Mcgahee Clarifies Radio Comments

[theFRANCHISE]

In an article in the Baltimore Sun, Willis McGahee was given a chance to clarify his recent controversial comments made on a radio show. And surprisingly (or not), his comments seemed to reiterate the "me-first" mentality that a lot of us have gleaned from his previous statements:

[quote]"My season is over," McGahee said "[Since] Week Five, I haven't done anything at all. It's not like I'm going to get 1,000 yards so I'm just playing my role."[/quote]
Article: [url="http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-mcgahee1231,0,1589005.story"]Ravens' McGahee: I'm just playing my role -- BaltimoreSun.com[/url]

I know it seems a bit redundant to have a second topic on McGahee's comments about his off year, but I felt that this provides more damning evidence as to the type of player that McGahee may really be. Though I can't deny that it's hypocritical to cheer for him when he makes a play, that's the nature of fandom; we love them when they're doing well, but we hate them when they're in a slump.

However, I think this goes beyond cheering for a player. I think this goes to show that maybe McGahee might not fit the culture of team unity that Coach Harbaugh has created this season. It's sad that he wouldn't give a definitive answer as to whether winning a Super Bowl would change everything, and it's even sadder that he'd rather be a superstar and have his 1,000 yards rushing, than be a part of something greater.

Sounds pretty selfish to me...

[K-Dog]

glad I am not a head coach.

[codizzle]

yea thanks for the link. ive been the main defending mcgahee but with crap like that he needs to be gone

I figured he would come back and retract what he said but he didnt. he is a selfish player looking for stats. lets go get larry johnson and have a 3-headed monster again lol

[iHate]

seriously you guys are ridiculous, get off his nuts. maybe some of you have never been on a team before judging from the time you spend hawking the forums, but all he was trying to express is being dissappointed in HIMSELF in his PERFORMANCE

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='iHate' post='115342' date='Dec 31 2008, 04:18 PM']seriously you guys are ridiculous, get off his nuts. maybe some of you have never been on a team before judging from the time you spend hawking the forums, but all he was trying to express is being dissappointed in HIMSELF in his PERFORMANCE[/quote]

Seeing as how he had never been in a playoff game before, and one of his prime reasons for coming to Baltimore were to make the playoffs, well, you'd think he'd be happier...

[codizzle]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' post='115346' date='Dec 31 2008, 03:23 PM']Seeing as how he had never been in a playoff game before, and one of his prime reasons for coming to Baltimore were to make the playoffs, well, you'd think he'd be happier... [/quote]
true that .... but u know man" my season is over it's all a loss"

[Canes21]

i dont really think its being selfish at all. how would you feel if your team won the superbowl and all you did was sit on the bench. sure your happy and all but you didnt even do anything so it doesnt feel as great. this just shows that hes a competitore. he wants to help this team by being on the field and making plays thats all.

[iHate]

^^^^ agreed 100%

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='Canes21' post='115350' date='Dec 31 2008, 04:32 PM']i dont really think its being selfish at all. how would you feel if your team won the superbowl and all you did was sit on the bench. sure your happy and all but you didnt even do anything so it doesnt feel as great. this just shows that hes a competitore. he wants to help this team by being on the field and making plays thats all.[/quote]

But he hasn't been sitting on the bench as of late. And in that Rose Bowl game, he got the starting nod, but didn't feel like he contributed since Clinton Portis broke 100 yards instead.

My thing is, you can still be a competitor and a teammate at the same time. And as a teammate, you don't put the focus on yourself, even if that's not how you really feel. Why? Because at the end of the day, the game isn't about you as an individual.

People remember Hall of Fame players because of what they did for their team; that's why, should Terrell Owens ever make it into the Hall of Fame, he likely won't be remembered as vividly as a Jerry Rice or Chris Carter when they're eventually inducted.

