Hey everyone. My interview with Ben Tate, the former Auburn tailback, began according to plan today. We spent 15 minutes or so talkin' shop.He refused to tell me which teams were working him out privately, which I found a little odd. So it goes. If secrecy yields him an extra $1 million, I support it fully.
I'm no hater ... except when I'm hating.
The full Q & A will run in tomorrow's editions of the Advertiser. Here now is a sneak peek for you HOTTIES.
Q: Have you noticed a change in how many people are around you or want to hang out with you now that you'll be an NFL guy?
A: ``Not really. I'm not someone who hangs out with a lot of people. It's just the same group I've had all my life. I'm not the kind of guy who gets to know everybody. I stick with the people I know."
Q: You obviously had a great Combine, running a 4.4 and showing plenty of strength. Were you surprised by how well that went?
A: ``I was hoping to run a little bit faster, actually. I've had better times. I told my agent that I planned to run again at Pro Day, but that didn't go over too well with him. He told me I didn't need to run it again, that the 4.4 was good enough. I'll just go with the numbers I have, I guess."
Q: You've been really hitting the social networks lately, offering autographs and exclusive interviews with fans. Where did that come from?
A: ``I had the idea for a while, but my marketing guy and I came up with the stuff we're doing. It's definitely something I want to keep doing -- especially at the next level. I want people to know about me if they care enough to look. I'm not going to be like (Chad) Ochocinco and tweeting every 30 minutes. He does a pretty good job, but that's not me. Do people really care that much?"
Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University
Questions? Comments? Post directly to the blog below or email me at jgtate@gannett.com.
Secret substance!
ReplyDeleteGood stuff. Looking forward to a full serving tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteExcellent, as usual, Writer Tate
ReplyDeleteToo answer his question... No.
ReplyDeleteI'm "o" happy, apparently.
ReplyDeleteJG ...teasing the Hotties with tidbits of substance.
ReplyDeleteHottie PCs will light up the MA site manana to read the rest of the story..
Better than being O deprived... unless you're into that kind of thing.
ReplyDeleteBen Tate seems sharp, level headed, realistic and knows how to do the game. He'll get serious looks from the pros just because they know he won't get stoopid on them.
ReplyDeleteHis comments regarding "getting overlooked" don't quite fit his persona, but they aren't egregious either.
It seems like Ben is still acting like good ole Ben. I think he can do some great things for the lucky team that drafts him.
ReplyDeleteExcellent work J
ReplyDeleteWhere is he projected to go?
ReplyDeleteI received the strangest letter ever in the mail today. It is handwritten/addressed to [Mr. & Mrs THT] with our correct address including 5 digit zip code. The letter is from someone in Belle Glade, Florida. Off the top of my head I do not recall knowing this person.
ReplyDeleteThe letter, in its entirety, reads as follows:
Dear [our names],
Please send to me your nine digit zip code.
I shall appreciate it very much.
Sincerely,
[his name]
There is a handwritten STAMPED SELF-ADDRESSED envelope enclosed!
Via Google, I see that he is retired and has made several donations in the $200-500 range to various Republican Party groups. (I don't recall ever making a contribution to any slimy (they are all slimy) political group).
I think I will respond, "5 digits is apparently enough" and drop it in the mail this weekend in Zurich.
Ben Tate is a bright dude, no doubt.
ReplyDeleteGreat job. Will be real curious where Ben ends up.
ReplyDeleteThe Ravens would be close to home. Or the Redskins. Not sure I'd wish the Redskins on anyone, though.
ReplyDeleteTHT what do you think the guy from the mail wants? that is strange
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGood tease, JGT. Anxious to read the whole article tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteGreat news from my sister. After extensive tests they believe she just suffered a severe migraine headache that affected her eyes and facial muscles. She hasn't had migraines before so that threw them off for a bit. But apparently they saw something on her CT scan or MRI that convinced them of the diagnosis.
ReplyDeleteHi Cincy - any news on your sister's MRI?
