Stretching the Truth Continues with McKnight
by Joey Kaufman on May 2, 2010 4:56 PM PDT
in USC Football
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PrintJoe McKnight didn't have the best of times in his first minicamp with the New York Jets over the weekend. The former Trojan tailback dropped a few passes, vomited on the field and had both calves cramp up, in an NFL debut that was certainly less than memorable. Subsequently, McKnight noted that he was "not in good shape," which was certainly more than evident to onlookers at the Jets practice facility. From Jane McManus of ESPNNewYork.com:
"I'm not in good shape right now," said McKnight, who at one moment was crouched under the uprights as trainers poured water over his head. "I'm in OK shape, but not the best. I could be better."
It's clear through his remarks that McKnight obviously had a tough weekend with the Jets. But what is incredibly immature and pathetic on the part of USC skeptics is to use this as an opportunity to take a few cheap shots at Pete Carroll, suggesting that he didn't run competitive, high-intensity practices, which he was often credited with doing during his nine-year run with the Trojans (look we know how to spell and use proper English!). This situation serves as a quintessential example of why it's risky to try and read too much into a quote or a situation. For example:
There was a lot that was more intense from his days at USC. The criticism, the scrutiny -- even the way practice itself was run. This was different, McKnight said, contrary to USC's reputation for tough practices.
"That's what they say. Coach [Pete] Carroll was a pro coach before he came to college," McKnight said. "[But] practices were not like this."
Well, of course. Generally speaking, NFL practices are tougher, more strenuous than college football workouts. Because of NCAA limitations on practice hours, collegiate teams simply aren't given the opportunity to put in the same kind of effort and man hours that the professional squads do. Does that mean that Carroll-run practices were somehow a walk in the park? Absolutely not.
As someone who has been in attendance at USC football practices over the past six years, it's absolutely ridiculous to suggest that because McKnight had some difficulties in his initial workout with the Jets that 'SC practices were easy on players. That kind of talk is likely coming from someone who doesn't actually live within the Los Angeles area and actually attend the events in person. Instead, they're merely speculating, bending truth, and creating, stories to make themselves feel good. It's pretty cowardly. Try showing up to Howard Jones Field and telling a 6'4" 280 pound, 5-star defensive lineman that his practices are a cakewalk. I'm sure it won't end well.
These "easy" practices certainly didn't stop Lofa Tatupu from being elected to the Pro Bowl during his rookie season or Steve Smith from winning a Super Bowl with the New York Giants during his rookie campaign. If they were for patsies, wouldn't every Trojan be a flop in the NFL?
But in regards to McKnight, you'd be hard pressed to find anybody who doesn't find this turn of events the least bit surprising. For one, the Louisiana native has been injured since the end of last season, and during USC's Pro Day in late March, he re-aggravated a toe injury. All in all, I highly doubt he's been afforded the opportunity to get himself in the best physical shape, which in the end, probably has to more with his vomiting than Carroll's "soft" practices.
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Yeap…lots of misinformation out there from the haters…
"Mention USC to a Bruin and they get angry; mention UCLA to a Trojan and they laugh."
Nuts...
He’s out of shape because the Trojans broke camp on January 1st. That’s 4 months that he hasn’t been with a team.
Anyone who attends practices, including talking heads who have visited USC have more than raved at how intense and difficult USC practices are. Musberger, Herbstreit, et. al. have commented over the years how USC practices are so competitive.
One needs to only look at the players USC has sent to the pros in the last 8 years to see how well prepared these kids are.
Overrated
McKnight never lived up to the hype. The one Rose Bowl game against Illinois was about it. Every game he played he got injured and came off the field looking like he was done. He’ll never be able to take the pounding in the NFL.
Whatever
he has a victim mentality
"Government is the opiate of the masses" Dennis Prager
"I've got blisters on my fingers!!!!!!"
McKnight wasn't a victim of anything
He came to USC with the prospect of going to the NFL and funnelling any amount of money he could into his pocket. His eye-black read “I need $” and he didn’t care about breaking NCAA rules to get it. I’m glad he’s gone
I wouldn’t believe an ’SC fan would say this four years ago..
by Julio Nievas on May 3, 2010 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions
He was hitting up boosters for cash
thats the bottom line. So when a player knowingly disregards the rules and puts the university at risk, I have no problem calling him out for it.
No a victim
but having a victim mentality
"Government is the opiate of the masses" Dennis Prager
"I've got blisters on my fingers!!!!!!"
The Media Sensationalizes a Story?
I’m dismayed. But, if you actually read Ryan’s tweets and quotes, it doesn’t sound so bad. Especially considering he’s a rookie who hasn’t played in 4 months at his first camp. Per Jets’ reports, Shonn Green also struggled at camp early.
“He’s fighting through it,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said. "It’s funny, every time I look around he’s got a wet towel around his neck and he’s got [RB coach] Anthony [Lynn] barking all over him and then he’s making one mistake after another — and then you put the ball in his hand and he’s pretty good.
Dude can't run at people will run out of bounds instead looking for first down, Stafon is such a better back even Gable will do better in the NFL.
Well I would write something but I can't think of anything, so GO ME.
by so.cal.native1952 on May 3, 2010 9:55 AM PDT reply actions
When Reggie worked out with LT...
Those that were paying attention that summer will remember the stories of Reggie puking his guts out and writhing in pain after trying to keep up with LT’s NFL style regimen. All this while Reggie was in prime health and at the top of his game. After the experience Reggie came back to win the Heisman.
Welcome to the NFL Joe!
STILL LOCO AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!
CELEBRATING THE DAWN OF THE AGE OF AUGUSTUS
M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT
I remember that
Reggie was saying at the time that he couldn’t believe what Ladainian would do in the off-season just to stay in shape and in peak/top condition.
Joe’s got skills, but he might not be able to take the pounding. I can see him in a Darren Sproles type role for the first two or three years and if he’s still around/not injured- maybe become a featured co-back in someone’s system. I wouldn’t bet ON HIM to be a regular everydown back though. (great memory Loco! dang.)
"As for being a Raiders fan, I wouldn't wish that fucking shit on anybody." [the venerable OTS at Roll Bama Roll}
by BixBeiderbecke on May 3, 2010 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions
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