Adam "Pacman" Jones is doing a bit of damage control in
today's Tennessean.
"Everybody is going to have their idea of what you are and who you are. Some people have their stereotype for me just because of the way I carry myself. Some things I say, the way they come off, maybe people don't like,'' Jones said.
"I just say you can't judge a book by its cover. I'm not a bad guy. I am just being myself. I think I am a good person. I was an inner-city kid who grew up in the projects in Atlanta. For the most part I have been on my own since I was 13 years old and that is the demeanor I grew up with.
"But I know I can't just say it, I have to show people. I think in time people will like me. They'll be happy with me in Tennessee once I get on the field. They'll be happy they picked me.''
The article also details a bit about Jones' work-out regiment and how he's getting in shape to for the upcoming season.
Since last month he has been at High Intensity Training Center five days a week, working primarily on improving his quickness and explosiveness. Three times a week at a field across town, he catches 100 footballs.
"I bet they'll be surprised when he gets into camp,'' said Aaron Marston, the center's executive director. "He'll be in much better shape than they think he is. The work he has done in the last three weeks … He looks great.''
Well, being in shape is a good thing, but it still doesn't make up for the fact that Jones has missed 17 practice session as of this morning. We drafted him to be an impact player in a division that features an offensive juggarnaut in the Indianapolis Colts. Jones needs this time to learn the Titans' system and how to make the step to the next level and cover guys like Marvin Harrison on a regular basis. Being in the best shape in the world can't begin to make-up for the time Jones has lost in this hold-out.
I said it yesterday and I repeat it today--sign a contract, get into camp and start learning the system. I'd love to see Jones show up all of the critics (myself included) with brilliant play on the field. Will it excuse the bone-head choices he's made in the off-season? No, not really.
But, if he can get in here, start contributing and become a more solid citizen on the field and off, then that will go a long way toward helping things. Jones has said all the right things in this article, but it's time for him to start backing them up by his actions.
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/10/2005 09:01:00 AM |
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