ReplyDeleteThe Skins could use him. Portis is past his prime. I think Snyder is finally quitting his interference and the team will improve.
ReplyDeletewell, I'm always slow. Thanks for that update.
ReplyDeletesmall koreans care.
ReplyDeleteLookin' forward to the non teaser edition.
ReplyDeleteTHT ...I wouldn't respond. That would acknowledge receipt of the letter and confirmation of your address. In todays world, the less info sent out, the better.
ReplyDeletePlease confirm me on the HABOTN facebook page. I just requested to be accepted.
ReplyDeleteOT, but interesting. One of my old AU buddies used to be very connected to the PTB up there. . .he's saying that the Tubby Smith rumors have some substance to them.
ReplyDeleteAny comments, HOTTIEs?
It won't show CH=B is why I asked on here.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear about your sister Cincy.
ReplyDeleteA buddy of mine was telling me that he saw a mock draft and the same guy listed the top 15 players at every position. He had Tate as the 15th best RB. I thank that is just ludacris(misspelled on purpose). The guy loses all credibility he might have had. He has great speed, size and strength. He also proved to be very durable. If he falls very far some team may be getting the steal of the draft.
I think Zookeeper/Kristina keeps track of that, CH=B.
ReplyDeleteFairfield overcomes 27 point deficit in 2nd half to beat George Mason. Story here
PTB?
ReplyDeletepowers that be
ReplyDeleteIncy- Great news about your sister.
ReplyDeleteI don't think we could go wrong with Tubby. Just look at his resume. He did more in 10yrs at KU than Auburn has done in 16yrs. I know that comparing us to them in BB is like comparing them to us in FB, but I think he could be very successful.
ReplyDeleteTime is running out...
ReplyDeleteIs everyone signed up for the Bracket Challenge yet? Tourney starts tomorrow morning! Everyone get signed up and don't forget to fill out yer brackets.
Go to the Tourney Pick'em on Yahoo Fantasy Sports...
Join a group and use the following to enter...
GROUP ID: 26461
PASSWORD: hatebama
From what I have seen of Tate over his career I would project him as a "Serviceable" top tear Back-Up half back at the next level. I see him going late third to fourth round. I would compare him to Jason Snelling of the Atlanta Falcons. Able to spell a star starter (Turner) for long periods without tremendous drop off in production. AND fill in multiple games if the #1 goes out with an injury. I personally just don't see him being an NFL everyday back for a pro team.
ReplyDeleteBut boy howdy will he be missed on the Plains.
LT
p.s. He will make a fine living with that gig.......
Said it before ... count me as a "nay" on Tubby.
ReplyDeleteGuys named Tubby tend to want to duck hunt in December.
We're watching Eli Stone episodes tonight. It's great to go from one to the next with no commercials or week wait. I think we'll finish the series tonight. There were only 26 episodes before it was canceled. MrsTHT and I really like this show a lot.
ReplyDeletei'm happy you prefaced the entry with "former Auburn tailback". i never would have known!
ReplyDeletei would almost like to see the saints let reggie walk and go get the tater in the 2nd or 3rd. all the production, with less kardhashienahyuwejbzwdhyr...
as usual, a stellar tidbit done only the jgt way.
whera da gold at!?
jet is right. do we really need another tubby?
ReplyDeleteTubby this Tubby that, you can't go wrong with his resume.
ReplyDeleteBen is my friend on facebook and I enjoy reading his status....good luck in the next passage of life! Thanks Jay as always!
ReplyDeleteCincy....glad your sister has an answer
ReplyDeleteNot sure about the Tubby thing either.
I've said before he isn't my 1st choice, but if thats who JJ went with I wouldn't be upset.
ReplyDeleteI heart haters
ReplyDeleteGosh, you leave for a few days and too much stuff happens.
ReplyDeleteIt was so sad to read of AU365 leaving us but he is now "Where Eagles Soar!" How fitting.
