Commentary

Faceoff

Who in the sports world most needs to shut his yap: Drew Rosenhaus

By Times staff writers
Published November 20, 2005

WHO NEEDS AN AGENT PROVOCATEUR?

He has been called a scum bag, a moron and, well, particular parts of the anatomy. He's selfish, insincere and self-aggrandizing. He represents everything that is wrong with sports today.

Not Terrell Owens.

His agent.

You know you've reached a new low when you out-T.O. T.O. at his own curbside news conference. Drew Rosenhaus' rants following Owens' mea culpa Nov. 9 destroyed any sympathy that might have remained for the Philadelphia Eagles wideout.

T.O.'s statements rang insincere, coming on the heels of his suspension and after he repeatedly refused to apologize. But Rosenhaus obliterated any trace of goodwill when he yelled into cameras and blamed the Eagles and the media for creating his client's problems.

Rosenhaus, who represents more than 80 players, including many Pro Bowlers,fancies himself a player's advocate. But what did his grandstanding do for Owens besides cost him his job?

Rosenhaus routinely raids other agents' client lists. He has made holdouts a regular training-camp activity. But nothing turned the stomachs of fellow agents and prospective clients as much as his display in front of Owens' home.

Mark Lepselter, who represents Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber, among others, called Rosenhaus' act "the most pathetic show I've ever seen in all my years in the business."

Granted, Joe Gibbs was out of line in complaining so vigorously about the officiating in the Redskins' 36-35 loss to the Bucs last weekend. But at least the Hall of Fame coach had the sense to apologize after realizing he'd made a mistake.

Rosenhaus? He blew Owens' only chance to do the same.

- FRANK PASTOR