In a recent interview with Ralph Barbieri and Tom Tolbert of KNBR in San Francisco (via SportsRadioInterviews.com), 49ers coach Mike Singletary wasn’t all that interested in talking about the decision of quarterback Kurt Warner not to sign with the team and to instead re-sign with Arizona.
After answering a couple of questions about Warner, Singeltary decided he’d had enough.
“You know what,” Singletary said. “Let me — hold on, hold on, hold. Let me say this, I want to go in another direction. I mean I’ve been with our guys right here, I got these guys signed, they’re ready to go, they been working their tails off today. I want to talk about them. I don’t want to talk anymore about Kurt Warner. As far as I’m concerned, he’s with the Arizona Cardinals and two times next year we’ll see him. Maybe a third depending on how things work out. But as far as Kurt Warner, Arizona, anybody else out there, it does not matter. I want to talk about the people that are here and that I’m coaching right now.”
Things thereafter got a little testy, with Barbieri defending his decision to inquire about things that might have been and Singletary reiterating his desire to talk about the guys currently on the team.
It’s good stuff.
(There also was some discussion about whether the Niners pissed off Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford at the Scouting Combine by using a psychologist who apparently asked Stafford personal questions. We hadn’t heard about that one, and will look into it.)
Later, Singletary was asked about other potentially available quarterbacks, given the interest in Warner.
“Cutler’s under contract,” Singletary said. “Can’t talk about him. Cassell, I mean we never got there. And you know what, let me say this. You may think, ‘Why is he acting this way?’ You know what? I was anticipating — and I shouldn’t. But I was anticipating you asking me about the guys we have here today. I was anticipating — this is the beginning of a new era. This is beginning of a new 49ers organization. A new beginning. I was anticipating we were going to be talking about that. I’m all jacked up about that and you ask me about Kurt Warner. And not once, not twice, but three . . . . Why are we talking about that?”
But the talk about Warner continued. Singletary later said that the 49ers weren’t going to change their approach on offense if Warner had joined the team.
“We’re the 49ers,” Singletary said. “We’re not gonna change for Kurt Warner, we’re not gonna change for anybody. We know exactly what we want to do, we know exactly where we’re gonna go with what we’re doing. If Kurt Warner was gonna come here, it was gonna become ‘Kurt Warner is a 49er.’ But it was not gonna become, ‘The 49ers are now Kurt Warner and Kurt Warner, what do you wanna do?’ It was not gonna become that.
“We know exactly who we are, we know exactly where we’re going. And all I’m asking you to do, all I’m asking the fans to do, is just watch. And just listen. And just see. I think we’re onto something. I really do.”
Meanwhile, Singeltary said that Shaun Hill is the starting quarterback, but that Hill and Alex Smith will compete for the job.
Hill and Smith? We know the “something” that the 49ers are onto. And that “something” involves ten or more losses, again.
Singletary Doesn't Want To Talk About Kurt Warner
Posted by Mike Florio on March 24, 2009, 10:52 PM EST
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48 Responses to “Singletary Doesn't Want To Talk About Kurt Warner”
pft goes from being quoted on sports radio to quoting sports radio. you can almost see the credibility vanishing.
Samurai Mike is seriously going chop suey on some one this year. Calm down coach, we’re just at OTAs, save the fire for regular season
I love Mike Singletary, even though he might be in over his head a bit (if his name was Raheem Morris, Florio would tell him to put down the flintstone phone and pick up a clip board). I think it is hilarious that we scold coaches/players for the same ol’ canned responses that they give to the media, but let a coach/player say what he really feels and everyone is shocked!!…seriously, why should the man have to talk about Warner…he’s not on the team…
“Hill and Smith? We know the “something” that the 49ers are onto. And that “something” involves ten or more losses, again.”
I was anticipating – you were going to say that.
“(There also was some discussion about whether the Niners pissed off Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford at the Scouting Combine by using a psychologist who apparently asked Stafford personal questions. We hadn’t heard about that one, and will look into it.)”
