Don Banks takes a cheap shot at Portis

[PleaseGoForTheWin]

I know, I know. SI hating on the Skins is nothing new, but c'mon, was this really necessary?

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=ApMMqmPyIFwegbEHQhZivudDubYF?slug=cnnsi-realfantasyfoot&prov=cnnsi&type=lgns


Vince Papale could never happen in today's NFL. A 30-year-old rookie who also happens to be a part-time bartender? Making a team's roster after showing up for an open tryout? In this age of almost year-round scouting, with such a highly scrutinized and endlessly hyped four-month buildup to the NFL draft?

Talk about fantasy football.

"No way. It just wouldn't happen,'' said Dick Vermeil, the rookie NFL head coach who gave Papale his shot with the 1976 Philadelphia Eagles, 30 years ago this summer. "He'd never get the opportunity. It's sad. It really is. Because how many people turned down Kurt Warner? Stories like Vince, and Kurt, and London Fletcher, and Herman Edwards [all of whom were undrafted collegiate free agents], all those kind of young people who excelled beyond expectations, are what makes the NFL great.

...

"You know what?'' Vermeil said. "Having six preseason games back then gave him an opportunity. Because you'd play guys like that instead of guys you wanted to protect from injury. But then all of a sudden you'd find out that guy is doing better than the guy you're protecting.''

Take that, Clinton Portis.


Banks, you really are pathetic.

[Walking Deadman]

Word of advice,

Don't read Don Banks.
Unless you like to complain about bad journalism.

Matter of fact, that goes with everything that is SI.

[#1SkinsFan]

Wow, that's why you should never read SI at all.

I don't think i've gone to their website in a year or so.

[RonJeremy]

Don Banks uses Dick Vermeil's story for the 70's and tries to relate it to a totally different era to take a shot at Portis??? I hope he didn't pull a muscle with that stretch. Apples and Oranges Donnie!

[jsevier]

Word of advice,

Don't read Don Banks.
Unless you like to complain about bad journalism.

Matter of fact, that goes with everything that is SI.

Another word of advice.... Dont read SI! :eaglesuck

[spm]

Banks isn't really saying anything negative about Portis. He's just saying that one good point about having more preseason games is that it gives unknowns a better chance to make the regular season roster. Banks is just pointing out that there are two sides to the debate on how many preseason games to play.

[HailfrmDEN]

Its not a very good burn in the first place.

[Skin Patrol]

Give me a break. He's playing to the emotional response that these Rudy-esque stories elicit to take a cheap shot at Clinton Portis.

I love that there was a Vince Papale. But let's face facts; if you need 6 preseason football games to earn a spot on the roster, there's a good chance you shouldn't be on the field.

[PotomacSkinsFan]

Word of advice,

Don't read Don Banks.
Unless you like to complain about bad journalism.

Matter of fact, that goes with everything that is SI.

i remember watching an old interview of Joe Namath and he was asked about Sports Illustrated. He said it was the most pathetic publication in the US. I personally don't understand why anyone reads anything in there (except Rick Reilly, he's the man)

[desioreo87]

Its kind of funny how don banks misinterpreted what portis said. Portis said that guys of his caliber don't need the preseason cause it only brings injuries, he never said nething about lower level players. I agree with Portis in the fact that coaches in the preseason shouldn't involve the top playres on their team cause lets face it whenever the first teamers step out their we all are worried bout them getting injured. Banks is only validatin g the already well known fact that the preseason is for the second teamers and the third teamers and the rookies, and all of the other players with aspirations of making the team. So really banks hasnt said nething at all to take a shot at portis. He swung and he missed badly

[bubba9497]

Papale and Portis

same level of talent :thumbsup:

[Seabee1973]

That injury could have happened the first game of teh season then we would be without portis for 4 real games

[Rdskn4Lyf21]

Banks isn't really saying anything negative about Portis. He's just saying that one good point about having more preseason games is that it gives unknowns a better chance to make the regular season roster. Banks is just pointing out that there are two sides to the debate on how many preseason games to play.

And why does he have to use Portis, who was pissed that he got hurt in a damn preseason game? He could have finished it more professionally, but with SI, why should I bother suggesting that?

[Park City Skins]

This is Banks. Well known by now by all here. Proper response. Who cares?

[Oldskool]

Say it with me, ladies and gentlemen...


Boycot SI.

