Aug. 16

Q: I loved the piece about Jerry Jones and the "real" reasons for Tony Banks' departure. You pulled no punches, and I appreciated your candor in the article. My question is: Do you ever fear repercussions from owners or organizations after writing such a straight-forward and unflattering piece? -- Greg Shlikas, Baltimore, Md.
MORT: Greg, if I operated under that kind of fear, I would be cheating the most important audience I write for -- you. Jerry Jones is a big boy. I have always admired Jerry's ability to take it and dish it out. I will say that he has returned fewer phone calls -- I think that stems from my criticisms -- but that happens. I expect organizations to get upset when criticized, as long as they know that it's not personal.

	Fiedler

Q: As a huge Miami Dolphins fan, I have mixed emotions about this season. Jay Fiedler looked good last season until the Jets game, when he got hurt. Which Fiedler will we see? Do you think the added speed will really help? With the talk about possibly picking up Cade McNown, does this mean the Dolphins aren't sure about the QB situation or are they just looking to solidify the position for the future? -- Chris, Orlando
MORT: Chris, I think the speed will help the Dolphins. James McKnight is interesting -- his 50-catch, 900-yard season in Dallas last year was pretty impressive when you consider the circumstances. Rookie Chris Chambers is really explosive. I don't think they'll be the Rams or Vikings, but they'll be better on offense. If McNown is picked up, it does give the Dolphins a chance to see if McNown is worth developing. That's why they drafted Josh Heupel. His salary ($389,000) makes it a cheap investment.

Q: Do you think it would be possible for the New England Patriots to trade Terry Glenn and their first- or second-round pick on draft day next year and move into the top five and get themselves a top receiver? I know it's really early for this kind of thinking, but I think Bob Kraft has had enough and so have we fans. I say they should cut their losses now. Remember, next year we open a new stadium and don't need this dark cloud hanging over us. -- Steve Sabourin, Boston, Mass.
MORT: Steve, that's one reason why I thought the Patriots were ill-advised to suspend Glenn at this time. His trade value is diminished even more, and he also has to sit out the first four games of the 2002 season because the drug suspension is held over to next year. I think that if Glenn was that dark of a cloud, he should have been released or traded for something (although that would be complicated because his signing bonus is in dispute, and so are the salary cap implications). But you also must remember that the Patriots had the No. 6 pick this year and passed on a guy like David Terrell.

	Smith

Q: Do you think by "forcing" Troy Aikman to retire, though he needed to, and cutting Tony Banks that Jerry Jones hurt Emmitt Smith's chance at breaking Walter Payton's rushing record more than any defense ever has? -- Jim, Tulsa, Okla.
MORT: Jim, I really do think it's going to be much tougher on Emmitt's pursuit of the record. Then again, Jones' primary concern should be winning and whatever it takes to get back on track. Emmitt's goals must be secondary, but his production is also a key to the team's success.

Q: You say, "Jerry Jones is going to dismantle the coaching staff at the end of the season and start a new era." If this is true, who would he bring in to be coach? Would he bring in Ron Wolf to be GM? Who would be on the short list for coach? -- Kyle Kinghorn, Gilbert, Ariz.
MORT: Kyle, Jones has given no hint that he would give up his general manager's role. As far as a new coach goes, Jones' biggest problem is attracting a top-notch guy with all the roadblocks he puts up as an owner, in terms of his involvement. But a lot of coaches want to be an NFL head coach, so if he fires Campo, he'll find somebody.

Q: What has Tony Banks ever done for another team? If he were so good, he would be under a long-term guaranteed contract now, wouldn't he? Jerry will do what Jerry does. You don't need to like him, but he got us three Super Bowl trophies, which is more than Tex Schramm and Tom Landry (R.I.P) ever did. I will remember your prediction of 2-14 (which is better than Troy Aikman's first year, and he didn't even win that game), and I will be e-mailing you back from the playoffs for your apology. If we don't get there (playoffs), I will send you a certificate for some real Texas barbecue. Lone Star 'til I die -- Arin, Dallas
MORT: Arin, I never said Banks was a great quarterback. He did deserve better treatment, and he was good enough that Cowboys coaches and players are demoralized by his release. And, for the record, I do like Jerry Jones. He has always been good to me, he is a family man, and I think one of the best owners in the league when he's focused on other things than being a general manager. As for my 2-14 prediction, why do I have to apologize if it doesn't happen? On the other hand, I will look forward to that barbecue.

	Wheatley

	Garner

Q: Who do you think will get the starting job as running back in Oakland, Tyrone Wheatley or Charlie Garner? -- Matt, Marlboro, N.J.
MORT: Matt, I think Wheatley's ability to run between the tackles (where the Raiders are pretty strong) makes him very valuable. But I kind of see them splitting carries, so I'm not sure you'll have a pure starter in Oakland.

