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"The Tugboat"
4-8-03
http://www.jimrome.com/home/jungle/quote_unquote.html
By Jim Rome:
Some time ago I told you the story of Pat Tillman, the Arizona Cardinal safety that walked away from a career in the NFL to enlist in the armed forces. Since he left, he’s declined every interview opportunity. He’s talked to no one in the media. From Connie Chung to Tom Brokaw…nobody. He said he was no different than anyone else serving his country and shouldn’t be treated special.
It was an amazing story then and equally, if not more amazing now. I brought on Frank Bauer to tell what he knew about Pat Tillman, where he is now and possibly how he came to making the decision of leaving football.
Frank Bauer is Pat Tillman’s agent and even he doesn’t know exactly where Tillman is. Tillman was shipped out six weeks ago and he hasn’t contacted anyone since. Not his wife, nobody. As his wife puts it, ‘no news is good news’ with the thought that if the Army contacts you, it’s probably not a call you want to take.
Bauer characterizes Tillman as a ‘low-maintenance’ player. Tillman does his job, stays out of trouble and is a very intelligent individual. But having said that, Tillman’s decision to walk away from the NFL to become an Army Ranger still caught him by surprise.
Tillman gave Bauer subtle hints about his approaching decision, but never said it outright until very late in the game. A 3 year deal was on the table but stressed he had to do it then. At 25 he could be accepted into the Rangers, but not at 28. He left a million dollars on the table for 17GR a year. He left all that money on the table for the chance to be shot at.
There was no subsequent discussion. Bauer said that when ‘Patty’ (as he calls him) makes a decision, that’s the end of it. This was no different.
I’ve said all along that Pat Tillman is a different type of cat. He hasn’t done a single interview since leaving the NFL and according to Bauer that even when he returns it isn’t likely that he’ll do interviews. No matter what, his military commitment is not limited to his tour of duty. He has 3 years of service that he owes and when he comes back he will be 28 and a free agent.
I think Pat Tillman’s decision is very admirable. Frank Bauer will tell you that he is the most loyal guy you’ll ever meet. I’m no less astounded by this guy’s decision and character now than when he first made it. How many of us would do what he did? How many would give up so much to go and be shot at?
Tillman had virtually every major network and anchor trying to get that interview and he declined everyone. He has not granted an interview yet. According to Bauer he may not even when he returns, but I think somebody eventually will get it. I think he’ll talk to someone, eventually. When the spotlight isn’t on the war and the circumstances surrounding it, he may be more open to taking an interview.
Pat Tillman is to be admired for his courageous decision. It is an awesome story and you don’t often hear of such loyalty and dedication in today’s world, among today’s athletes. Hats off to Pat Tillman and a safe return.
http://www.jimrome.com/home/jungle/quote_unquote.html
By Jim Rome:
Some time ago I told you the story of Pat Tillman, the Arizona Cardinal safety that walked away from a career in the NFL to enlist in the armed forces. Since he left, he’s declined every interview opportunity. He’s talked to no one in the media. From Connie Chung to Tom Brokaw…nobody. He said he was no different than anyone else serving his country and shouldn’t be treated special.
It was an amazing story then and equally, if not more amazing now. I brought on Frank Bauer to tell what he knew about Pat Tillman, where he is now and possibly how he came to making the decision of leaving football.
Frank Bauer is Pat Tillman’s agent and even he doesn’t know exactly where Tillman is. Tillman was shipped out six weeks ago and he hasn’t contacted anyone since. Not his wife, nobody. As his wife puts it, ‘no news is good news’ with the thought that if the Army contacts you, it’s probably not a call you want to take.
Bauer characterizes Tillman as a ‘low-maintenance’ player. Tillman does his job, stays out of trouble and is a very intelligent individual. But having said that, Tillman’s decision to walk away from the NFL to become an Army Ranger still caught him by surprise.
Tillman gave Bauer subtle hints about his approaching decision, but never said it outright until very late in the game. A 3 year deal was on the table but stressed he had to do it then. At 25 he could be accepted into the Rangers, but not at 28. He left a million dollars on the table for 17GR a year. He left all that money on the table for the chance to be shot at.
There was no subsequent discussion. Bauer said that when ‘Patty’ (as he calls him) makes a decision, that’s the end of it. This was no different.
I’ve said all along that Pat Tillman is a different type of cat. He hasn’t done a single interview since leaving the NFL and according to Bauer that even when he returns it isn’t likely that he’ll do interviews. No matter what, his military commitment is not limited to his tour of duty. He has 3 years of service that he owes and when he comes back he will be 28 and a free agent.
I think Pat Tillman’s decision is very admirable. Frank Bauer will tell you that he is the most loyal guy you’ll ever meet. I’m no less astounded by this guy’s decision and character now than when he first made it. How many of us would do what he did? How many would give up so much to go and be shot at?
Tillman had virtually every major network and anchor trying to get that interview and he declined everyone. He has not granted an interview yet. According to Bauer he may not even when he returns, but I think somebody eventually will get it. I think he’ll talk to someone, eventually. When the spotlight isn’t on the war and the circumstances surrounding it, he may be more open to taking an interview.
Pat Tillman is to be admired for his courageous decision. It is an awesome story and you don’t often hear of such loyalty and dedication in today’s world, among today’s athletes. Hats off to Pat Tillman and a safe return.
