Titans say it's now up to Pacman
Coach criticizes rookie, calls actions inexcusable
By JIM WYATT
Staff Writer
The Titans drafted cornerback Pacman Jones knowing he was on probation for an incident in West Virginia.
They waited on him during his contract holdout. They've let his off-field troubles unfold one case at a time.
They've tried to remain patient despite his run-ins with fans, an opposing coach, game officials, a member of the team's equipment staff and even his teammates.
Now, Titans Coach Jeff Fisher said yesterday, it's time for Jones to do something for himself and the organization.
"He has a lot to learn and it is his job now, to learn,'' Fisher said. "We have stuck our hand out. I have, his teammates have, and the organization has. We have extended him a hand, a helping hand, and now he has to take over and be a pro and do it himself.''
The rookie's controversial season came to an ugly end Sunday in Jacksonville. He received back-to-back penalties — the second for allegedly cursing an official — during the third quarter of Tennessee's 40-13 loss and Fisher benched him the rest of the game.
"I am disappointed the last two weeks in his play on the field,'' Fisher said. "I thought four or five weeks ago he had made the turn … but I think he got worn out. I think he became distracted and I know for a fact he has a long way to go to become a true pro in this league.
"His actions on the field (Sunday) were inexcusable, I don't care whether it is a preseason game, a scrimmage, what have you, you do not respond the way he responded. … He needs to learn, not only how to become a better cornerback, but a better returner, a better member of a team, and less of a distraction.''
Jones made a brief appearance in the locker room yesterday as the players packed up for the offseason. He declined to answer questions from reporters, but did make a brief comment.
"First of all, I want to apologize for my actions in the game. I crossed the line, I was kind of frustrated but I hurt the team. I can't be doing that," Jones said. "This whole season was a learning experience. I have gotten better mentally and physically and I'm just eager to get back for the next year and hopefully it will be a blast.''
Jones started at cornerback the last 13 games. He showed steady improvement in coverage, but stood out in the return game. He went from having trouble catching punts to becoming one of the most dangerous return men.
Fisher said he doesn't believe Jones was a dividing force in the locker room and that in light of Tennessee's poor season the players shouldn't speak negatively about their teammates.
But on a day when "being accountable for your actions" was a hot topic, several players made indirect reference to Jones.
"It was such a frustrating season, guys are going to lose their composure and things like that,'' linebacker Rocky Boiman said. "You've got to be professional, man. Flying off, this and that, it ain't going to cut it.''
"You have a lot of young guys that are being thrust into a position where they have a lot of money and a lot of attention and they don't realize this is a blessing, a big time opportunity, that is not given to many," tight end Erron Kinney said. "It can't be taken for granted and you can't disrespect the game, you can't disrespect your teammates or the organization.''
Fisher said he's not worried about Jones running into more trouble before next season because "he understands there will be no tolerance for any off-the-field legal issues" for anyone on the team.
"A lot of these things are magnified because you are losing and these things go by the wayside when you are winning," Fisher said. "I don't believe he was a dividing force. There is strong opinion on behalf of a number of players that he could have carried himself differently.
"That is also my opinion and I am going to see through that he does, because his success in the organization and this community and this league is going to be heavily dependent on that.''
Rolle is a stud and there are no two ways about it. The thought of him on our team makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. I can't wait until he puts the hurt on someone next season. I like the prospects of him as a FS, but I think that should only be considered in a few years. Let him dominate the position he knows for as long as he can.
