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Mike Ditka sounds off on Jeff Ireland's question to Dez Bryant

Could it be that the man known as “Iron Mike” has gone soft in his advancing age?  Consider Coach Ditka’s recent comments to Dan Le Batard of 790 The Ticket in Miami, regarding the controversial question posed by Dolphins G.M. Jeff Ireland to receiver Dez Bryant.

“I think the individual who asked that question, somebody ought to whack him in the head,” Ditka said, via SportsRadioInterviews.com.  “You don’t ask that question.  If you think you know it, you know.  What are you going to confront a young man with that situation for?  He probably loves his mother no matter what she is or who she is.  Why would somebody do that?  I don’t understand things like that.  Maybe I’m naive or I’m old.  I don’t understand that.  Why?  What do you get from asking that question?  What’s it all about?  Every bit of information has to be spread out on the table now?  Is that it?  Everybody’s dirty linen has to be out?  I disagree with that.  I’m sorry.”

So what is it that Ditka wants to know about a player?

“I want to know what kind of character that individual has,” Ditka told Le Batard.  “That’s what I want to know.  I want to know if he is a stand up guy.  Will he get in the foxhole with me and stay in that foxhole until the battle’s over.  That’s what I want to know.  Is he going to give me everything he has.  That’s all I care about.  If he has other social problems, I can’t really worry about that.  But if he’s a good teammate, he’s a good team player, he’s a guy who is going to give me everything he’s got, that’s all I want to know.”

We agree with Ditka, but we also understand why a team would want to throw a player off guard.  All of the top prospects use consultants now; it’s hard to get to the truth about a player in the limited exposure provided during pre-draft interviews.  And then if someone gets under a guy’s skin on a key drive late in a playoff game and the guy swings a fist, the game — and the season — could be lost. 

Still, there’s got to be a better way to move past the exterior.  And we continue to hope that the NFL counsels the Dolphins and others that there are limits on the questions that should be posed to a potential draft pick. 

That said, we’re surprised that Ditka, who was never known to be soft on a player, would come out so strongly against the question.  And it makes us wonder whether Ditka simply wants to twist the tail of Ireland’s boss, Bill Parcells, who once was a Ditka rival during the mid-1980s.

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89 Responses to “Mike Ditka sounds off on Jeff Ireland's question to Dez Bryant”
  1. BuffaloMike says: Apr 28, 2010 1:17 PM

    only in Florio’s world is hitting someone grounds for “going soft”

  2. MiamiDorkFins - Repo City says: Apr 28, 2010 1:20 PM

    This is reflective of the “DorkFin” organization. No Class. Pathetic. The team, the city are composed of low life idiots.

  3. jwill007 says: Apr 28, 2010 1:20 PM

    Can you imagine Ireland pulling up a gas station in the hood????
    Street corner hustler: “Dog how you gone ask that man that question????!?!
    Ireland: Excuse me sire Im just trying to get some GA…BANG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(sound of Punch not a gun..LOL)
    Street Corner Hustler: “Next time respect dat mans personal life”
    thats what needs to happen to him……

  4. NashvilleSeahawk says: Apr 28, 2010 1:21 PM

    Ditka isn’t trying to “twist the tail” of Tuna (whatever the phuck that means). He simply has class.

  5. ramidiot says: Apr 28, 2010 1:21 PM

    maybe he was looking for a shot of tail…

  6. 65TossPowerTrap says: Apr 28, 2010 1:21 PM

    Surprised, Florio? Surprised that Ditka isn’t as sleazy as you? Here’s an idea, Florio. How about you ask Dez yourself if his mom is a prostitute? Let me know how that goes.

  7. Dr. Kenneth Noisewater says: Apr 28, 2010 1:22 PM

    Wow. I have to imagine there would be a better way to find that out, via a shrink or a PI. I know teams are entitled to ask whatever they want because they are about to invest millions of dollars on the kid, but I admire Bryant for not cold cocking Jeff Ireland.

