Well-played, Rod Marinelli

Remember yesterday when we lampooned a bit of the Rob Parker article? Yeah, well apparently that whole thing has turned into a huge media "controversy."

Rob Parker, a columnist for the Detroit News who made some national headlines for asking Detroit Lions coach Rod Marinelli whether he wished his daughter had married "a better defensive coordinator," explained his position Monday in his newspaper column.

[This is what goes for national headlines nowadays?]

Parker has repeatedly questioned Marinelli about his defensive coordinator, Joe Barry, who also is Marinelli's son-in-law. On Sunday, after the Lions lost 42-7 to New Orleans, Parker asked: "On a light note, do you wish your daughter would have married a better defensive coordinator?"

[That's offensive? Really? But I am just a sardonic nobody with internet access, what do I know? Let's see what professional journalist-types think:]

FOX television showed the question, prompting analyst Terry Bradshaw to say: "You're a disgrace to your profession, my friend. You're a total idiot."

[And if you were curious, yes, Bradshaw will do the entire pre-game show next weekend from atop his cross.]

Marinelli ignored the question during his news conference after Sunday's game. Monday, he blasted Parker. "Anytime you attack my daughter, I've got a problem with that ..." Marinelli said. "It was premeditated. I think there's something wrong with that." Did it cross the line? "Big-time," Marinelli said.

[I am REALLY hard-pressed to see how that is an "attack" on anyone. Lighten up, people.

That being said, I am pretty sure that Marinelli has actually crafted an ingenius plan of self-preservation.

Think about it. The Lions are one game away from becoming the worst team in the HISTORY OF PROFESSIONAL SPORTS. That seems like reasonable grounds for termination, right? So if you are Marinelli, why not distract everyone from your team's utterly woeful season with a completely fabricated controversy with the evil media?!? Not bad, eh?]

Positive Reinforcement = Proof of Professional Journalism

I was set to call it a day until someone sent me this article. Rob Parker of the Detroit News, you're good enough, you're smart enough, and dog-gone-it, people like you.

Rod Marinelli and I have a different relationship.

[(Cue wah pedal guitar riff)]

On the surface, you might think it's adversarial. He hates me and I hate him. In reality, it's one built on mutual respect.

[Parker and Marinelli are the Ron Burgunday and Wes Mantooth of the sports world.]

I respect what Marinelli is trying to accomplish as Lions coach....

[Really?]

During Sunday's postgame news conference... I attempted to lighten the moment in a tense situation and asked Marinelli if he wished his daughter had married a better defensive coordinator. Joe Barry, the Lions defensive coordinator, is Marinelli's son-in-law.

[Actually, that is kind of funny. I mean, what else do they have to talk about at a Lions post-game presser?]

Marinelli didn't flinch, he just ignored my attempt at humor and moved on.

[Mutual respect.]

Mutual respect.

[Exactly.]

Often, after some of the most intense line of questioning from me, Marinelli and I have walked off to the side and chatted.

[This article is now nothing more than the old "The Chris Farley Show" SNL skit. Hey, remember after that one press conference when you came up to me? That was awesome.]

Marinelli has gone out of his way several times to offer words of encouragement. A month or so ago, he called me on my cell phone and told me I was one of the best at asking questions and that I shouldn't change because I hit a bump in the road.

[Professional journalism: Because Rod Marinelli said so.]