One of the most fun things about the NFL (or any sport for that matter) and think about how things might have been different if a team had selected one player over another. For example, if Portland had taken Jordan with the #2 pick in the 1984 NBA Draft instead of Sam Bowie, just how different would the NBA have been?
Well today, Jonathan Ogden announced his retirement from the NFL. And the Baltimore Sun republished their 1996 Draft Day article which discussed the Ravens' dilemma over whether to go with J.O. or whether to go with Lawrence Phillips. Said article gave us this little gem:
Ravens owner Art Modell denied speculation that he chose Ogden over Phillips because of Phillips' off-the-field problems. Phillips was charged last fall with assaulting his ex-girlfriend.He pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor and has gone to counseling, paid for his victim's counseling and publicly apologized.
"I had no qualms about taking him, because I felt, based on our investigation, that he was subject to quick and complete rehabilitation and that he would have been a class-A citizen and a man the city of Baltimore would have been proud of," Modell said.
Hmm...
Only class-A citizens repeatedly pose for mugshots.
Art Modell... not exactly the best judge of character. I mean, can you imagine if Lawrence Phillips had been allowed to run amok in West Baltimore?
As you all know, I'm not a huge Ravens fan. They're not my team. But J.O. is one of the truly good guys in sports. Not to mention a horrible dancer and the star of one of the greatest series of commercials ever.
5 Responses:
How about: "Art Modell...smart enough not to motivate another team's running back by pissing on him after he passed him over."
Yeah, that makes a lot more sense.
Much as I might not like the Ravens, the only position which they have struggled to draft well is QB, and they may have fixed that with Flacco (time will tell). I wish the Skins drafted as well.
I doubt it was even a tough decision. Sketchy RB from a RB system or a stud LT with great character? Hmmm...
Well, I hear what you're saying J-Red, but then you have to be troubled about whomever was running the Ravens' "investigation."
No, I don't. They didn't pick him. Modell definitely could have been lying. He has been known to do that on occasion when it was in his/our best interest.
Or, he might have been telling the truth. He might have badly wanted Lawrence Phillips. Then it would speak highly of him that he gave his front office enough faith that they overrode his desires.
For an example of the other way to do it, see Daniel Snyder.
Plus, look at the quote again:
"I had no qualms about taking him, because I felt, based on our investigation, that he was subject to quick and complete rehabilitation and that he would have been a class-A citizen and a man the city of Baltimore would have been proud of," Modell said.
Modell gave a lot of second chances, including Bam Morris and Larry Webster. He has always been intensely loyal to his players (if not to Cleveland). Look at Ozzie Newsome, Bennie Anderson, Mike McCrary, Earnest Byner, etc. etc.
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