  8. irishsamurai says: Apr 28, 2010 1:23 PM

    cant take anything from mike serious on this matter,coming from a guy who gave his whole draft away for mmr ricky williams,i think he might have wanted to know all about ricky’s past[the alledged child molestation that led to his crazy behavior],before he drafted him and went into a big hole,i think ireland asked the right questions to get a reaction out of a guy who they possible wouldve given 20-30 million dollars,i would want to know that if dez was in a bar and some random fan started razzing him about his mom,that he is not just gonna pop off and destroy him[even if it is deserved],so i think ditka should just keep his mouth shut on matters he didnt and cant handle properly himself

  9. pramis123 says: Apr 28, 2010 1:24 PM

    Ditka is on target. League should take action against Ireland and set a guideline as to what type of questions should be asked, and should not be asked as any HR department for any organization would do to prevent law issues. Love my Dolphins, but with this, and with Parcells trying to get players to dump agents to sign contracts without representation and if they don’t like JT, take the offer off the table is not the way to do business.

  10. Franchise says: Apr 28, 2010 1:24 PM

    Iron Mike did Dez’s mom.

  11. spdy3450 says: Apr 28, 2010 1:24 PM

    “And it makes us wonder whether Ditka simply wants to twist the tail of Ireland’s boss, Bill Parcells, who once was a Ditka rival during the mid-1980s.”
    Wow really digging here aren’t you Florio? Do us all a favor and just report the story without adding your two cents (no one cares what you think).

  12. this class sucks says: Apr 28, 2010 1:25 PM

    To be fair, it’s not like Mike is some WR expert.

  13. DJTEKNISION says: Apr 28, 2010 1:26 PM

    Enough with this story already, it’s over …….please move on!! If ESPN didn’t bring up Dez mother’s past maybe Jeff wouldn’t have to ask if it was true.

  14. LuvThatDirtyWatah says: Apr 28, 2010 1:26 PM

    Anybody who asks a question like that never grew up around other guys? If they had they would’ve learned at an early age that mothers are off limits.
    Florio and Ireland either grew up in Country Club or sucked their thumb in the corner while the other boys played kick ball and learned life’s real lessons.

  15. LL Live says: Apr 28, 2010 1:26 PM

    I like Jeff Ireland, but he has to be repremanded by the league and put on probabtion, if not fired. It is an illegal question. As an employer, the NFL and the Dolphins arenot exempt from the laws of the land.

  16. JDMP says: Apr 28, 2010 1:27 PM

    Who would win in a race Da Bears team bus or Ditka? Ditka! Or the bus if Ditka was driving.

  17. dafish says: Apr 28, 2010 1:28 PM

    What? PFT is crazy. “We want to ensure that a guy doesn’t lose his head in a late drive.”
    Crap talk from a player is one thing, a coach too, but from a general manager of an NFL team, you know, management? No. That’s a pollyanna copout guys and you know it. All you can control is what a player does when he’s on the premises.
    You say the magic word, a player’s gonna swing regardless of his mom’s past, his dad’s past, his lineage, etc. Everyone has a breaking point.
    Bottom line, Ireland screwed up huge and should pay for it. Any other profession, the company would be sued and lose.

  18. HogPaws says: Apr 28, 2010 1:28 PM

    How does Ditka saying he wants to “wack [the reporter] in the head” for asking a totally inappropriate make him soft??

  19. BigBear123 says: Apr 28, 2010 1:28 PM

    Only if the Chargers asked a question like this to Shaun Phillips they might realize he’d blow a drive in the playoffs because of his temper. Or Vincent Jackson throwing the refs flag. Then again good coaching could have prevented those.

  20. Philly Cheese says: Apr 28, 2010 1:30 PM

    So, having dignity and morals make you soft? He’d squash your anemic ass like a bug, Florio. The game has gotten way past anything Ditka can relate to, and honestly, I wish it were still the way he remembers it. Less money, less bullshit, more passion for the game and not a bunch of lifestyle seekers with no heart.

  21. lurch's nyquil says: Apr 28, 2010 1:32 PM

    Nice…. Whats the going rate?