No worries....AU365 will live on in spirit with the Hotties because most of us are AU 365 days a year too.
Cincy, I'm so glad your sister is okay. A smart thinker, that nephew of yours!
Hopefully after tomorrow I'll be lurking more often. It's been a tough one.!!!
Cincy, Once again proof that prayers are answered. I am so glad that you received good news concerning your sister. I shall have a good night's sleep knowing that you shall also.
ReplyDeleteI want a "Hooper" Taylor.
ReplyDeleteJust checking in to say goodnight. Sweet dreams to my Hottie friends.
ReplyDeleteGoodnight Cincy.
ReplyDeleteCincy great news about your sister! Pray changes things, hih?
ReplyDeleteJay nice work with the interview and with "Where Eagles Soar".
Jet - I think Hooper Taylor is an excellent idea. I even had a bammer friend say he'd come coach hoops at AU if Trooper would recruit for him.
ReplyDeleteThe Memphis-St. John's game had a great finish. Now, the Memphis coach has to call his parents to come pick him up from the game, seeing that he's 14 years old, and he's got a quiz in history tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteBaseball game got a little out of hand tonight. A&M's coach quit and it seems the team didn't handle it well.
ReplyDeleteDon't respond to the hand written letter. It sounds like the start of a scam.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, if you send me $19.95 in a self addressed stamped envelop, I will give you my secret to make money doing next to nothing.
rtsgrhstttttttttttttthhhhhhhhhhssssssssssssssssssssttttttttttt
ReplyDeletehow many days, jhag?
ReplyDeleteJGT, do you not plan on defending your bracket crown?
ReplyDeleteoh my. I just realized it's 1 a.m. and we still have 2 episodes of Eli Stone to watch. Those will have to wait. It's double shift Thursday in a few hours.
ReplyDeleteSweet dreams, Hotties!
Good morning, Hotties! Rise and shine!!!
ReplyDeleteIn the vein of "this freaks me out"
ReplyDeleteToo weird
Good morning, Hotties! It's Tourney Time!! Has everyone filled out their bracket?
ReplyDeleteThe Wizard of Jetwood said...
I want a "Hooper" Taylor.
I said the EXACT same thing last night, Jet! GMTA!
Morning, Luv,
ReplyDeleteI filled out my bracket and I think it will provide hours of comic relief. I usually have some idea about basketball, but this year I have none! Should be interesting:)
Cincy, a coworker of mine is from that area and she said she's not surprised at all. She said that area of Memphis was bad 50 years ago and has been going downhill ever since. I can't believe that they rented the room out 4 or 5 times and nobody noticed anything (like an odor, maybe??)
ReplyDeleteI always make my husband look under the beds when we stay in hotels. That is just one of my weird quirks. One of many...
ReplyDeleteGood morning ladies!
ReplyDeleteAll you worthless dudes get up! The Hottiettes are putting us to shame!
Another 16 hour work day in store, then I get to come home and pack for a 1 week trip.
Have a great day, Hotties! See y'all at work.
I'm ready for the long weekend. The 4am wakeup call / workout is tiring on leap forward week!!!
ReplyDeleteJust read the rest of the story on BenTate. He seems to be incredibly level headed about EVERYTHING. I have to believe that's going to help him through his NFL career.
ReplyDeleteCincy, great news on your sister!
ReplyDeleteSo I hope everyone understands now, no more gettin' sick or hurt or otherwise, okay?!?
And that just gave me comment 69, life's little victories.
ReplyDelete..wouldn't that room start stankin' after a just a few days??
ReplyDeleteMorning folks.
ReplyDeleteCincy - that's good news.
THT - I watched that show too and was right disappointed it was shown the door.
Everyone else - I still don't follow basketball so have no idea who should be coach at AU. Whoever Jet says will be fine with me.
Anyone seen Chris Slaughter?
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of roundball, we're about to find out how good our baseball team is. The next month or so is chock full of highly ranked SEC teams. It'd be really cool if we could start making headway in baseball again.
