Teddy Atlas and his concern for himself

[davemurphy]

Even when the guy agrees with me, he does so in a manner I don't respect much. Mike Hanson and I strongly disagree on the Mercante Jr. situation but at least it's cut and dried, and I respect Mike's opinion even if I disagree with it.

But Teddy can't just simply take an opinion on ANYTHING ANYMORE. Had he stopped talking when he said "Not with my Fighter" then I'm delighted, and if he says Mercante Jr. got it right like Mike and Davema, then I disagree but at least he's making a call.

But this crap where he takes what he tries to project as a bold stand and then waters it down to the point where it's totally worthless is getting tiresome. Who gives a shit how Arthur Mercante Jr. was raised by his Father to appreciate giving the fans their moneys worth? It's a Yes or No Question, Right or Wrong.

Everything with this guy has to be qualified, covering himself on all sides. Hell, even when he blew the Lemieux prediction, the first thing that came to his mind was saving face. He starts into "I was wrong BUT.........". No Teddy, you were Wrong, and I think you'd be stunned to realize that your concern over it FAR EXCEEDS ours.

[mh2365]

I'm a fan of Teddy's but for once I agree with you ... it sounded like he was saying that it was the right call for a fan but if it had been his corner he'd of been pissed ...

The thing with Lemieux was a joke .... he even followed Teddy's fight plan to a T and Teddy still couldn't give him credit

[davemurphy]

Mike-
I've been transfering my old Tapes to DVD and there is most definitely a difference in the Teddy now from the one who took over in the Fall of '98. For a long time, I thought maybe it was the change from Papa to Tessitore or that those early days had Max in the Studio, but really the change has been in Teddy. He used to shoot from the hip and not care what anyone thought, and I loved that about him.........

NOW, other than when it's something people are going to almost universally agree with like a National Commission or Judicial Oversight, he can't seem to come right out and say anything without being a politician, and I hear enough of those without one on my boxing telecasts.