  22. ChicagoJo says: Apr 28, 2010 1:32 PM

    Could it be that the man known as “Iron Mike” has gone soft in his advancing age?
    Florio, you’re a tool. Despite running his mouth on ESPN’s morning show(which all sports anchors do for ratings) Ditka never treated his players poorly. In fact, a lot of players would love to play for a guy like him.
    This is the same attitude he always had, just concentrate on playing football and winning football games. No, he wasn’t soft on players, but he never treated them disrespectfully either. He might not be the most PC guy in the world, but a hard nosed no nonsense coach is not the same as an A-class A-hole.
    How dare you insinuate otherwise

  23. ChicagoJo says: Apr 28, 2010 1:32 PM

    Could it be that the man known as “Iron Mike” has gone soft in his advancing age?
    Florio, you’re a tool. Despite running his mouth on ESPN’s morning show(which all sports anchors do for ratings) Ditka never treated his players poorly. In fact, a lot of players would love to play for a guy like him.
    This is the same attitude he always had, just concentrate on playing football and winning football games. No, he wasn’t soft on players, but he never treated them disrespectfully either. He might not be the most PC guy in the world, but a hard nosed no nonsense coach is not the same as an A-class A-hole.
    How dare you insinuate otherwise.

  24. NYJohnny2323 says: Apr 28, 2010 1:32 PM

    Soooooooooo is she a prostitute?

  25. HandsofSweed says: Apr 28, 2010 1:33 PM

    Jwill007:
    Go back to West Chester and stop with your imaginary conversations.

  26. mama tried says: Apr 28, 2010 1:33 PM

    yeah, your right iron mike, ireland is a true scumbag!!!
    Get that idiot fuk outta the league!

  27. paleandpasty says: Apr 28, 2010 1:34 PM

    Ditka vs. god in a fight, who wins?

  28. HappyBunny says: Apr 28, 2010 1:35 PM

    Provoke a player…fine. Getting this personal clearly crosses the line.

  29. lesmilesneedsabrain says: Apr 28, 2010 1:35 PM

    Perhaps, he should have posed more questions to RICKY WILLIAMS!!!!!!

  30. RiceforLife says: Apr 28, 2010 1:35 PM

    Ditka is not soft. His attitude about someone questioning a youngmans mother does not show he is soft, it shows that he has respect for a persons mother. I don’t know how many people would be ok with some one talking poorly about their mother. This guy had to listen to it on the radio, watch it on t.v, it’s the kids mom, let it go. Some of the toughest guys watch out for their mothers more than anybody, they aren’t soft, they just love, respect, and apprieciate their moms. Plus, I don’t think any of you sports writers would go up to Ditka and call him soft. Who is that crazy!

  31. klecko says: Apr 28, 2010 1:37 PM

    Sadly we’ve turned into a “Shock and Awe” socity were people think its okay to act and behave this way. I’m just glad I had a taste of the old school ways growing up.

  32. marcelino says: Apr 28, 2010 1:38 PM

    Bad is it was, Ireland was testing the kid to see if he would explode on hearing that stupid question. In the fourth quarter of a playoff game, what’s to keep a corner from asking the same question and having him blow up and draw a 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct?? All the trash talking that goes on, that question is a no-brainer in the right situation.

  33. Drat says: Apr 28, 2010 1:39 PM

    Going soft? Ditka would be soft he said “Gee, I don’t know, let Ireland do whatever he wants.” Ditka in fact said Ireland should be whacked in the head. On which planet does Florio live?

  34. BenRoethilsberger says: Apr 28, 2010 1:39 PM

    Florio’s next article:
    So what is Mike Ditka hiding?

  35. ramidiot says: Apr 28, 2010 1:40 PM

    maybe he will get his moms pimp to rough Ireland up…

  36. Dewey Axewoond says: Apr 28, 2010 1:40 PM

    First off–all the answers to this country’s probelms would be solved if we just made Ditka President…for life.
    Ditka El Dulce.
    Mike Fuhrer.
    Secondly, what a moronic conclusion you come to here–this isn’t about Ditka being “soft” on a player, it’s about him calling out a d-bag move when he sees one.
    “Somebody out to whack him in the head” is not “soft” in any sense.
    In this case, Ditka’s ire is focused right where it should be.
    You act like instead he should be mad at Bryant for daring to have a business-slut for a mother…? Come on, man.
    Then you conclude with the most flimsy, lame-brained, urine-poor conjecture as to motive that I’ve EVER seen…you REALLY, seriously think that all of Ditka’s words and actions are based on some petty competitive grudge carryover from 25 years before?
    That’s so head-shakingly ludicrous, it’s laughable. Even coming from a lawyer.
    Think about that assertion for one second.
    Look at the non-sequitor absurdity of this:
    1. Ireland asks Bryant if his mom was a “Ho”
    2. Le Batard asks Ditka for his thoughts
    3. Ditka says the guy should be smacked upside the head
    4. Florio says Ditka is getting soft in his old age because he’s not angry at Bryant instead
    5. Florio speculates that the REAL reason for Ditka’s distaste is because he still harbors a secret 25 year old rivalry with a former rival coach…
    B1tch Please.
    P.S. $3.95 to read ONE archived article on the NY Times…!?!
    What a scam.
    Either they’re going belly up because of crap like this, or crap like this is causing them to go belly up.
    Either way, they SUCK–and I say good riddance to bad rubbish.

