http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/jim_trotter/05/02/junior.seau/index.html
Full disclosure: Seau and I were friends, at least I like to think we were. I know reporters aren't supposed to admit such things, but people who tell you they haven't gotten close to a player they've covered are lying to you.
The first professional beat I covered on a daily basis was the Chargers, in 1995. Seau was the first player I ran into when I reported for work. It was the offseason, and when I turned the corner into a nearly empty locker room at Qualcomm Stadium, Seau was heading for the training room. He looked back and saw me, then stopped and called me over.
"So, you're the new guy?" he said. "Well, if you need anything call me. Here, take my number."
I didn't know what to make of it because Seau and I had no previous relationship. Right away my antennae went up. I had heard Seau could be difficult with the media, and I couldn't help but wonder if I was being played.
Over the years I learned that the offer was sincere. Not in the sense that Seau provided me with inside information -- to the contrary he was fiercely loyal when it came to his teammates and the organization, and he regularly stiff-armed me when I tried to get behind the curtain. What he was offering was help understanding the culture of the NFL and the unique dynamics of the locker room.
Awesome stuff by Jim Trotter. He worked at the Union Tribune here in San Diego for many years. Always has great stuff. He was on the Darren Smith show today on 1090 am and here is the link if you like to listen:
http://wpc.31d2.edgecastcdn.net/8031D2/xxsportsl/common/global_audio/40/60712.mp3
I listened to it today while working on my in laws house, and it was some very good stuff.
Full disclosure: Seau and I were friends, at least I like to think we were. I know reporters aren't supposed to admit such things, but people who tell you they haven't gotten close to a player they've covered are lying to you.
The first professional beat I covered on a daily basis was the Chargers, in 1995. Seau was the first player I ran into when I reported for work. It was the offseason, and when I turned the corner into a nearly empty locker room at Qualcomm Stadium, Seau was heading for the training room. He looked back and saw me, then stopped and called me over.
"So, you're the new guy?" he said. "Well, if you need anything call me. Here, take my number."
I didn't know what to make of it because Seau and I had no previous relationship. Right away my antennae went up. I had heard Seau could be difficult with the media, and I couldn't help but wonder if I was being played.
Over the years I learned that the offer was sincere. Not in the sense that Seau provided me with inside information -- to the contrary he was fiercely loyal when it came to his teammates and the organization, and he regularly stiff-armed me when I tried to get behind the curtain. What he was offering was help understanding the culture of the NFL and the unique dynamics of the locker room.
Awesome stuff by Jim Trotter. He worked at the Union Tribune here in San Diego for many years. Always has great stuff. He was on the Darren Smith show today on 1090 am and here is the link if you like to listen:
http://wpc.31d2.edgecastcdn.net/8031D2/xxsportsl/common/global_audio/40/60712.mp3
I listened to it today while working on my in laws house, and it was some very good stuff.