ReplyDeleteAlways like to leave my audience riveted
ReplyDeleteI'm riveted.
ReplyDeleteI'm riveting.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about that ... Mongo's coming!
ReplyDeleteATL in the house....
ReplyDeleteCandygram for Mongo.
ReplyDeleteMongo only pawn...in game of life.
ReplyDeleteSorry for posting on an old topic, but I just read this from Barley: "Mike Shula -- that was the saddest day of my life when he got fired."
ReplyDeleteI know, it's Sir Charles, but "What the ..... ??????"
comm'r...
ReplyDeleteI took that to mean that Barkley thought we would continue to beat Bama as long as Shula was around thusly sad to see him go.
It was the saddest day of his life because he was AU fans' favorite Bama coach of all time. I cried a bit when they fired Shula.
ReplyDeleteGood point guys. He was probably laughing when he made the comment. I miss Mikey too in the same way.
ReplyDeleteSweet, looks like the games today will be streamed here.
ReplyDeleteSeanzie- Just for you, I'm sporting my vintage blue vodafone Man U jersey.
ReplyDeleteHey that's alright. We're still in the hunt. We're down 2/3 a game from Man U and Chelsea(as they have a game in hand) and we're in the QF of champions league.
ReplyDeleteMongo? Did someone mention Mongo?
ReplyDelete"We got this one kid, Mongo... He's got a forehead like a drive-in movie theatre, but he's a good ship. So we don't bust his chops too much. So, one day Mongo gets out of his cage...
Mary: They keep him in a cage?"
I signed on 10 seconds too late :-(
ReplyDeleteah THT, there will be other Beasley opportunities.
ReplyDeleteI would have cried had UA kept Shula....
ReplyDeleteCincy,
ReplyDeletethat is great news on your sister
And I was sad to see Shula go. You think UGA might hire him for a few years.
Time is running out... 2 hours til tip off.
ReplyDeleteIs everyone signed up for the Bracket Challenge yet? Tourney starts tomorrow morning! Everyone get signed up and don't forget to fill out yer brackets.
Go to the Tourney Pick'em on Yahoo Fantasy Sports...
Join a group and use the following to enter...
GROUP ID: 26461
PASSWORD: hatebama
Hey Miller is Jay in or is he chicken?
ReplyDeleteNot Miller, but Jay is in.
ReplyDeleteJay has graced us with his presence.
ReplyDeleteWe have 54 entries as of right now. That is down significantly from last year.
I'm disappointed in the turn out. I was hoping to get to 75 entries this year.
Thanks Seanzie and Miller. I think Auburn's bad season compared to last year is hurting this years participation. A lot of fans are not following Basketball as close. I never do but I enjoy being part of this bracket stuff.
ReplyDeleteI could do better by throwing darts at the bracket taped to the wall - but I'm in.
ReplyDeleteMy 4 yr old's favorite mascot is the Orangemen, therefore they will win it all.
ReplyDeleteFSJ - Your obsession has reached a new 'high' in 'low'
ReplyDeletethat is uber freaky
ReplyDeleteChris Low looks at our strength & weakness.
ReplyDeleteI think it says a lot that our weakest position is linebacker and we have 3 starters returning. That, coupled with an excellent group of new linebackers coming in, should work out well for us.
ReplyDeleteSince none of yall really know me away from this message board, if I don't post for about a month and a half without a farewell speech, then that means I am probably dead.
ReplyDeleteNorm...
ReplyDeleteThat was done without my permission. I have the Apple attorneys working on it right now.
Michael, if you don't post for about a month and a half, but we see another report of a leprechaun in Alabama, should we assume it is you?
ReplyDeleteOne other thing....
ReplyDeleteWhat was Sandra Bullock's husband thinking?
Steve - just play your leprechaun flute and I will come out.
ReplyDeleteYou think that thinking was involved, FSJ? I imagine the reasoning going through his head at the time was "SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX"
Yeah, dude seems to be pretty much a bone-head.