  37. Citizen Strange says: Apr 28, 2010 1:42 PM

    It was a sleazy little cowardly question asked by somebody who was in the power position at the time of somebody who had to put up with his BS at the time.
    Dez Bryant showed poise and maturity.
    Ireland showed that he is a guttersnipe little punk.

  38. steelcity79 says: Apr 28, 2010 1:44 PM

    well, is she?

  39. thunderpants14 says: Apr 28, 2010 1:44 PM

    Ireland wasn’t asking him because he was curious about his personal life, he asked it to gain knowledge about Bryant’s composure.
    Ditka clearly has no idea what goes into creating that soldier he wants to share the foxhole with. You break them down and see if they’re worth buidling back up.

  40. irishsamurai says: Apr 28, 2010 1:44 PM

    I admire Bryant for not cold cocking Jeff Ireland.
    ——————–
    and thats exactly why they asked the question to get a reaction,so if he wouldve the whole league wouldve found out and he probably wouldnt have been drafted until day 3,and lost a bunch of money,you cant just punch somebody cause you dont like what they say

  41. axolotl says: Apr 28, 2010 1:45 PM

    So you reference a NY Times article from 1985 to infer that Ditka may be twisting Parcell’s Tuna tail by making these statements?
    That’s a bit of a stretch. the word “retarded” comes to mind.

  42. HarrisonHits says: Apr 28, 2010 1:46 PM

    @65TossPowerTrap,
    Did you actually ready what Florio has written about this since it came up ? Where do you see him say anywhere that he though Ireland was right is asking his offensive question or that he should have done so in the first place ?
    All he did was comment that the teams do need to find a way to see what beneath the polished surface the agents and consultants try and put these kids out with, he never said they should do so in incredibly offensive ways.

  43. irishsamurai says: Apr 28, 2010 1:48 PM

    “you will be cool”
    “but what if he calls my momma a whore”
    “well is she?”
    “be cool”
    who knew roadhouse could be the answer to all lifes questions,god bless swayze

  44. WarrenMoonGOAT says: Apr 28, 2010 1:49 PM

    hey Florio is your wife a prostitute?

  45. dave says: Apr 28, 2010 1:51 PM

    i support ireland and i’m not a fins fan.
    when you’re essentially about to shell out multi-millions for someone you’re going to want to do your psychological testing, and homework on said individual and gauge their reactions
    people piss and moan about wanting nfl GMs to get better character guys , and when they try to they freak out over the harshness of that procedure
    shame on you all.

  46. Massappeal says: Apr 28, 2010 1:54 PM

    Dear Mr. Florio,
    I’m sure that we are all happy that you can understand why a certain question could be asked to get a certain response, BUT can’t you see that this question was WAY over the line.
    Personally, I wouldn’t pick a player that didn’t knock Ireland on his ass.

  47. jj jones says: Apr 28, 2010 1:55 PM

    What does Ireland do anyway? Parcells calls the shots in Miami. Ireland is like Pinocchio.

  48. CJV123 says: Apr 28, 2010 1:56 PM

    If any team had asked Tebow about his mother, then the Foxtrash would have had that person fired by now. Only a vile racist would condone hurting Bryans like Ireland did.

  49. el_dude00 says: Apr 28, 2010 1:56 PM

    “We agree with Ditka, but we also understand why a team would want to throw a player off guard. All of the top prospects use consultants now; it’s hard to get to the truth about a player in the limited exposure provided during pre-draft interviews. ” -MF
    Leave it to a former lawyer to find value in using a blatant insulting lie to prove the truth. Or even worse, draw some odd relationship between a stupid classless question to getting suspended on the field. Yeah, he was throw off guard, who wouldn’t be. It doesn’t mean he’s going to commit a personal foul any more or less unless of course Ireland is lining up in man coverage.
    If you really want to find out if some dude’s mom was a hooker, hire some scumbag to snoop around like a private dick or, a former lawyer.
    It’s no wonder there are consultants. I’m sure they’ll add this lame classless question to their training manual.