Most team players, value team accomplishments over individual accolades, because the individual accolades usually come with those team accomplishments. As an NFL player, you have more of a chance of making the Pro Bowl than winning the Super Bowl. And you have an even slimmer chance of making the Hall of Fame. But what's the criteria for the Hall of Fame? Usually Super Bowl wins and other accomplishments that build towards the Super Bowl.

So, it just disappoints me to see that Willis McGahee cares more about his 1,000 yards right now, than the game at hand on Saturday. Now, am I exaggerating this a bit? Probably. But it bothers me to see a player make these type of comments [i]now[/i], when the rest of the team has already said all the right things and done little to attract negative attention.

[RavensIQ]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' post='115329' date='Dec 31 2008, 03:58 PM']In an article in the Baltimore Sun, Willis McGahee was given a chance to clarify his recent controversial comments made on a radio show. And surprisingly (or not), his comments seemed to reiterate the "me-first" mentality that a lot of us have gleaned from his previous statements:


Article: [url="http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-mcgahee1231,0,1589005.story"]Ravens' McGahee: I'm just playing my role -- BaltimoreSun.com[/url]

I know it seems a bit redundant to have a second topic on McGahee's comments about his off year, but I felt that this provides more damning evidence as to the type of player that McGahee may really be. Though I can't deny that it's hypocritical to cheer for him when he makes a play, that's the nature of fandom; we love them when they're doing well, but we hate them when they're in a slump.

However, I think this goes beyond cheering for a player. I think this goes to show that maybe McGahee might not fit the culture of team unity that Coach Harbaugh has created this season. It's sad that he wouldn't give a definitive answer as to whether winning a Super Bowl would change everything, and it's even sadder that he'd rather be a superstar and have his 1,000 yards rushing, than be a part of something greater.

Sounds pretty selfish to me... [/quote]


Seriously I'm tired of you guys hanging McGahee over nothing. I can understand being annoyed with him for his lack of effort this year but he didn't say anything controversial in this article. Again people are taking what they want from what he says just to justify their dislike for the guy. I don't understand why everybody is tearing McGahee apart over nothing. Sorry franchise, 99% of the time i usually agree with you but this time isn't one of them.

McGahee was addressing his season as an individual explaining his disappointment for the lack of production this year. Saying I didn't do my best, I didn't play the way I should have, so to me my season is a loss. How can he look at his season as a success? If Ray Lewis talks about making the Pro Bowl is he selfish for talking about his season?

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='RavensIQ' post='115355' date='Dec 31 2008, 04:38 PM']McGahee was addressing his season as an individual explaining his disappointment for the lack of production this year. Saying I didn't do my best, I didn't play the way I should have, so to me my season is a loss. How can he look at his season as a success? If Ray Lewis talks about making the Pro Bowl is he selfish for talking about his season?[/quote]

Every NFL player says that you play to win a Super Bowl; otherwise, there's no reason to even be in the league, since that's what every team chases every year.

Therefore, McGahee still could've said that his season would be a success with a Super Bowl ring. Because at that point, he would have something that maybe 75% of NFL greats never had, and 90% of former players never tasted.

[iHate]

as far as the hall of fame is concerned, in 50 years people are gonna remember the stats and plays, not what the players SPOKE

[RavensIQ]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' post='115357' date='Dec 31 2008, 04:41 PM']Every NFL player says that you play to win a Super Bowl; otherwise, there's no reason to even be in the league, since that's what every team chases every year.

Therefore, McGahee still could've said that his season would be a success with a Super Bowl ring. Because at that point, he would have something that maybe 75% of NFL greats never had, and 90% of former players never tasted.[/quote]


He was talking about the regular season. If a running back runs for a 1000 yards in the regular season and then rushes for 500 yards in the post season, it doesn't count as part of his 2008 season stats, now does it? The post season is the the team's season. An individual can't get nominated to go to the Pro Bowl bcuz of his post season efforts now can he? An individual can't break a rushing record if he rushes for 1800 in the regular season and then 400 in the post season, now can he?

