Panthers Peppers Answers his Critics

by Jaxon on Aug 3, 2009 9:37 AM EDT

Panthers DE Julius Peppers gave his first interview and you can find the transcript over at Charlotte.com. Its a very comprehensive interview that seeks to clear up any remaining issues there might be in Peppers return to Carolina. I found the last question to be point on regarding the common thread among his detractors:

Inside the Panthers: Transcript: Julius Peppers interview
Q: Should anyone be concerned about whether you’ll give your full effort? A: No. And, speaking to that, I browse through the TV every now and then and the newspaper, and see things about me taking plays off and all of those kinds of things. Basically, from my viewpoint, I know what I’m supposed to be doing on the field. And I know what kind of effort I’m giving. Anybody who thinks I don’t put forth full effort or I can do more than what I’m doing, all I can say is I’m happy with how I play. I’m going to continue to play how I play. I’m going to continue to play with the same effort, which is full effort. Nobody has to worry about me taking any plays or games off. For the record, I don’t know where that came from. I don’t know who put it out there, but it seems like everybody jumped on the bandwagon and formed an opinion for themselves based on what (someone) else said. But if they look at the tape, they’ll see whether I play hard or not, and I do.

So Peppers says all you have to do is look at the tape and see he doesn't take plays (or games) off. So what do you guys think? Has Pep smoothed things over yet? Do you agree with his 'bandwagon' comment?

More discussion after the jump...

As glad as I am to hear the tone of his comments and all the positive comments from the rest of the team I find this part the most confusing:

   Q: What are your specific goals for the season?
   A: I’m not going to really get into any specific personal goals. The main objective every year is to win the Super Bowl. That’s why we play the game. That’s the No. 1 goal every season. That’s always at the top of my list. I’m mainly a team goal guy. I don’t really have any personal goals. I have a few. I probably don’t want to say them.
   I have two personal goals, but most of things I want to do in my career, I’ve done them, as far as personal accolades and accomplishments, I’ve done almost everything I want to do, so my focus is on team-oriented stuff, winning the Super Bowl, winning the division, helping my defense rank statistically among the top in the league, those types of things.

One of hi sprimary reasons for wanting to leave Carolina was to 'fulfill his potential' which is a very personal goal type of statement. It's not a team-oriented goal like he just sighted as his motivating factor. So which one drives him more, team goals or personal goals? Something isn't jiving here and my hope is its what was said back in January. Thoughts?

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I enjoy

hearing him be motivated but I think after reading that “personal goals” sentence I would like it better if he got quiet again.

Jaxon you bring up a great point, if he has met all the goals, why does he need to leave the team. I think it was his agent pushing this all along.

by bengoodfella on Aug 3, 2009 10:42 AM EDT reply actions

Isn't this what I just got ripped for saying?

I just said Pep probably reads all the stuff fans say online or in the radio. Of course he won’t say that is partially why he’d want to leave, but it sounds like it bothers him.

Yeah Im sure his agent had a lot to do withgentsgents want to get paid too… But fuel for the fire maybe???

on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city

by southtunnel on Aug 3, 2009 11:50 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

I wouldn’t say you got ripped. Today was the first day Peppers has ever come out and said something like this and really if what the fans think affects him then I don’t know how he can survive in the NFL. Everyone has to get used to being hated sometimes.

by bengoodfella on Aug 3, 2009 12:19 PM EDT reply actions

He's not a Vulcan

Obviously it hasn’t effected his production. But it’s not like these guys are non-human. Being an athlete doesn’t mean you don’t get bothered by things.

on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city

by southtunnel on Aug 3, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions

He had 2.5 sacks two years ago. Something was affecting him that did affect his production. I hope he gets angry and takes it all out on the field, I really do.

by bengoodfella on Aug 3, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I still maintain it was the medication he was taking

in response to the illness he suffered during the ‘07 TC. I’ve linked to it before but the nature of the illness was never disclosed publicly, just rumors. There was a report on the message boards that it was something like mono and that the medication he would be/was taking would sap your energy. He was on the meds through Oct of that season, or something like that. It was never mentioned publicly though as I said.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Aug 3, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions

He hasn’t had that bad of a season since or before that time either.

by bengoodfella on Aug 3, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions

"... and I'd also like to give a shout-out"

to my new agent for the 7-year contract with the Panthers. I hope that Carl Carey gets well soon, and that the Charlotte Metro Police Dept and CATS can determine exactly what happened during the tragic bus incident."

by panthersnbraves on Aug 3, 2009 4:08 PM EDT reply actions

southtunnel and pep

Southtunnel was right to a degree, and I don’t remember, but i probably ripped him a little. I’ll have to go check. But if I did, I take it back. You’re right, Pep’s feelings were hurt and he was insulted. Some say they don’t want him taking on this whole hollywood making headlines persona. I agree, but I want a little emotion out of the guy. If I say you’re slacking, and you’re insulted, do or say something. he finally did. now let’s see him play.

he’s been franchised and will make $17 million. he can turn that into a $120 million contract if he plays his cards right. I think he and his agent know that, and he’s insulted by what people have said about him. Maybe this year he goes out and gets 20 sacks.

by usana_gaines on Aug 4, 2009 3:26 AM EDT reply actions

You know

reading that I am very hopeful that a long term deal will get done. It sounds like that whole thing is definitely behind him. Let’s win a Super Bowl this year!!!

by Flowing Willow on Aug 4, 2009 8:54 AM EDT reply actions