and find another bone to chew on..— MJPD345
- Albany key: How about shoving it up your a--. Westbrook called out the fans, i.e. his real employers. Wake up idiot. Westbrook is primadona #2. His "God" (McNabb, the puker) is #1. Oh, it must suck to be millionaires. I wouldn't know, and neither would you.— eagles7777
- Lonewolf, this article had nothing to do with Donovan McNabb...I guess you simply couldn't stand that, huh?— reils
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- Wow, people are seriously offended that he had nothing to say to the fans? So what if he had nothing to say? I guess he should have started up a twitter page on the spot, or maybe opened up a facebook account for his knee so that fans can talk to his knee directly. If Brian Westbrook has nothing to say to the fans (he was answering Les's question) while he's on his way to play golf that's his right. Anyone expecting constant updates at all times from athletes needs to find something else to do with their time. He's a primadonna because he didn't want to answer a reporter's question while on his way to play golf? Really?— mx55
Stop whining, Les. You're just salty that he wouldn't autograph your underoos.— wokmaster- Why would they ban me, do*che, did you WHINE like a little b*tch? Can't take the truth, I knew it!!! Typical conservative. Go McNabb, GO EAGLES!!!— elektrika
- his best years and production are in the past! The front office better get some young-big-brusing backs to complement our declining overweigh, outta shape QB who should be traded !!!!— jwatson
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- It's an easy thing to do when dealing with an obvious racist, Lonenazi. And I'm Irish-American, by the way: not an ignorant, no class bigot like you who knows absolutely nothing about football, offensive production, statistics or leadership....ideas that Donovan McNabb knows plenty and you zero. LONEWOLF OWNED AGAIN!!!!!!!!— elektrika
- Yeah lonewolf you were right...you must be a conservative!! That's always the card McNabb lovers pull when they run out of arguements. By the way, McNabb might know what leadership is but I have yet to see him display any through his tenure with the Eagles (unless making goofy gestures after TD's is considered leadership). Offensive production? How's 3 points in what was believed to be a do-or-die game against the Skins? Stop already.— wokmaster
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- Westbrook knows he is next out of town.— dagipe
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- Running out of arguments, Wussmaster? You HATERS NEVER, NOT EVEN ONCE, own up to the fact that...big breath as I am sick of repeating this FACT TO IDIOTS LIKE YOU: McNabb had one of his better seasons going in the top four of almost EVERY QB stat category with the LEAGUE LEADERS IN DROPPED PASSES. WOKMASTER: LIKE THE ONE AGAINST THE REDSKINS IN THE END ZONE, remember? Hmmm. Hard to score points when rookie receivers are dropping TOUCHDOWNS IN THE END ZONE!!! Who is ignoring the facts now, jerk*offs? Flag burner? Sorry, loserwolf, the only flag I have ever burned was a New York Giants flag a few months ago...I know that hurts your feelings, sorry. And nice cliche's, by the way. "If you are not with us you are against..." shut the f*ck up. Not stupid enough to buy into your b*llsh*t patriotic nonsense. I'll buy your gun and plane ticket, let's see how much of a patriot you are, d*uche.— elektrika
- electrafag - Your arguements are old and tired. Go ahead and blame the recievers for last season. Will it be the defense or the offensive line next season? Nevermind just call everyone who doesn't like your overrated hero a racist. All the stats in the world won't give him the intestinal fortitude to take a team to the promised land. I must have missed reading about the parades for those 5 NFC Championship games (4 losses - 3 as favorites). *Sigh* Do us all a favor - STOP REPEATING YOURSELF and just go away, loser.— wokmaster
