Generally, in the wide world of sports, when an athlete speaks out and criticizes their own organization in the media, that athlete comes across spoiled and immature and inevitably humbles themselves with an apology (usually by reading an insincere statement drafted by their agent).
But earlier this week we saw an example of a veteran athlete, concerned about the direction of his team, make a calculated statement to the media questioning his organization’s front office leadership and decision making.
On May 14, Indianapolis Colts’ offensive coordinator Tom Moore and offensive line coach Howard Mudd unexpectedly retired due a change in the NFL’s pension program. In order to save some salary and savings under the new pension plan, the two coaches relinquished their titles and were instead named as team consultants.
However, NFL Coaches Association executive director Larry Kennan has now indicated that Moore and Mudd would have to wait six months before they’re allowed to return to the organization in any capacity.
The Colts suffered a bigger coaching loss in January when longtime head coach Tony Dungy, who guided the team to a Super Bowl title just two seasons ago, retired and was replaced by associate head coach Jim Caldwell – his first NFL head coaching job.
So with a rookie head coach and huge questions regarding the status of the team’s offensive coaching staff, Colts’ quarterback and NFL superstar Peyton Manning stepped up and sent a powerful message to “the powers that be” with the following emotional statement:
“Somebody says one thing, then somebody else says another thing…I’m not sure everybody’s on the same page in this building. I’m just trying to focus on playing quarterback well.”
Loading ...