ReplyDeleteI mean c'mon, the private lives of Jesse James / Sandra Bullock really shouldn't surprise any of us. What's still bothering me though is what'n the world was Fatty Arbuckle thinking?
ReplyDeleteTyson seems to be pretty into pigeon racing. That is one weird dude.
ReplyDeleteEhyou,
ReplyDeleteThere is no team with the mascot Orangemen. Did you check Div II?
Go Mormon Cougars....I think I accidentally picked Florida.
ReplyDeleteFor those wondering, What Jesse James was thinking
ReplyDeleteWhat did James do? I can't look at YouTube at work.
ReplyDeleteCHB...
ReplyDeleteCliffs Notes: He cheated on Sandra Bulloch.
I'll take care of her.
ReplyDeleteHooray. Nortre Dame screwed up my brackets already.
ReplyDeleteWhy the heck is Robert Morris leading Villanova?
ReplyDeleteIf FL wins and Nova loses I am 0-3 already!! No good!
ReplyDeleteAnd where is Robert Morris anyway?
Florida/BYU in overtime.
ReplyDeletePennsylvania somewhere.
ReplyDeleteVandy winning early.
ReplyDeleteNova down 4 with 3 min to go...Gators just lost the ball, and quickly stole it back. 20 sec left in OT.
ReplyDeleteRobert Morris is in Pittsburgh.
ReplyDeletetied at 81. Time out.
ReplyDeleteBuffering. Dangit.
ReplyDeleteWe're at our second bonus game betweeen Florida and BYU.
ReplyDeleteFlorida tried to overthink it. Passed the ball around near midcourt trying to get the last shot, then panicked when it got time to set something up.
ReplyDeleteC'mon Robert Morris!!
ReplyDeleteThat's twice they've choked with the shotclock off.
ReplyDeleteand... C'mon Jimmer Fredette!
ReplyDeleteMy 'Nova feed just died.
ReplyDeleteFredette just waved at the camera from his back...ha.
ReplyDeleteFlorida's going down, methinks.
ReplyDeleteNova feed back....Bobby M up 2 with 1 minute to go.
ReplyDelete25 seconds. Nova and Robert Morris are still tied.
ReplyDelete.9 seconds. still tied.
ReplyDeleteBYU up 7 on Florida with 1:20 to go. Choked it away.
ReplyDeleteRobert Morris blocks the inbound shot. Overtime.
ReplyDeleteMurray State is hanging with Vandy 7 minutes into that game.
ReplyDeleteBYU up 9 with a minute to go in the second overtime. You can book this one as a win by the Mormons.
ReplyDeleteThe Mean Green are waiting for Florida to get off the floor so they can play K-State.
ReplyDeleteNova looks stronger now. Up 4 on Rob Morris in overtime.
ReplyDeleteBYU cheerleaders are not as hot at UF's. Oh well.
ReplyDeleteRobert Morris's Rob Roberson just fouled out.
ReplyDeleteNews FlashL BYU is very white, but they can ball.
ReplyDeleteBYU wins first first round game since 1992.
So, how's everyone's brackets looking after 2.9 games so far?
ReplyDeleteI'm 2.9 - 0 right now.
And my Murray St. pick is hanging toug...
UF should've won that game, though....twice. They lost based on inferior nerves and brains.
ReplyDeleteI apparently picked BYU, so I'm 1-1. Nova's gonna win, so I'll be 2-1
ReplyDeleteDang, Miller. Nobody can call you an SEC Homer.
ReplyDeleteND losing just killed my south region
ReplyDeleteI'd love for RM to win... it wouldn't hurt my bracket as bad as it would others... plus it'd be a good story.
ReplyDeleteI am no Homer... or Marge... maybe a Bart... but, not really.
ReplyDeleteThank Goodness I had Baylor going to the final four, or I would've had ND winning some more. Baylor's the only 3 seed I would've picked to have beaten them.
ReplyDeleteunder a minute. Nova up 4 and with the ball. Timeout Robert Morris.