The psychologist asked some questions and made some assertions that made Stafford uncomfortable(about his parents divorce) but that was basically the point. No real psychologist could make those type of assertions based off of a 2 minute interview but the teams do that do get guys out of their comfort zone to see how they react. Barbieri is making a big deal out of it because he makes a big deal out of anything 49ers related, ignoring the fact that the 49ers have been doing this since the Bill Walsh era.
Hill is 7-3 as a starter. Give the guy a chance.
I’m already tired of the 4o whiners and Singletary and the season is still months away…
Florio is insane with his cardinals hatred. What a back door (Florio’s specialty) attempt to cast the Cards in a bad way. Does McDaniels WANT to talk about Cutler? Does Andy Reid REALLY want to talk aboput McNabb’s status? Does Florio wear knee pads? No, No, YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Actually, Shaun Hill isn’t that bad. I hate the Niners, but he was 5-3 as a starter in 2008, and 2-1 in 2007. Considering how bad they have been the last several years, those are pretty decent numbers.
I like Singletary’s attitude. The reporters can ask him any questions they want. He doesn’t have to bother answering them.
we are who we think we are!
for the record, the sing/hill combo helped the niners win 5 of their last 7 games last season
Wait! SF had ten losses last season? Did they lose another one when no one was looking?
I thought that was class by Singletary. I know you’re not a fan of him Mike, but a coach sticking up for his guys doesn’t happen that often. More often than not a coach is buried by guys who aren’t buying into his system.. think of all the players on Detroit are really that bad? That they couldn’t win a single game? Look what Miami did with only a few different parts to the puzzle. They brought in a QB who has had two shoulder surgeries after being known for having a weak arm, his passer rating dropped below his career average significantly, but the guy wins comeback player of the year because he went to a team deemed horrible due to their results the year before. When your coaches aren’t on the same page as the players, you lose games. It’s a lot easier to replace a coach than a QB or O-line, Cameron dropped the ball there and this year the people Parcells brought in picked it back up and got their players to buy into the program
I think as sports fans, what Singletary is saying isn’t the sexy comment that catches our attention, but if you’re suiting up for a coach who is excited about you.. youre going to come to practice a bit hungrier because he just defended or praised you rather than commented about a situation that never came to fruition. Also as sports fans, we think we can read statistics and talk like we know a game. I’ll say Penny’s arm is weak, but I can’t tell you the strength required to throw a 18 yard comeback off of play action. Or that Culpepper fumbles so much because of his small hands or the fact that his eyes lock on a reciever down the field too long, all we do is absorb whats presented to us on Sundays and talk about it at the watercooler on Monday. Same way analysists and experts and ‘bloggers’ can pick a team to lose ten games before March is over.. everyone is reaching for straws. So take it easy when we’re talking about a coach who is trying to say something constructive.. with 60 head coaching changes over the last 7 years a positive individual doesn’t come around that often and we shouldn’t jump all over him. Especially when his pants are around his ankles.
Thanks, sup3rdup3r, I wondered what had happened after reading this.
Singletary shot down a line of questioning — almost Parcells-ian, wasn’t it. At least he didn’t drop his pants.
4-12….
Ten or more losses again? Come on, the Niners won’t lose more than nine. And, if I’m wrong, I’ll give up my free subscription to this site.
I have to disagree with you Mr. Florio, Mike Singletary has a vision for his football team and the media is for NO REAL reason asking about Kurt Warner before they talk about the actual TEAM. I say screw the media, Mike Singletary has the right spirit, experience, and ideas to be onto something pretty good. That’s a whole lot better than what the 49ers have become….especially since their “glory days”. All I’m saying is I would love to play for a guy like Mike Singletary one of the best that ever played his position, who would teach me the essence of football. He was there for one of the most dominant schemes of all time the 46 defense; he has a great idea of what it takes to be GREAT. That’s all….? Lol
The Media needs to get on a positive note and adjust their approach. They are overlooking something very positive with something that can only lead to controversy. Why?