  50. Big Stretch says: Apr 28, 2010 1:58 PM

    “That said, we’re surprised that Ditka, who was never known to be soft on a player, would come out so strongly against the question. And it makes us wonder whether Ditka simply wants to twist the tail of Ireland’s boss, Bill Parcells, who once was a Ditka rival during the mid-1980s.”
    ———————————————————–
    Florio you are an ass. Nice job agreeing with what Ditka says, and then attacking his integrity as to what motivated him to make that statement.
    Then again that seems to be your modus operandi. Maybe after Dikta smacks Ireland in the face he will come looking for you. Lord knows you could use a smack with some of the shit you say.

  51. WarrenMoonGOAT says: Apr 28, 2010 2:00 PM

    Florio is your mother a prostitute?

  52. Asswipe Johnson (Pronounced Az-Wee-Pay) says: Apr 28, 2010 2:03 PM

    Mike Florio said: “And it makes us wonder whether Ditka simply wants to twist the tail of Ireland’s boss, Bill Parcells, who once was a Ditka rival during the mid-1980s.”
    ————————————————
    So earlier today is was “Bill Parcells may have said this to Ireland…” … Now it’s “Ditka may be kicking Ireland in the balls because of a Parcells rivalry dated back to the mid-80s…”
    Welcome boys and girls, it’s Bill Parcells Conspiracy Day here today at MikeeeWorld…

  53. vanhelsing says: Apr 28, 2010 2:11 PM

    fair question. speaks to morals and judgment.
    altho if i was pretty sure she was a ho, i probably wouldnt draft the guy.

  54. SomeGuyInIowa says: Apr 28, 2010 2:13 PM

    # MiamiDorkFins – Repo City says: April 28, 2010 1:20 PM
    This is reflective of the “DorkFin” organization. No Class. Pathetic. The team, the city are composed of low life idiots.
    OMG, how much longer are you going to push this Dorkphin joke? It’s far from clever, yet you still try to keep it out there. Change it up a little bit man. I’m a Miami fan and here’s some of my fave digs:
    Dlphins–because at the time they had no offense
    olphins–if I have to explain…
    LOLphins–personal favorite
    Here’s my REALLY bad joke: did someone repo your wit?

  55. BwareDware says: Apr 28, 2010 2:13 PM

    parcel used to refer to terry glen as ‘she’. ireland was just the messenger. he understands he was wrong, i think bill is behind this

  56. ChicagoJo says: Apr 28, 2010 2:17 PM

    thunderpants14 says:
    “Ditka clearly has no idea what goes into creating that soldier he wants to share the foxhole with. You break them down and see if they’re worth buidling back up.”
    Wow, you’re worse than Florio. everyone including Ditka knew exactly why Ireland asked the question. You really think your smart for figuring that one out(i.e. reading about it somewhere). It doesn’t matter. Insulting someone’s mother is not an appropriate means for any business end. Period. Anyone who thinks different has no class.
    @Dewey great post… is florio really a lawyer? That explains a lot

  57. spdy3450 says: Apr 28, 2010 2:19 PM

    @ paleandpasty. Before or after the heart attack?

  58. dafish says: Apr 28, 2010 2:27 PM

    dave,
    You’re talking employment, not ownership. I don’t care if you’re gonna shell 0ut $30 million for a wideout, a six figure salary to a prospective junior executive, or minimum wage to a fry cook at McDonalds, YOU DO NOT ASK THAT QUESTION!!!
    By your response I can safely presume you have never been in a management position. Any other occupation, you’d be so far up to your neck in a lawsuit it would not be funny.
    If you want to find out the truth that damn bad, hire a private investigator. He’s catching fu**ing footballs, not in charge of our nation’s nuclear arsenal.