ReplyDeleteMike Rice, coach of RM just earned himself a shot at a better coaching gig somewhere.
ReplyDeleteOne official called foul, the other called Jump Ball. Foul official layed the smack down on the Jump Ball official.
ReplyDeleteRobert Morris's coach is about to get T'd.
ReplyDeleteJay Jacobs, call this dude.
ReplyDeleteHoly Crap. Robert Morris is scrapy. Down 1 with 37 to go.
ReplyDeleteThat press and ensuing steal was a thing of beauty.
ReplyDeleteyou can see my live blog here.
ReplyDeleteMurray State up 2 on Vandy 4 minutes left in half 1.
ReplyDeleteFrom Down Town.
ReplyDelete9.1 to go. Robert Morris down 1. Nova at the line shooting 2.
ReplyDeleteThey make them both. Robert Morris has just under 10 seconds to tie it and send it to another OT.
ReplyDeleteshot at the buzzer clanked out. Close but no cigar. CBS guy says "They only lost on the scoreboard." Give them the Gene Chizik Moral Victory Trophy, Johnny.
ReplyDelete2 seed Villanova survives.
PF is on fire.
ReplyDeleteI bet that Live Blog site of PF's is chock-full of awesomeness.
ReplyDeleteDubai Hotties in the house.
ReplyDeleteI just clicked on the "boss button" on the CBS on demand thingy, and it managed to just completely freeze up my machine. If I really needed it, I would've been super busted. Fail.
ReplyDelete1-2 in my bracket world. Nova yes Fl. and ND no and Vandy is not looking good
ReplyDeleteSam Houston and Baylor are tied. Maybe I shouldn't have put Baylor in the final four.
ReplyDeleteBaylor is in my final four also lil' scared
ReplyDeleteI went from 0-3 to 2-1 with overtimes....much better.
ReplyDeleteI'm already hosed. ND lost, had them in 16. Vandy is down, I have them in F4. Villinova almost lost, have them in F4. UF lost to BYU, but I had them done in the next round.
ReplyDeleteUGA is rapidly doing away with their gameday atmosphere in response to some negative media coverage on the trash situation. They already have one of the most boring old crowds at their games. This will only increase that.
ReplyDeleteOops. link
ReplyDeleteYou had Vandy in the F4? SEC Homer.
ReplyDeleteSensi probably picked all SEC teams to lose in the first round.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete4.2 seconds. Vandy up 1. Murray State ball.
ReplyDeleteCHanging the topic, and this may get lost in the bball tourney, but I am hearning the recent suspension of a UAt player (do not recall his name) was for steroid usage. Anyone else hear that? Maybe be just rumor, but I stated awhile back that it looked like several players on that team were juicing it. I have been around the gym long enough to know who looks like they are 'on' and who is just genetically gifted.
ReplyDeleteVandy loses as ball hits the bottom of the net at the buzzer. Some weak defense on that last play.
ReplyDeleteMurray State immediately accused of juicing.
ReplyDeleteBald Murray State trumpet player in tears. It's pandemonium.
ReplyDeleteMurray State accused on winning on the court.
ReplyDeleteI'm genetically gifted, if you know what I mean.
ReplyDeleteYou're tall?
ReplyDeleteIt would suck to have had Vandy in the F4...
ReplyDeleteoh, wait... Sorry Seanzie.
On the other hand, it feels good to have picked Murray St.
bracket bust
ReplyDelete...and smart, Norm. Ok, maybe just tall.
ReplyDeleteLook at D. Miller! 5 for 5! Dangit, Vanderbilt! Dangit, Notre Dame!
ReplyDeleteAnd who beat Florida and Vandy in the SEC tournament?
ReplyDeleteMissState? Yeah they got screwed.So what?
ReplyDeleteUm...
ReplyDeleteIt's been a while
ReplyDeleteBOOM!!! Hosting con-call page flippage action goin' on up in here.
ReplyDelete