Running through this morning's paper, you might have come across accounts of Kellen Winslow, Jr.'s post-game tirade following Miami's upset loss to Tennessee at the Orange Bowl yesterday.
And in reading those accounts, you might get the impression that a frustrated Winslow was working hard to light a fire under his teammates. But if you watched his comments on SportsCenter, what you saw was the ravings of an ill-mannered man-child railing against the inherent unfairness of the world.
And as I watched that tape yesterday, I couldn't help but think that his father, Kellen Winslow, Sr., a member in good standing of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, wasn't cringing in embarassment while he was watching at home. If anything, the son's tirade was a stark contrast to everthing his father stood for during his NFL career. All mention of accountability and responsibility, qualities that his father embodies to this day, were lost in a flood of meaningless invective.
Something tells me Jr. had a few messages waiting for him on his voice mail after the game.
MONDAY MORNING UPDATE: Winslow has issued a statement apologizing for his comments.
One of my former roommates who is a San Diego native and die-hard Chargers fan has the opposite opinion of Kellen Winslow Sr. — he swears that Junior’s arrogance is just like his father’s.
I know neither man, but oftentimes the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, especially with regards to professional athletes and their offspring. Think about how often we hear that so-and-so, a real gentleman in his day, is proud of his son, blessed with the same talent and graciousness.
Or vice versa.