  59. m2karateman says: Apr 28, 2010 2:27 PM

    The worst part about all of this? You just KNOW that opposing cornerbacks are going to be making snide comments to Dez Bryant throughout the season about his mom being “open”, or how well she can take a “hit”, or how she likes to go “deep for the long ball”……

  60. Roger the Dodger says: Apr 28, 2010 2:28 PM

    As someone who has interviewed over 500 people in my career, I know that I would have been immediately fired if I had asked such a question.
    I don’t care if some pseudo-brilliant consultant said it was a good question to ask (bear in mind, they’re the ones who came up with “If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?”) – it was flat out wrong, actionable, and probably illegal.
    I’m impressed with Bryant’s reaction. I’d have been more impressed if he had stared Ireland in the eye and calmly told him to F himself and that he would NEVER work for an organization that hired an A-hole like Ireland, and then walked out of the interview. Life’s too short to let jerkwads like that get a free pass. And there are 31 other teams in the NFL, some of which would have been just as impressed as me.

  61. Klim clam says: Apr 28, 2010 2:29 PM

    I don’t really understand why this story is get so much attention. When you are making an investment of 10s of millions in guaranteed jack, you better know what you’re doing. Picture this scenario, never mind someone getting up skin in a playoff game – what happens if his mother is killed (she is putting herself at a higher risk more then the average joe) and can never recovery from this. I think Ireland wanted to know exactly what type of risk the Dolphins would be taking and want to hear it from him and not some rumors that were flying around.

  62. overkil2 says: Apr 28, 2010 2:33 PM

    “SomeGuyInIowa says:
    April 28, 2010 2:13 PM
    # MiamiDorkFins – Repo City says: April 28, 2010 1:20 PM
    This is reflective of the “DorkFin” organization. No Class. Pathetic. The team, the city are composed of low life idiots.
    OMG, how much longer are you going to push this Dorkphin joke?

    I wonder what his team is? His hatred runs pretty deep so the Fins must have owned his team pretty bad in the past. Must be way in the past because they really haven’t been great in a long, long, long time.
    Or maybe he came down here and got bitchslapped like the little cunt he really is.

  63. .Vox Veritas. says: Apr 28, 2010 2:35 PM

    No team associated with Jeff Ireland has ever won a playoff game. He’s about to start his 14th season in the league.

  64. LightningStrikes says: Apr 28, 2010 2:35 PM

    My question is: If Ireland felt compelled to ask that question to Bryant to get a response, why didn’t he then apologize immediately afterward and explain the rationale behind the question. Dez could then have left the interview with an understanding of the process and no hard feelings. Then there would be no story to speak of ( giving Florio one less thing to write about ).

  65. tryagain says: Apr 28, 2010 2:41 PM

    irishsamurai says: i would want to know that if dez was in a bar and some random fan started razzing him about his mom,that he is not just gonna pop off and destroy him[even if it is deserved],so i think ditka should just keep his mouth shut on matters he didnt and cant handle properly himself
    That’s about the stupidest excuse I’ve ever heard. You’re going to compare how Dez reacts in an interview to how he would react when presumably he’s been drinking in a bar and a common Joe asked him the same question? Call me crazy but I’m pretty sure the words he used in reply to the common Joe would be highly different that what he used with Ireland. There is NO ex

  66. robert ethan says: Apr 28, 2010 2:48 PM

    Stuck in a foxhole with Ditka till the battle’s over.
    Body odor or bullets? Bad breath or bullets? Bullshit or bullets?
    “Yaaaa!! Geronimo!!!!”.

  67. Dolfan34 says: Apr 28, 2010 2:50 PM

    Sorry, there is nothing wrong with what Ireland said. If a team is looking at drafting a guy at 12 and commiting millions of dollars to him, they are entitled to find out who that individual really is. There’s a lot of knocks against this guy and the team just wants a truer picture of who this guy is.
    I’m a Dolphins fan and I would be furious if my FO hasn’t done a thorough job exploring these prospects before we draft them. The fact Bryant turned this into a story is all you need to now about him. This guy will be a headache for Dallas.

  68. wxwax says: Apr 28, 2010 2:51 PM

    WTF is wrong with you guys at PFT?
    Every story you’ve written about Ireland’s grotesque question essentially condones what he did.
    Seriously, what is wrong with you?

  69. vinyysiratotaint says: Apr 28, 2010 3:00 PM

    The real question here is what ditka thinks about ball, and juice. And if there was a lot of juice going on in this interview. I mean ball.

  70. FinFan says: Apr 28, 2010 3:05 PM

    “And then if someone gets under a guy’s skin on a key drive late in a playoff game and the guy swings a fist, the game — and the season — could be lost. ”
    exactly… Ireland took one for the team! Lets see how this punk handles all the cocky DB’s in this league that talk smack on a constant basis. “hey bryant is your momma available tonight”?