Q: How could the Pats suspend Terry Glenn for the entire season? This has to be the worst orginization in the NFL. Since going tho the Super Bowl, this team has gone completely downhill. Bill Belichick has the personality of a shoe. I can't see this team winning more then two games this year. What do you think? -- Michael, West Harrison
MORT: Michael, I know some shoes out there that might take exception.

Q: Do you think the Baltimore Ravens should try to pick up Erik Williams? Wouldn't that help in their running game ....or is he a cap issue? -- Don Eaton, Elkridge, Md.
MORT: Don, the Ravens get to play with the same right tackle (Harry Swayne) they won the Super Bowl with until Leon Searcy comes back in October. And the Ravens need what little cap space they have to acquire a running back.

Q: How long will it take for the Atlanta Falcons to return to form of the '98 season for us greater Atlanta fans? -- Kevin, Atlanta
MORT: Kevin, I don't see it quite returning to '98 (Super Bowl) form, but I have a feeling the Falcons will be one of those surprisingly competitive teams. They are much deeper, more physical, and some of the coaching changes seem to have energized the team. I think Chris Chandler and Jamal Anderson will return close to '98 form. I think OLB Keith Brooking will be a Pro Bowl-caliber player. All those guys must stay healthy. But the NFC West does have two teams in the Rams and Saints that will be Super Bowl contenders.

Q: With Warrick Dunn and Ahman Green coming off huge years and really contributing to their teams, do you think they have a chance at becoming elite backs like an Edgerrin James or Eddie George? -- Jason Darrah, Pittsfield, N.H.

	Green

MORT: Jason, I think that's pretty elite company. Dunn had a breakout year, but Tony Dungy is still a little uncertain about over-working him. Green could jump up there because he ran with speed and power last year, and he has a chance to be really good with the Packers.

Q: Since Jimmy Johnson was fired by the Cowboys, they have been in a death spiral. Questionable draft choices, free-agent signings and trades have left them near the bottom of the NFL. Does this track record make Jerry Jones the league's worst GM? -- John Scott, Toronto, Ontario
MORT: John, it at least ties him with Mike Brown (Bengals).

Q: After reading your article about Terry Glenn, I was just wondering, first, if you ever talked to his agent personally? Second, did you hear his agent on SportRadio 850 WEEI in Boston? In my opinion, I think that Jim Gould is a liar, and just wants money. -- Jason Porro, Haverhill, Mass.
MORT: Jason, I have spoken with Gould. I have not found him to be a "liar." However, I recognize that he is an agent. Money is a huge factor for players and agents, no question. It is professional football. That means you get paid to play the game.

Q: I read the article with interest regarding Terry Glenn. Though I am certain that both the owner and coach have not been forthright in all their dealings with players, I fail to see the link you make between those actions and Glenn owning up to his responsibilities as an adult. To simply say he came from a broken home is not an excuse. I came from a home with no father since I was 6, four children and a mother who had to work 70 hours per week to provide. However, I took it upon myself to make right and wrong decisions, and always lived with the consequences of my own actions. Mr. Glenn needs to do the same. If he chose, while under contract and against the advise of his agent, to not report to work, then he should be suspended, if not let go. As an employee, if I had done the same at my place of employment, my employer (who is very decent and fair) would have no choice but to sever our relationship. I believe we continue to treat athletes with kid gloves (both society and the media), when in fact these grown adults need to learn how to deal with the adversity we call life. -- John Scheer, Fenton, Mich.

	Glenn

MORT: John, I find you to be very thoughtful and pretty much on the mark. I came from a very similar background, too. However, every man's shoes are a little different. I have never condoned Glenn not being in camp. I do think the drug suspension has some holes in it. I am also very confident that Glenn never would have encountered many of these problems if Bill Parcells was his coach and, say, Wellington Mara was his owner. But as my mama (and many others I assume) often told me, "You make your bed, you sleep in it."

Q: Not that we don't hear enough about Keyshawn Johnson -- quite possibly the most overrated pro athlete in America -- but your colleague, Stuart Scott, recently compared not throwing the ball to Keyshawn in goal-line situations to not giving the ball to Michael Jordan in crunch time. While the media has fallen in love with this veritable quote machine, it seems Keyshawn gets far less respect from his peers. No less an expert than Warren Sapp said that it was time that Keyshawn took a look in the mirror. If he did, he'd find a relatively slow-footed, big target with average hands who puts the ball on the ground too often. How many quarterbacks can Keyshawn rip for not getting the damned ball before someone (Merril Hoge?) points out that he's not open? I barely rate him in my top 10 receivers (with some new blood moving up the charts). Please set the record straight. -- Patrick, Philadelphia
MORT: Patrick, I think you just did. But don't be messin' with Stu.