"See, I'm talking about my season, [b]I'm not talking about the team's season. I'm talking about my season as an individual,[/b] that's what I'm meaning, my season is over with." -Willis McGahee

There is nothing Willis McGahee can do to improve his 2008 season. Now all he can do is play his role in the playoffs. There is nothing Ray Lewis or Ed Reed can do to improve their 2008 season. All they can do is play their role in the playoffs.

Stop twisting his words. Don't blame him for your lack of understanding.

[flynismo]

What the hell is everyone bellyaching about??
I think people are looking for things that clearly aren't there. McGahee isn't putting himself before the team. He's simply disappointed in himself.

[RICKPB]

You guys make me sick always talking about current Players. It is bad enough the media talks bad about our players in the middle of a season but you so called fans, come on. If I was mcgahee I would want to leave a town that does not want him and that goes for any player that is on the team. Hey Ray lewis has missed a few tackles this year. Do you want to get rid of him also. I am sorry for the Rant but I am just tired of hearing you fans trash talk our players. I am all for talking about players faults and problems in the the off season. But for now just support your team.[size="4"][/size]

[flynismo]

I was actually going to say something similiar...
It's like the fans in Philly who want to run McNabb out of town. Be careful what you ask for....

[Purple Punishment]

[quote name='flynismo' post='115380' date='Dec 31 2008, 05:15 PM']What the hell is everyone bellyaching about??
I think people are looking for things that clearly aren't there. McGahee isn't putting himself before the team. He's simply disappointed in himself.[/quote]

I can see what Willis was saying and he is basically saying, I cant do anything to take back how bad I played so Im just going to play the way I know how to and do my best

[Ravenoid]

I was a McGahee basher but I have done a complete 180 degree shift and now support him. Suppose you rephrase Willis' statement "I'm just playing my role" and have it say the same thing only with different words like "I'm just doing my job." Sounds different doesn't it. If you let an ignorant jerk like Bill Orline, who probably doesn't know the meaning of the word teamwork, frame your thoughts then you can't be your own person. HEY! Ignorance is not bliss when you splash it all over the media and some reporters wouldn't have careers if they couldn't manufacture negative thinking. They lack the skill to be a real reporter.
McGahee wanted to get out of Buffalo and I don't blame him. He isn't a T. O. by any streatch of the imagination. Did you see how his teammates poured out there hearts to him after that big run? THEY LOVE HIM. If they love him then maybe we should take some stock in that. Our players know more than we do about things like that.

[kash96ravenstotalfan]

[quote name='RICKPB' post='115389' date='Dec 31 2008, 05:29 PM']You guys make me sick always talking about current Players. It is bad enough the media talks bad about our players in the middle of a season but you so called fans, come on. If I was mcgahee I would want to leave a town that does not want him and that goes for any player that is on the team. Hey Ray lewis has missed a few tackles this year. Do you want to get rid of him also. I am sorry for the Rant but I am just tired of hearing you fans trash talk our players. I am all for talking about players faults and problems in the the off season. But for now just support your team.[size="4"][/size][/quote]
Actually, we are only talking about McGahee because of the stupid remarks he made on a radio show AND when the Baltimore Sun gave him a chance to clarify/retract his statements he didn;t do it. He is not a team player IMO he is all about himself. Their is no "I" in team and McGahee needs to start thinking about the team instead of his own personal stats. Read Ed Reeds comments when he was asked about being named NFL Defensive player of the month. His response was all about the team, he couldn;t care less about it personally. Harbs will get rid of McGahee, just not sure when. BTW I am a true Ravens fan and I will always stand-by the team; but, I will not support overpaid individual players that are not team players. Nough said - GO RAVENS

[flynismo]

I've probably cursed at the tv more than anyone because of McGahee this year, but none of his goofups stand out to me nearly as much as earlier this year, when the guy ran for a TD with blood running out of his eyes.
He'll redeem himself next year.