  71. Andyman says: Apr 28, 2010 3:10 PM

    “If he has other social problems, I can’t really worry about that.”
    Uh…but you should Mike.

  72. irishsamurai says: Apr 28, 2010 3:13 PM

    That’s about the stupidest excuse I’ve ever heard. You’re going to compare how Dez reacts in an interview to how he would react when presumably he’s been drinking in a bar and a common Joe asked him the same question? Call me crazy but I’m pretty sure the words he used in reply to the common Joe would be highly different that what he used with Ireland. There is NO ex
    BY:tryagain says:
    April 28, 2010 2:41 PM
    ————————-
    this proves my point for me,would you want to invest 30 mill in a guy who you cant gauge whether he will just go off on a guy about a comment he made,i thinkthe point is,the fins org. alreadfy knew the answer,and just wanted a reaction,and now they have it,the same kind situation happened with bey-bey thomas and he answered and moved on,he didnt whine about what kind of questions the GMs asked him

  73. texasPHINSfan says: Apr 28, 2010 3:16 PM

    Someone should tell Ditka a good way to measure character is to put someone on the spot, make them feel uncomfortable, or give them a problem & watch the reaction.
    It was just a question. If the answer is “no”, there should be zero outrage.
    Why is this such a big deal?

  74. GangGreenCominAtYa says: Apr 28, 2010 3:23 PM

    ireland deserves to be fired, but not just for this..he spent 93million dollars on just 2 players this offseason….and dolphins fans want to call the jets the redskins?hahaha the jets aren’t the team who opened up the paychecks, that was miami. fans in miami are so amazingly stupid..just like ireland, and parcells is proving more and more that he can’t win without belichick.

  75. PotheadCancer says: Apr 28, 2010 3:27 PM

    So many of these morons who have made comments here should be punched directly in the face. These blogs make it safe for these punks to make these ridiculous comments. Good job Dez for keeping your cool.

  76. RustyTrombone says: Apr 28, 2010 3:30 PM

    Im a lifelong Phin fan, but this was clearly in very bad taste. Quite frankly, Ive already grown tired of Parcells act in Miami. Hes stuck back in his dreamworld where bigger is better when putting a roster together, coupled with the fact he’s rebuilding the Phins roster at a snails pace along with wasting 2nd rounders on midgets. Expiry date is past due on you Mr Parcells.

  77. Dewey Axewoond says: Apr 28, 2010 3:37 PM

    texasPHINSfan says:
    April 28, 2010 3:16 PM
    Someone should tell Ditka a good way to measure character is to put someone on the spot, make them feel uncomfortable, or give them a problem & watch the reaction.
    It was just a question. If the answer is “no”, there should be zero outrage.
    Why is this such a big deal?
    ________________________
    Does your Dad teach young scouts how to earn their badge in one-eyed snake handling?
    Does your sister blow ponies for wooden nickels?
    Has a boatload of Haitian refugees ever played “DNA rain” on your mom, while she does her best baby bird impersonation?
    Just questions. If the answer is no, there should be zero outrage.
    Why is this such a big deal?

  78. BRUTUS9448 says: Apr 28, 2010 3:42 PM

    the coach that gives up all his draft picks for Ricky williams should be wacked on the head. Ireland was just doing his job.

  79. FLYBOY says: Apr 28, 2010 3:43 PM

    Ditka talking about character? Ask his wife if she knows about all the tail he’s banging on the side.
    Yes, Ditka’s awesome.

  80. pondbridge says: Apr 28, 2010 3:52 PM

    So it would be OK if Czar Tuna asked Ireland when he was being interviewed for the Phins GM job something along the lines of ‘when did you stop being a paedophile?’ or some similar pressure question dvised by some pencil-necked geek who has never played a down in his life? I agree with what Wilbon said on PTI last night about questions of this type– the interviewee is justified in flipping over the desk and punching the interviewer in the face.