[panel]

There really isn't a cheap shot, he is saying "take that" about Portis' comments to have a shortened pre-season, not that we will find out Portis isn't good or that a rookie will take his job, it is just the counter point to Portis' point.

Doesn't even make sence other wise.

[Pimpey42000]

Leave it to Don Banks!!!

[AzSkinsFan63]

Banks isn't really saying anything negative about Portis. He's just saying that one good point about having more preseason games is that it gives unknowns a better chance to make the regular season roster. Banks is just pointing out that there are two sides to the debate on how many preseason games to play.


Yep that was it alright..

Portis was the one saying we didn't need so many preseason games..
Banks is just finding a way to say they used to have 6 games and that allowed to find unknown talent.

bottom line is Preseason is useless for proven Vets..

Both Portis and Banks have a valuable point which doesn't matter because the NFL makes money on preseason so it's pretty moot!

But I personally don't agree that 2 more preseason games and we would find new talent..come on..puhlease!!!!

[Eparadox]

You think that if Portis had been injured more severely he would have the ballz to say this? I think not.

[Westbrook36]

The comment has nothing to do with Portis being injured. He is saying that if the preseason was shorter, guys like Papale would never have a chance to shine. Jeez.

[PleaseGoForTheWin]

Banks isn't really saying anything negative about Portis. He's just saying that one good point about having more preseason games is that it gives unknowns a better chance to make the regular season roster. Banks is just pointing out that there are two sides to the debate on how many preseason games to play.

That sure is a positive spin on it. Banks doesn't really make any argument in his piece; it's about Dick Vermeil's experience with this Papale guy. If Banks was going to make a point that there should be 6 games, he should flesh out that argument and do more than say "take that, Clinton Portis." He's just being a jerk making statements like that. Don't be an apologist for this guy's unprofessionalism.

[Skin Patrol]

^^^^^

Totally agree. If his "point" is really just that 6 preseason games would give bad players more of an opportunity to succeed, than he's just stating the obvious (and doesn't really have a "point" at all). And anyways, any argument for more preseason games is going to require explanation and nuance, neither of which is provided.

There's nothing nuanced about saying "take that Clinton Portis". It's as unnecessary as his "argument".

[SkinsD]

Boooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[[[ghost]]]

How cool to take a shot at one of the many players int he NFL who despise the preseason.

[GrimReefa]

I hate Banks as much as the next guy, but you people are either misinterpreting what he's writing or you're grossly overreacting.

All he is doing is presenting the case for the preseason to be as long or longer than it is now. The "Take that, Clinton Portis" is only in reference to CP being the most recent outspoken critic of the length of the preseason. It has nothing to do with his injury, nothing to do with him being outshone by his back-up, just his arguement that the preseason needs to be cut.

Wake me up in October when we're "the worst 5-0 team in NFL history." THEN we'll have something to gripe about.

[sparkosaurus]

Banks isn't really saying anything negative about Portis. He's just saying that one good point about having more preseason games is that it gives unknowns a better chance to make the regular season roster. Banks is just pointing out that there are two sides to the debate on how many preseason games to play.


Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but if I recall correctly, Portis was asked how he felt about comments from other players that they shouldn't have 4 preseason games (or something to that effect) and he said he agreed...he also followed it up by talking about how starters are conditioned and practice and that preseason should focus on exactly what Banks is talking about...giving the non-starters a chance to shine while established starters sit out those games...if an underdog starts to challenge a starter, they can sort that out in a more controlled environment on the practice field or then, perhaps, put that starter in a preseason game or two to battle for his job...

does anyone else remember something like this coming out in some of Portis' comments?? I'd be surprised if I had imagined the whole thing...

If I'm right, then this is the exact problem with Banks pot shot....he's making uninformed statements about what players said....aren't journalists supposed to check facts??? maybe it's universal in the world of sports....those who can't teach, teach gym....those with no credibility, write sports...

Can we get an SI SUCKS smiley like this one :dallasuck

[tizzod]

Am I mistaken, or did a quick little, smartass comment attract this much attention? Come on, people. You're getting a little out of hand. Actually, what you are doing is exactly what these writers want you to do.

Hey, if you ignored them, maybe they will go away.

