Saints coach Joe Vitt… in happier days

Man, Saints interim coach Joe Vitt wasn’t happy today. Not at all. A day after his team drew some headlines for their fight at practice, Vitt made sure his voice was heard. Loud and clear. His team is trying to do the right thing was his message. This guy just fights for his team…. and it’s kind of awesome to watch.

So, I mentioned the Saints fight during my Total Access hit, and then I wrote about it for NFL.com. To some, it led them to wonder whether the Saints would be scrutinized for violating some mini-camp contact rules.

Well, Vitt wanted to make one thing clear: Yup, he knows, as the CBA said, “There will be no contact work (e.g., “live” blocking, tackling, pass rushing, bump-and-run) or use of pads (helmets permitted) at minicamps.” And he wanted me to know that.

“The guys are moving great, moving quick,” Vitt said. “They’re intense but outstanding. I think everybody understands the CBA rules, some of the things we do are slower now. So I think we all need to understand the rules and couldn’t be more happy with where we are now.“

I asked, Do you understand them?

“Yes,” he said, getting loud. “I do.”

Because the Seahawks said…

“Yeah, I understand the rules,” Vitt said, interrupting my question about the Seahawks didn’t know what they were penalized for. “Do you?“

I said I didn’t, because I thought he would offer his explanation of how he understands them. I really do, though. Swear.

“You need to read them then,” said Vitt, his voice rising again. “If you’re going to report on our business, you need to know the rules. I’m not here to teach them to you. I’m here to teach football, not teach you the rules.“

So… that’s good to know.

Posted in: Rap Sheet  |