EVENT: Washington Redskins' quarterback controversy, the sequel to the sequel to the sequel of infinite sequels.
THE PARTICIPANTS: In one corner: John Beck, the interviewing legend who is stoked for his opportunity to have the opportunity to compete for the opportunity to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. In the other corner, Rex Grossman, the hyper-confident, if perhaps a bit delusional incumbent who thinks the Redskins will win the NFC East next year.
THE MAN MISSING: Unfortunately, Donovan McNabb will not be joining us today, as he is "ready to move on, and I think [the Redskins] are too," Grossman said. Grossman also told Kevin Sheehan and Thom Loverro on ESPN 980 that McNabb told him he didn't like wearing a wristband (though he didn't think it was a big deal) and that things got a little awkward at the end of last season.
"Near the end of the year, it got a little bit strained, I guess," Grossman said of McNabb's relationship with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. "Especially when they put me in. Some of the comments his agent made didn't really sit well. But for the most part, he's such a good person, so easy to talk to and such a good guy that in the meeting rooms, it was fine. It was more one-on-one meetings they had where they disagreed on some things. They kept everything behind closed doors between themselves, but in the meeting rooms, everything was fine."
For the record, Grossman said he didn't wear a wristband, though it helped that this was his second year in the offense. But no matter. We will just have to make do without McNabb.
THE BULLETIN BOARD MATERIAL: Looks like there's already been some chirping (ed note: not really, but roll with me here)! Here's Grossman on Beck to Kevin Sheehan and Thom Loverro on ESPN 980.
"He's not going to be perceived as a starter unless he says it. If he doesn't say it, nobody else is going to say it. I know that the coaches appreciate his hard work and think he's very talented, and they're not quite sure what he can do. This is the time of year that you prove or not prove that you can do those things."
BUT WAIT? WHAT ABOUT THE LOCKOUT? Lockout shmockout. Our event can still go on! According to Rex, he should be back with the team despite being a free agent.
"I'm assuming that's what's going to happen. I don't really know for sure exactly how this whole thing goes down once the lockout is over, but I want to be a Redskin, that's my best opportunity and I hope everything works out. I'm going about it assuming I'm going to be a Redskin," he said.
SOME FINAL WORDS BEFORE WE GET THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD: Beck already blathered on about his opportunity, so Rex, the floor is yours:
"I'm coming into the prime of my experience, and I know exactly what I can do, what my strengths are, what my weaknesses are and how it relates to this offense. I've played in a Super Bowl, and I feel like I'm so much better than I was then,"
Alright, then. You all know what time it is.
(Audio of Grossman's ESPN 980 interview is here).