[heapitup247]

Again, im gunna defend his comments. Hes obviously not very good at saying what he means, that i will say. He's basically saying that he feels like he hasnt contributed to the success of the team the way he wanted to, so its a dissapointment to him that it has turned out this way. His season has been a dissapointment to him. He wants to be the guy making plays and winning games for us because thats what hes done his whole life. He just feels like he should do more for his team. Thats the way i see it, but i always try to see the best in people.

[neepo13]

I dont know why anyone would be surprised by this. Its not like we were not warned by Bills fans. The thing that really gets under my skin about this entire thing is that McGahee has NEVER played in a playoff game in his career. NEVER! This week, he finally gets to do it and instead of focusing on playing the first meaningful game in his career, he's worried about the numbers he's going to put up. I am done with McGahee.

[kash96ravenstotalfan]

[quote name='heapitup247' post='115426' date='Dec 31 2008, 06:15 PM']Again, im gunna defend his comments. Hes obviously not very good at saying what he means, that i will say. He's basically saying that he feels like he hasnt contributed to the success of the team the way he wanted to, so its a dissapointment to him that it has turned out this way. His season has been a dissapointment to him. He wants to be the guy making plays and winning games for us because thats what hes done his whole life. He just feels like he should do more for his team. Thats the way i see it, but i always try to see the best in people.[/quote]
Bottom line - No one but McGahee cares about HIS season, we care about the Ravens season.

[RavensIQ]

[quote name='neepo13' post='115432' date='Dec 31 2008, 06:24 PM']I dont know why anyone would be surprised by this. Its not like we were not warned by Bills fans. The thing that really gets under my skin about this entire thing is that McGahee has NEVER played in a playoff game in his career. NEVER! This week, he finally gets to do it and instead of focusing on playing the first meaningful game in his career, he's worried about the numbers he's going to put up. I am done with McGahee.[/quote]

Yeah bcuz the constant questions and harassment from the media, reporters, and fans shouldn't be enough of an excuse for Willis McGahee to actually [i]answer[/i] someone's question at a press conference...What was he thinking? He should have had nothing else on his mind but the playoffs. So what if reporters have their mics, cameras, and lights in his face 24/7 asking him how he feels about his season, his lack of production, and his future with Baltimore?? The nerve of this guy to actually answer someone's question!

He should be locked down at the facility. He shouldn't even be allowed to go out to restaurants bcuz how can he focus on the playoffs when waiters keep bugging him with stupid questions about what he wants to drink or whether or not he would like more bread with his salad...

Give the guy a break already. Maybe if we as fans didn't ride his back so much, and I don't know supported him more? (But why would we do that? We're just fans...) reporters wouldn't be on his back so much causing distractions and messing with his confidence. The more you hate on a person and focus on their flaws the more that person starts to become demoralized and less productive. How do you expect him to become better when everybody keeps telling him how much he sucks and that we don't want him here no more...

Only reason any of this is a distraction is bcuz we as fans allow it to be. If we ignored the BS stories and made up controversies (by desperate reporters *Mike Preston*) and focused more on supporting the Ravens, then none of these stories would have life to grow into something distractful and unneccesary for our team.

Seriously, give the guy a break already.

[72Marshall]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' post='115346' date='Dec 31 2008, 04:23 PM']Seeing as how he had never been in a playoff game before, and one of his prime reasons for coming to Baltimore were to make the playoffs, well, you'd think he'd be happier... [/quote]

It sounds to me like he's disappointed that he didn't have a bigger role in getting the team there. Or he saying I can't take credit for where we are because I haven't been playing well and had little to do with it. He said he was the starter in the Ohio game but Portis had the 100 yards, again saying he didn't do much to take any credit. I don't see this as him being self centered, I see it as him owning up and taking credit for not being the back he was expected to be.

I don't believe anything that is written in the Baltimore Sun, I know there is a slant or they are taking him and everyone they want to out of context. I wouldn't put much credence in anything the Sun publishes especially if the writer is Mike Preston but certainly if the name of the paper is the Baltimore Sun.

