Samuel rips Eagles, then steps back
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Samuel rips Eagles, then steps back
Jonathan Tamari
UPDATE: The Eagles discussed "significant" trade offers for their cornerbacks, but decided against dealing any, coach Andy Reid said in a statement issued by the Eagles press office Wednesday night. The statement, included below, attempts to tamp out a fire Asante Samuel started earlier this afternoon when he ripped the Eagles front office, saying they were playing "fantasy football" and didn't care about their opinion because they "probably never played football."
His comments -- and subsequent walk-back -- are below. Here is what Reid said:
"I am aware of how Asante felt and we have since talked. We both left with a positive feeling going forward. As I have said previously, when we acquired Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Nnamdi Asomugha we had received numerous calls on the availability of our cornerbacks. After discussing significant trade offers with other teams, we decided to keep all three cornerbacks on our team. Asante is a valuable member of our team and we appreciate all that he brings to this organization. As far as my relationship with Howie (Roseman) and Joe (Banner), I have a great deal of respect for both of them and I know we are all on the same page."
While Reid didn't specify that the trade offers were for Samuel, the Eagles said publicly this summer that they were listening to offers for him and multipile reports said he was discussed again at the trade deadline.
FROM EARLIER:
Suddenly, things are calm again between Asante Samuel and the Eagles. At least if you believe his latest comments more than his earlier ones. After torching the Eagles front office this afternoon, Samuel met with Andy Reid and returned to talk to reporters just before 6 p.m. Here's what he said:
"Me and coach talked and obviously I let my emotions get the best of me. Everything is good, I'm happy to be here, and everything is settled. He explained to me how the business works and I'm that much more educated on how the business works in the NFL and everything is good. Let’s get a win on Sunday."
That was his entire statement. Samuel did not take any questions.
Below are the comments that started this fire:
FROM EARLIER:
Earlier today Andy Reid said he had smoothed things over with cornerback Asante Samuel. That might be true for the coach and the cornerback, but Samuel had some choice words for Joe Banner and Howie Roseman after practice.
"Me and Andy (are) good. That’s all that matters," Samuel said. But he was asked if he feels wanted in Philadelphia.
"By Andy. A couple people upstairs might not want me, but who cares. They probably never played football," Samuel said. "It's a business, they run it like a business, so they're going to do what they need to do. So they're upstairs playing with a lot of money, playing a little fantasy football, so they’re doing their thing."
A reporter asked if the "fantasy football" comment referred to Banner and Roseman.
"Do they fit the comment I made?" Samuel asked. One reporter said they seemed to. "Then maybe so," he added.
Samuel, though, said his ire at the front office would not affect his play on the field.
"As long as I'm here, as long as I get paid each and every Tuesday, I'm going to go out and do my job to the best of my ability, each and every Sunday. I play for the fans and I play for my teammates, that’s what it’s all about."
He added, "everyone has other issues, contract issues, and I deal with them accordingly. That's how I always do."
Asked if he wants to play elsewhere, Samuel said, "I want to be where I’m wanted, wherever I’m wanted. I’m here right now, so I’m wanted."
How much longer he is here seems very much in doubt.
I couldn't care less about Asante's choice words for the Eagles' front office. The thing that stands out for me is him referring to Andy Reid as "Andy". Yes, I know that's his name, but I remember when players had enough respect for coaches to call them "Coach (last name)" or simply "Coach". Most of these modern athletes have no respect for their coaches, or the game itself.— anwar215- 2 good non fantasy moves: drop samuel and reid— MIKEI
- This guy is a cancer.— gordon7
- so if he pick 6's romo, he'll be the toast of the town— retzlaff
- Trade him! This guy and the money he is getting could not catch a cold! Again, it is that "Me" attitude which will kill the Eagles this year. They are not going anywhere this year and Reid will be replaced as QB. I think the Eagles need someone like Bill Cowher from Pittsburgh.— run2jazz2
- Samuel is saying what a lot of Fans believe. To hell with shutting up. Now when it all comes to the table TO was absolutely correct.
Samuel played well despite his desire to stay out of big hits since coming to Philly. He's seen some exceptional players who have laid it on the line for Philly thrown away.
Hanson is not half the defender Samuel is back there. He deserves more respect than the Eagles are allowing, but we all can understand it's a business, so why when Samuel speaks to that truth for his perspective there's a problem?
Samuel isn't acting like a sheep so now there's a problem with being outspoken? I'm glad he's not a "Pushie" and speaking up for himself.
— Dexter - Andy Reid = Zero Super Bowls. Facts are facts.— MichaelZoe
Comment removed.- Did he say anything that wasn't true? I don't think what he said was that bad.— realzeel
- Name another DB in the Conference as good as Samuel? This is a two time Champion and 4 consecutive pro bowl appearances. Up until this year opposing QBs didn't throw to his side of the field.
Next year for a serious run to the Title the Eagles will need a corner like Samuel to combat 3 and 4 Receiver Sets.
Hanson and those kids on the Bench aren't capable. Hanson showed he wasn't capable last year. He's not gotten much better. Not better enough to spell Samuel.
— Dexter - Everyone knows it, no one can disagree w whatever he says, he's just the only one stupid enough to say it. #Businessentity— beerflow
- Asante is correct. I enjoy his comments— Captain
- He told the truth and said what a lot of them are scared to say. There is no "Gold Standard" in Philly, same old story, same old eagles, same old result.— NC Eagle Fan
- They should hire me...I am the Gold Standard...AKA...Michael Gold!— ceocreates
- Assante isn't the distraction. The Eagles' front office is the distraction. Assante shows up during the preseason ready to go and all that he hears is that the Eagles' are trying to trade him. They handled that poorly. Then they start up again as the trade deadline approaches. There was no reason for that to come out. They could have simply said that nobody on the team is irreplaceable and they’ll listen to any offers but the price for someone like Assante would be very high and they aren’t actively trying to trade him.— MikeP