I just re-read the post and once again Florio gives his douche bag opinion at the end…just report the facts, your law degree honestly gives you no right to try and comment on pro football….go produce another mock television segment where “we take a look at the NFC West” and pretend like “we” are on national television….
5 wins….the 49ers will have 5 wins – for the next three seasons. I look forward to catching all the action on my Sprint phone.
Shaun Hill in his 10 Starts :
7 Wins- 3 Losses including the games he SHOULD have won in Miami and Arizona
21 TDs – 13 Turnovers
64.0 Comp %
QB Rating 90.5
all this on the FORTY NINERS. with arnaz battle, an old isaac bruce and rookies at WR. On a team that gave up 55 sacks, with an awful offensive line, BARRY SIMS at right tackle! the raiders castoff!
Why does this mean they will have 10 more losses again?
Please tell me why this guy gets no respect
absolutely…easily….the most embarrasing interview conducted I’ve ever heard. Mike Singletary deserves a medal for putting up with this amateur questioning. Shame on PFT for promoting this garbage. Just looking out for their own best interests because they are a show that gives Mike air-time. An embarrasing display of “new” media.
Hill is not as bad as you think. His win loss record is astounding. Although I hate Favre, he has that Favre quality to him of never looking great fundamental wise but some how willing his way to a win. No matter bad decisions he just has that X factor. P.S. Florio what is your negative bias towards Singletary arrive from?
Ralph Barbieri is the tits. Best sports radio personality in the nation.
And I gotta say, even though I admire it, I think sometimes Singletary’s passion for the game works against him.
Maybe the 49ers should try a trade for Brian Brohm. He was a good prospect, might become a grat player. Or not…
Seriously, except for Cutler, Cassel or Anderson, I don´t think see a guy like Hill, Smith or Rosenfels (???????????) as a major upgrade over any backup you might find in any given team.
Considering the 49ers went 7-9 last year and 5-4 with Singletary as head coach and Hill at QB, Florio’s prediction of 10 or more losses because Hill or Smith will play at QB seems pretty baseless and shows how little he actually knows about the team. Reminds me of the prediction that he made about the Niners and Cards monday night game last year.
“Ralph and Tom” are really REALLY bad sports talk radio. Sadly, from 3-6pm, we don’t have any other options here in the Bay Area because both of the major sports talk channels broadcast their show.
The only good thing that might comes from this is if Singletary never goes on their horrible show again. He’ll be doing himself and the rest of the Bay Area a favor.
And regarding Mike — he’s no football genius or guru. He’s definately no Walsh. But he does have the fire and charisma to motivate the troops. Give him some good coordinators (which, sadly, I don’t think he has just yet) and he could will this mediocre talent into a winner.
Barbieri is an annoying, whiny little twerp who still dreams of the good ol’ days of sniffing St. Joe and St. Jerry’s jocks. The Niners have sucked for years but Singletary might be the man who turns it, who knows? Barbieri just doesn’t get that Mike wants to talk about who is here now and what the Niners need to do moving forward, so I understand Mike’s WTF attitude. Warner used the Niners but the Niners probably thought they could drive up the price for the Cards too. Not a Niner fan but I live in the Bay area and get satellite radio basically so I don’t have to listen people like Barbierei on local sports talk.
That being said, I completely agree that Shaun Hill is not the answer. Alex Smith could be…if they keep him upright, surround him with some tools and maybe let him do some of the things that made him so good in college; move around in the pocket, roll out etc. He’s not a west coast rhythm passer and actually looked the best playing in the Zampesi style offense of Norv Turner.
10 or more losses? Did you know that Mike Nolan is fired and his famous ‘Big Sub’ package will no longer be used? Nolan was an idiot, and I weep for Bronco fans. The Niners actually played well once Singletary took over, and i’d expect them to compete for the NFC West.(I know, impressive right?)Before a bunch of posters mock me about the Niners not holding a candle to Arizona, the Niners lost the last game by 1 yard, and the first game was much too close considering the Niners turned the ball over 6 times.