  81. CurseofBoJackson says: Apr 28, 2010 4:02 PM

    JWill’s from West Chester? Awww shit! That takes the credibility level down a few notches, especially when quoting pretend conversations about “hood life.” JWill, tell me it aint so dude!?!
    Good job mike, wrote a piece that is polarizing enough to get you extra hits from pissed off people. I must say, sometimes the writing is so incredibly dumb here that I’m not surprised about commenters referring to you as such, but my guess is that it’s juts part of the gig right? Polarize and rake it in? Just like Boomer Esiason (the one great former Bengal that I now can’t stand) and every talking head in the media and especially political radio talk show hosts. What ever happened to actual reporting? Who besides PBS does that anymore? Is there a national station that reports pertinent news regardless of potential profit or association with a “colleague” or “organization?” To opine, I feel like if I were Dez in that situation I would just ask why it was any of his business. If he provided me with a satisfactory answer, I would tell him, if he hemmed and hawed I would have blown him off and known that there are plenty of other teams to be drafted by (not to mention plenty of teams (31 to be exact) that have better QB’s to get me tha ball). “What’s that? Henne’s your QB? (White and Pennington can be substituted here with equal effect) Phuck you and your question, interviews over.”

  82. jplantz says: Apr 28, 2010 4:10 PM

    Florio, you’re way off base even half heartedly trying to justify Ireland’s douche-baggery. Your whole “comment/penalty/lost game/season” scenario is weak.
    What if a young law school grad Florio showed up to an interview and was asked if his wife were a prostitute? Would you be as quick to analyze the whys and whatfors? I think not.
    I think Mike Wilbon said it best on PTI yesterday when he said…”and what if she was? what then?”

  83. dave says: Apr 28, 2010 4:10 PM

    good point m2k, now every cb = “hey dez…so you’re mothers a filthy whore huh? what’s her rate huh huh????”

  84. tryagain says: Apr 28, 2010 4:19 PM

    irishsamurai says: this proves my point for me,would you want to invest 30 mill in a guy who you cant gauge whether he will just go off on a guy about a comment he made
    I think it proves my point which is there is no gauge- you’re comparing apples to oranges. Dissimilar situations could very likely have dissimilar outcomes. Just because he doesn’t go off on Ireland doesn’t mean he wouldn’t go off on someone else- thus the question is useless and accomplishes nothing along with it being classless.

  85. ShootahCowboy says: Apr 28, 2010 4:28 PM

    @Dewey Axewoond
    LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!
    I’ll be laughing for days over those!!!

  86. David56 says: Apr 28, 2010 4:34 PM

    I could not agree with Dikta’s opinion of the question asked by Ireland to Dez Bryant. When I first heard about this I remember thinking, “What in the world does this have to do with Bryant as a player?” Ireland is lucky Dez didn’t reach over and slap him good one upside his head. I guess nothing is sacred anymore. Some things should never be brought into play during an interview for any job and especially when it deals with ones own mother.
    Has anyone here ever been asked such a question for any job they were being interviewed for by the interviewer?
    You think Ireland was asked about his mother during his interview for the ‘Fin’s GM job? Pathetic.

  87. bobbyd12 says: Apr 28, 2010 5:02 PM

    MiamiDorkFins-Repo City is the LAST person who needs to be judging what’s classless…no matter what story comes here on the Fins he loves to jump in with a negative comment…either A. Buy a life and stop making classless comments all the time about another team OR B. Get back into your doublewide, pop in ur VHS tape of the Jets Superbowl win in 1969. Thks

  88. ShootahCowboy says: Apr 28, 2010 5:05 PM

    #1. It carries little to no credibility when said on the field. It is basically trash talk. That is TOTALLY different than being asked in what is perceived to be somewhat of a professional setting.
    #2. Mr. Ireland, next time you want to ask that question, take the questionee to a parking lot with no one around and ask that same question. Make sure the hospital gives you a bendable straw to enjoy your next 6-8 weeks worth of meals.
    #3. It’s bush league, plain and simple…

  89. Wick says: Apr 29, 2010 12:56 AM

    Florio said: “That said, we’re surprised that Ditka, who was never known to be soft on a player, would come out so strongly against the question. And it makes us wonder whether Ditka simply wants to twist the tail of Ireland’s boss, Bill Parcells, who once was a Ditka rival during the mid-1980s.”
    Yes, no one is who they seem they are – or are a straight shooter. They all must be secretively executing some nefarious manipulations to satisfy their own private agendas.
    That’s how it always is, isn’t it? That’s what all people do, right? It’s all about serving a hidden agenda to make oneself happier by exacting damage on others.
    Or is it only those people so similarly inclined who imagine these traits in others?

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