Eagles

Monday Mount Rushmore: Sports Figures Saying “Next Question” to the Media

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: May 17th, 2021 · 9:53 AM EDT

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Confession:

I forgot to do the Friday Mount Rushmore column last week.

Because it’s a highly-anticipated column, which has won multiple awards, I’ll do it today instead and rebrand it as Monday Mount Rushmore.

In honor of Joe Girardi pulling the “next question” routine on Phillies reporters this weekend, we’re going to present to you our best “next question” press conferences of all time.

The list:

 

Drew Rosenhaus

Ah yes, perhaps one of the most famous video clips from this era of Eagles football, right up there with Donovan McNabb shredding the air guitar in Dallas.

During the Terrell Owens saga, Rosenhaus came aboard as his agent and this wonderful media availability took place at TO’s house, in the front yard:

Believe it or not, this influenced the title of Rosenhaus’s book, which was dubbed “Next Question: An NFL Super Agent’s Proven Game Plan for Business Success.”

He talked about it in a column written for Pro Football Talk:

…Although he had only played one year into a seven-year $48.6 million contract, Terrell felt that he had outperformed his contract.  When he and I crossed paths for the first time in April 2005, I agreed and he hired me shortly thereafter to get him a new contract.  This was no small task as the Philadelphia Eagle front office was as tough as they come. As expected, they refused.  A line was drawn in the sand and a battle of wills ensued.  Seven weeks into the 2005 season, after the nation followed the drama of Terrell not getting along with his quarterback and coaches, Terrell was suspended and sent home for the rest of the season, costing him $2,489,705.  Instead of getting my client a new deal, he lost a fortune, was suspended, and his season was over.  Forget the raise, the experts predicted we’d be lucky to get the minimum next year.  As I faced the music at a now infamous press conference on Terrell’s front lawn, a reporter tore into me, rhetorically asking on national TV, “Drew, what have you done for T.O. other than get him kicked off the team?” I felt embarrassed and was in pain, but I took it and stood tall, answering, “Next Question.”  At that time, things looked like they were going from bleak to hopeless but I never gave up.  Neither did Terrell.  Despite being buried alive, we kept fighting our way out.  That’s what “Next Question” is all about.  It’s more than an answer.  It’s our philosophy that no matter how impossible the situation appears, always believe that you can find a way to win through hard work and smart work.  The principle of “Next Question” is to block out the negativity and focus on what to do next in order to win.  That’s what we did and that’s how Terrell became a Dallas Cowboy in 2006 earning $31.5 million over the next three seasons instead of $20 million with the Eagles.

“Next question” is a philosophy? Come on man.

 

Mark Dantonio

This one you may not be familiar with, since it’s a college football clip, but Michigan State’s Mark Dantonio had basically zero interest in speaking with the media after Sparty needed a second-half rally to beat Eastern Michigan back in 2012. Le’Veon Bell ran for 253 yards in this game:

A partial transcript:

Reporter: Did you come away with any more clarity on the receiving corps? 

Dantonio: Did you? 

Reporter: No.

Dantonio: Okay, next question. 

Reporter: How surprising was the lack of emotion, considering last week?

Dantonio: It was surprising, next question. 

Reporter: Coach, does your offense need to play better to be effective against Ohio State next week?

Dantonio: Yes, next question.

They lost by 17-16 to the Buckeyes in week five.

 

Russell Westbrook

You can take your pick of Russell Westbrook “next question” interviews, but this one has to go on the Mount Rushmore:

He hates this particular reporter, a guy named Berry Tramel, and told him to his face that he didn’t like him. There is a treasure trove of videos with Westbrook just giving him the “next question” routine.

Joe Girardi

Bring us home Joe:

Haven’t seen this version of Joe Girardi since his Yankees years. pic.twitter.com/xkjgeEQ6j0

— Joe Giglio (@JoeGiglioSports) May 16, 2021

Gotta be honest; I kind of like seeing this side of Girardi. Has he done an impressive managing job since coming to Philadelphia? You’d be hard-pressed to find somebody who would answer ‘yes’ to that question. Maybe pissed off Girardi is more dialed in, more focused.

And, interestingly enough, we’re gonna see how he handles Jean Segura compared to how Gabe Kapler responded two years ago, after the Andrew McCutchen ACL situation and “hustle” saga.