It was the most discussed ankle injury since Barbaro.
The NFL Network showed Dwight Freeney’s swollen right ankle a dozen times Tuesday. A floorcam documented his exit, step by step, looking for a limp.
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Whether the Indianapolis end will play in Sunday’s Super Bowl became the day’s great debate. Deion Sanders said yes. Warren Sapp said no. Freeney called it a “coach’s decision.” Jim Caldwell said Freeney is a tough guy. New Orleans tight end Jeremy Shockey suggested Freeney take medication to play.
Welcome to media day, when no detail is too stupid to explore — down to whether Freeney recently underwent a pedicure. They almost discussed whether the first little piggy will go to the game instead of the market or the second one will make it stay home.
Freeney has five days to heal. If this were the regular season, Freeney might miss a month. But Sunday is the big stage, and New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees’ worst nightmare will go all the way to warmups hoping to heal. Either way, the Colts aren’t saying. No sense giving the Saints one less thing to worry about.
The most amazing part was a four-question exchange between Freeney and Sanders. “Prime Time” hammered away at Freeney, seeking more insight. It was the type of exchange Sanders sometimes deflected during his career. Sanders sparkled throughout two media sessions with sharp questions.
Where did that come from?
Actually, Sapp also was insightful when he deciphered Freeney’s answers (how “coach’s decision” means Freeney probably won’t play). Sapp wasn’t exactly media-friendly during his career but showed he can advance to a bigger network soon.
You never know what will happen on media day. Sometimes the winner is the media.
Moving the event indoors because of torrential rain Monday reduced some of the annual nonsense. There were no brides asking quarterbacks to marry them. Still, Chad Ochocinco brought his own correspondents for the Chad Ochocinco News Network.
Indianapolis receiver and New Orleans native Reggie Wayne said family and friends have to pick one side, noting, “There’s no going to the game wearing a half-Saints jersey and half-Colts jersey.”
What, they sell those at Modell’s?
Colts receiver Pierre Garcon gave lessons on pronouncing his name and revealed he often eats at a chicken diner. Saints running back Reggie Bush said, “I don’t want to say [the Super Bowl is] the biggest game of my life, but it is.” Reggie must be holding out for a Universe Bowl vs. Mars.
Media day on the fourth planet? Now that really would be out of this world.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