The Niners will have a solid defense, and a run-controlled offense, the one that made them 4-1 to close the season. They won’t be flashy, but they will be effective.
I hate Mike Florrio, The Niners didn’t have 10 losses last year have lost no major players why would they get worse?
i just have to say, i think everyone will be pleasantly surprised with the job that singletary will end up doing over there. now im not going to go and make crazy predictions, i just know what type of player he was and what type of man he is. The 49rs are the luckiest ballclub in the league and I only wished samurai mike had coached for our team
Thank god….no pun intented…there’s a Warner headline and the soon to follow “Facts Domino” rant. I’m not sure what time his bus leaves for school in the mornig so it may take some time but you can count on it!
I want this guy to my team’s coach……..
Singletary is a ticking time bomb if this pissed him off so much. Oh boy, we’ve got another “The Bears are who we thought they were” on the way…
Hill and Smith? We know the “something” that the 49ers are onto. And that “something” involves ten or more losses, again.
How many teams are you going to go after this week?
Good for MS.. stickin up for his team… builds team confidence in the short run.. and it is his team, let him run how he wants to.. asking the same question three times is gonna piss you off… and at least he didnt drop his drawers…
With your,ahem,”talent” for prediction,Mike,maybe the 49ers should start printing up Super Bowl T-Shirts!
Singletary used the excuse not to talk about Cutler with “Cutler’s under contract….Can’t talk about him.”
And it’s actually the rule.
Why didn’t he use it regarding Cutler?
Oops, I meant Warner….
Tell Mike Singletary that Jim Druckenmiller is working at the carwash down the street is NOT under contract right now. Jim had ‘incredible’ numbers with the 49ers. Maybe he could headbutt some guys with his helmet off too- like he did before. That would show Singletary how intense he is!!!
Up yours Florio. Singletary is the man. So what if he sticks up for his team.
Now how do know the 49ers will loose 10 or 12 games. That’s totally unfair. Another thing if you really knew Ralph Barbieri you would know the guy is a whining butthole. Thinks he can get away with anything he wants when he intervues someone. He insults people and their intelligence. Singletary ripped him a new ahole and deservedly so. By the way get off of Mike Singletary’s ass.
FYI – The Niners were 1 yard away from winning the division last year. Had Nolan been fired much earlier, it likely would have been a slam dunk.
You want to bet on your 10 loss prediction?
Hail To The Redskins! says:
March 25th, 2009 at 9:40 am
@downsouth49er says
“If so, when will you stop writing stupid ass articles”
Hey douchebag, don’t you have anything better to do than log on and read these stupid ass articles? If you don’t like these stupid ass articles, read something else like CNN. Oh wait they update their football page every few days. Your a pussy! You accuse Florio of not having the balls to say that to Singletary’s face but yet you sit behind the computer in mom’s basement berating Florio and all the folk in West Virginia. Your a P-U-S-S-Y ! I have always thought Florio should charge for this site to elimate the assholes who constantly complain about a site that is free. Florio does not come down to your job kicking dicks out of your mouth so why do you bother him at his job?
i’m sorry for talking about your daddy florio jr…awwww did i hurt your feelings?…you should be less concerned about my comments to florio and more concerned about your stupid owner who constantly overpays for mediocre talent…and you also should hope and pray that 2010 and beyond are non-capped years, because if they aren’t your team is going to be in cap hell for a LONG time with nothing to show for it…you think you guys struggle to make the playoffs now or get bumped in the first round, you ain’t seen nothing yet…have a good day at school little florio..drink all your milk okay little buddy
Wow. I have heard bad radio hosts before, but this Ralph fella takes the cake.
I’ll give you 10 and up on losses for the 49ers this year for whatever you want, Floor-io.