[gkekoa]

Who cares? The guys an idiot. He is talking about Papoli as a human interest story but the bottom line is, up until this movie who ever heard of Vince, and to be quite honest, who cares. This is a guys lively hood we are talking about. If we want a long preseason, fine. Play the Papolis of the world so they can make the team but guys like CP are MAKING THE TEAM. We don't need to see what they can do because we know.

[TD Riggo]

SI..

Do people still read that antiquated fish-wrap?!

[beastman]

Wow, why is it that only sarcasm directed towards Redskins players is regarded as a "cheap shot"? Banks was remarking on two opposing viewpoints: Vermeil's support for the preseason, and Portis's disdain for it, while indicating to the reader whose opinion he shares.

Stop trying to find something where there isn't.

[elkabong82]

Don't read SI

[dreamingwolf]

Banks isn't really saying anything negative about Portis. He's just saying that one good point about having more preseason games is that it gives unknowns a better chance to make the regular season roster. Banks is just pointing out that there are two sides to the debate on how many preseason games to play.

dude, Im not sure what article you read but the quote "take that Portis" seems to be a direct shot at him. He writes for the fancy pants that dont like athletes and want to see them degraded.

[PleaseGoForTheWin]

Wow, why is it that only sarcasm directed towards Redskins players is regarded as a "cheap shot"? Banks was remarking on two opposing viewpoints: Vermeil's support for the preseason, and Portis's disdain for it, while indicating to the reader whose opinion he shares.

Stop trying to find something where there isn't.

Yes, except that he does absolutely nothing to flesh out the argument. He took an unprofessional cheap shot that was completely uneccessary. Remove the Portis line and the article is otherwise exactly the same and holds the same meaning. Banks used Portis to mock, not to introduce and examine an argument.

[Rooblakas]

Once we get Clinton Portis fully healthy and back in the lineup, we will prove that Don Banks wrong. Hopefully, Portis can take a cheap shot at him whenever he is wearing his funny looking outfits towards the media. Maybe Sheriff Gonna Getcha can get Banks back.

[Riggo#44]

If you really want to know the level of SI's writers "expertise" - take a look at the Fantasy Experts' FFL Draft - Bill Sykien I think his name is.

Tom Brady...over Steven Jackson, Javon Walker over Santana Moss...this "expert" didn't make a pick I would have made until the 6th round - when he snagged Alge Crumpler.

My point is, time and time again, SI just makes unbelievable ridiculous statements, King, Dr. Z, Bank, etc. etc.

The only reason to read SI is to get a little self-righteous indignation going. Certainly not for any legitmate insight!

[matty dread]

Yeah because Portis is the only one that's complained about the preseason.

[GaryClark4Canton]

I get the impression that Portis doesn't mind the current preseason format as much as he doesn't want to play in any preseason games. If anything I would think Portis would rather have a Papale-type player playing in his steed for the whole preseason anyway. It was a cheap shot at Portis moreso because CP is one of the current "hot" topics.

Besides, I don't know about you, but I only read SI magazine because of the I or "Illustrated". The pictures are the best part of mag by far.


GC

[bulldog]

how likely is it Mr. Banks that the Redskins by playing 6 preseason games will find an undrafted free agent that has better skills than Clinton Portis? :)

I agree that the preseason is important to evaluate younger talent, but for Banks to personalize the issue and come back on Portis is a cheap shot.

Portis' yardage totals his first 4 years in the NFL put him near the top of the heap.

[JoeSkins]

Papale and Portis

same level of talent :thumbsup:

Portis leaves Papale-skilled piles in the toilet every morning.

[lunarluau]

I hate SI but that's not really too bad of a shot, just more of a current example

[scuppajones]

I saw the preview for this movie a month ago. The only thing I could think of when I saw it was, "I just hate the Freakin Eagles man"

[Randle Hell Yeah]

But still I'm worried they will tackle him high all year-- and by about week 10 his arm will be hanging a la Emmett.


Nice tackle though Portis.:cheers:

[JoeSkins]

I saw the preview for this movie a month ago. The only thing I could think of when I saw it was, "I just hate the Freakin Eagles man"

All I could think of was, "I've seen Rudy, and this won't come close." :eaglesuck

[desertfox59]

That injury could have happened the first game of teh season then we would be without portis for 4 real games

so true...I can't fault Portis...nore can I fault Gibbs...its just the way the cookie crumbles.

[Blondie]

I don't even want to give him space in this thread.

The way to combat what he says...is to not read, purchase, or subscribe to SI.

Blondie