Tuesday, March 07, 2000
Bengals defensive end miffed at whining from teammates
Copeland happy Williams is back
BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The only defensive starter left from Darryl Williams' stint as the Bengals free safety wishes there were more like him on a team known more for whining than winning.
“We've had guys here every year, somebody doesn't want to play, somebody doesn't want to play. Screw that,” said defensive end John Copeland Monday.
“Don't come back then if you don't want to play. Let the guys that want to be here and want to play and win, let us go out and try.”
Which is why Copeland was delighted to see Williams back in town Monday to sign his three-year, $4 million deal. Copeland, a defensive end, played three seasons with Williams in Cincinnati before Williams left via free agency after the 1995 season.
“Darryl's a hell of a guy, one of the nicest guys I've ever been around,” Copeland said. “He's going to teach (the young secondary) a lot. Teach them how to be a pro. He's a true professional.”
Copeland is fuming over the public campaigns of wide receiver Carl Pickens and running back Corey Dillon to get out of Cincinnati. Copeland didn't appreciate Dillon's comment that he'll be “flipping burgers,” instead of playing here this season.
“That was an insult to me as a football player, as a Cincinnati Bengal,” Copeland said. “What I get from that statement is, "the guys on that team, they're not good to do anything; I don't want to play with them anymore.' That's disrespectful because I would never say that about somebody else.”
But Copeland is enthused about the recent signings that include Williams, Packers defensive end Vaughn Booker and Chiefs defensive tackle Tom Barndt, all projected to start.
“Darryl could have taken more money elsewhere, but he didn't so obviously he sees something here,” Copeland said.
“We're getting guys who can help this team and they're bringing in guys that have the attitude you need to win. It's just going to spread throughout the team and I think we're going to be OK.”
After passing a physical and signing his contract Monday, Williams had lunch with defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau before flying home to Miami. He would have liked to have played for the hometown Dolphins, but his familiarity with Cincinnati and the Bengals' interest and offer sealed the deal.
Williams smiled when told he's one of the few Bengals who left and didn't rip the club.
“It was a business decision when I left, and I understand it's a business,' Williams said. “I don't know if that's what's going on with Pickens and Dillon, but I see this as a good chance to play, and I liked it when I was here before.
“I guess I'm the old man,” said Williams, at 30 the oldest secondary player and second oldest defensive starter to Booker.
Williams has played in 125 NFL games, more than half of the total of all the Bengals defensive backs under contract. That group has 242.
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