[heapitup247]

[quote name='kash96ravenstotalfan' post='115436' date='Dec 31 2008, 06:28 PM']Bottom line - No one but McGahee cares about HIS season, we care about the Ravens season.[/quote]

Should anybody but willis care about what willis is doing?

[kash96ravenstotalfan]

[quote name='heapitup247' post='115482' date='Dec 31 2008, 07:52 PM']Should anybody but willis care about what willis is doing?[/quote]
My point is that he should be more concerned about what the team is doing, instead of his own personal stats

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='RavensIQ' post='115467' date='Dec 31 2008, 07:19 PM']Seriously, give the guy a break already.[/quote]

Bottom line: maybe there's something to what Buffalo fans were saying about him...

The only other point I'll offer is, isn't it a bit convenient that he happens to say something inflammatory, while virtually everyone else (save for Terrell Suggs) has kept their mouth shut? Even though McGahee's original comments were during a scheduled radio show that was actually meant to be held earlier in the season, and even though it's his responsibility to answer questions asked by the media, couldn't he have simply taken the higher road and just said nothing?

If he's disappointed in himself, he can always do that when the season's over. Oh wait, excuse me, when the [i]team's[/i] season is over. But most players will tell you that, when the postseason is just starting, [i]now[/i] is not the time for reflection.

McGahee can mope and sulk about his individual season being disappointing all he wants. He can take responsibility all he wants -- but at least stop being so cryptic to where people can misinterpret the comments, as some of you have said I have.

Personally, I don't think there's any misinterpretation; he may be a competitor and a good teammate and the guys in the locker room may love him, but that doesn't mean he can't have a selfish attitude. Some may say this is an example of how badly he wants to be the best at what he does -- but thinking aloud about it will get him nowhere.

Frankly, I'd have preferred that he said nothing, and moved on. He should've let his play speak for itself, rather than try this half-cracked attempt at defusing a situation.

And though it's arguable that this is simply being blown out of proportion, no one can deny that things would've been better off if he would've done what everyone else has done and talked more about the team than himself.

[RavenWarrior11]

Willis's confidence is dragging through the dirt. He's down on himself (which is not necessarily a desirable thing) but its human nature. Lets give the guy a break.

[kze]

[quote name='iHate' post='115342' date='Dec 31 2008, 10:18 PM']seriously you guys are ridiculous, get off his nuts. maybe some of you have never been on a team before judging from the time you spend hawking the forums, but all he was trying to express is being dissappointed in HIMSELF in his PERFORMANCE[/quote]


[quote name='RavensIQ' post='115355' date='Dec 31 2008, 10:38 PM']Seriously I'm tired of you guys hanging McGahee over nothing. I can understand being annoyed with him for his lack of effort this year but he didn't say anything controversial in this article. Again people are taking what they want from what he says just to justify their dislike for the guy. I don't understand why everybody is tearing McGahee apart over nothing. Sorry franchise, 99% of the time i usually agree with you but this time isn't one of them.

McGahee was addressing his season as an individual explaining his disappointment for the lack of production this year. Saying I didn't do my best, I didn't play the way I should have, so to me my season is a loss. How can he look at his season as a success? If Ray Lewis talks about making the Pro Bowl is he selfish for talking about his season?[/quote]

Exactly. You guys have to realize that he was solely addressing HIS performance, and that he wish that he could have done a better job. When you are competitive and always push yourself harder and harder and want to be a contender, believe it or not, you WILL be disappointed if you do a bad job EVEN if your team does good as a whole. He's just disappointed in his performance, not the team performance.

[b]"See, I'm talking about my season, I'm not talking about the team's season," McGahee said. "I'm talking about my season as an individual. That's what I'm meaning: My season is over with."[/b]

You guys should stop getting your panties tangled in a bunch over nothing.