The Downside of an NFL Press Conference

Tonight is the start of the 2008 NFL season. The season begins with the Washington Redskins playing the defending Superbowl Champions, the New York Giants.

Although I love the NFL, there is one thing I don’t like. I don’t enjoy press conferences.

I don’t watch NFL press conferences because they look like political speeches. They never tell us anything we don’t already know, and if a reporter asks a legitimate question, he won’t get an answer.

For example, coaches never address questions about a player’s personal injuries or problems, such as drug abuse, domestic assault, or DUI.

Reporters simply email their nonsensical questions to the team. The team could then answer all the questions on their website.

If you’ve never seen a sports press conference, I’ll give you an idea of ​​what you’re not missing.

Reporter: Why didn’t you win the game?

Coach/Player: Because we didn’t score enough points.

Reporter: What was your strategy?

Coach/Player: To outplay the opponent

Reporter: What do you think of your next opponent?

Coach/Player: It’s a hard-working team and we have to make sure we don’t look past them.

Reporter: What’s your game plan for next week?

Coach/Player: To prepare our players.

Reporter: Can you tell us about Joe Blow’s off-field problems?

Coach/Player: At this time, the situation is being handled internally within the organization.

What happens if you don’t win a championship?

We don’t think negative, we are totally focused on the prize. All coaches should say this even if they have no chance of winning anything. Please refer to LA Clippers, Washington Nationals, Detroit Lions or Arizona Cardinals.

And finally!

Reporter: How does it feel to win? Coach/Player: Great!

Or the opposite

Reporter: How does it feel to lose? Coach/Player: Terrible!

If you’ve never seen an NFL press conference, watch one and you’ll see what I mean. Politicians and coaches are the same professional motivators.

The end result is always the same. If you get significant information, you limit yourself to what they believe you have a right to know.