How not to make friends with John Harbaugh
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh's news conference today almost came to a screeching halt when Jerry Coleman, sports talk host on Fox 1370 Sports, asked Harbaugh about his brother Jim, who was reprimanded by the Pac-10 after making remarks critical of the officiating in Stanford's 28-21 loss to Notre Dame on Saturday.
Here's the exchange as it played out:
Jerry Coleman: “Speaking of coaches, you bit your tongue with the Terrell Suggs thing. Your brother wasn’t able to do that out at Stanford. The family have anything to say about the way you showed restraint compared to Jim?”
John Harbaugh: “I don’t even know what you’re talking about.”
Coleman: “Jim got fined, I guess, for criticism of the refs.”
Harbaugh: “Is there another question for me to answer?”
Another reporter did lob a question at Harbaugh, but man, talk about awkward.
Comments
Coleman was trying to be cute and failed. I don't blame Harbaugh for responding the way he did.
Posted by: Pete | October 8, 2008 4:04 PM
I agree with Pete. Coleman should take his act back down the Parkway to cover his beloved Redskins.
Posted by: Ray | October 8, 2008 4:29 PM
coleman is an akward guy. only he could word a question like that. hes does try to be cute/smart ass a lot
Posted by: bmore | October 8, 2008 4:56 PM
Coleman asked a LEGIT question - LOOSEN UP Jonny boy , u r 2-2 !!
Posted by: jeff | October 8, 2008 5:06 PM
This is just another reminder of the generally stupid questions coaches and players have to endure from generally stupid sports reporters. Have you ever heard one ask a really substantive question?
Posted by: SRB | October 8, 2008 7:42 PM
JH could have just answered by saying "I can't comment on that, next question". Head coaches today get lots of exposure to the media and they should know how to respond without anger or aloofness.
Posted by: riverside | October 8, 2008 8:24 PM
Harbaugh worshipers - pete and "bmore" - u sound like a bunch of apologists , wish more reporters had balls like JC ( and his new Fox 1370 station) Geez , as Jeff wrote the ROOKIE is 2-2 , with THIN skin.
Posted by: mark o | October 8, 2008 8:28 PM
Coleman is a moron.He had a beat writer from the Indianapolis irsays on his radio show and decided he represents Balto. sports fans and declared that we have no bad feelings toward indy any longer.The moron than has Eric Decosta on to talk about what he saw in Justin Bannan when he drafted him. Eric politely explained that he is the head of college scouting and George Kokinis is the Ravens personnel director.This is typical of this lower-case idiot for many years.
Posted by: Mad Dog Curtis | October 8, 2008 8:30 PM
Why do I need to know too much of Harbaugh's family?That could have been a private question off on the side for Coleman.
Posted by: Dan R. | October 8, 2008 8:30 PM
Jerry Coleman is an idiot, always have been, even when he was with 98rock's KML morning show.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 9, 2008 12:09 AM
So if just a little soft question bothered Harbaugh wonder what a real tough question would do!
You all busted on Billick in years past for the way he handled the media but your giving Harbaugh a free pass! What was wrong with that question?
Harbaugh thinks he is above everyone, just you watch and see in the coming months/years, you all will say the same thing!
Posted by: Ravens2488 | October 9, 2008 5:57 AM
Let's see...
A coach who runs an undisciplined team; a coach who's offense ranks in the bottom third of the league; and now a coach who cannot get along with the media...it's like Back to the Future.
Posted by: Marty McFly | October 9, 2008 7:34 AM
I disagree with riversidse's point of view. I think Harbaugh should have been even more aloof. I don't think a coach should have to endure questions that doesn't have a direct impact on his team. I also think that Harbaugh should have been furious to send a message that those type of questions are totally unacceptable and won't be tolerated.
Posted by: DEK | October 9, 2008 9:48 AM
My, John is sensitive. The word family should not have been mentioned but come on John. If you let the media know that you are going to act like that they are going to have all kind of fun with you. Almost can't wait to see what Mike does to you when his love fest with you is over. Hope you don't incur his wrath but can't help to wonder how Mike will utilize the "dynasty" prediction. Better start winning, Mr. Sensitive.
Posted by: Rick H. | October 9, 2008 12:41 PM
Coleman,
Please start referring to Leonhard as "RUDY"
The guy plays with heart!!
Posted by: mya pinion | October 9, 2008 3:02 PM
John, why did you decided to run out the clock and play conservative football at the 4 minute mark of the 3rd quarter?
John, why are you starting McGahee when Rice and McClain ran the ball the first two games with tremendous results?
John, you are a Special Teams guru but why is your special teams awful?
Wait till Harbaugh starts seeing these hard questions and see how he acts.
Based on his being annoyed at the soft question of his brothers fine, I can see Harbaugh tossing chairs and ripping down the sponsor backdrop at the press conference when hard questions come his way!
Posted by: Ron Burgundy | October 9, 2008 4:41 PM
Relax, guys.
Even Lord Billick didn't catch this much flack his first year behind the wheel.
I mean, i'm sure everbody was dying to know what the Harbaugh family thought about the fine and what they usually talk about around the dinner table as well. "Pass the butter, John"
Bottom line, it was a lame and irrelevant question.
Posted by: GSizzle | October 9, 2008 10:25 PM