Lawrence Phillips: More than just an Athlete
Lee Zakow
Thursday March 15, 2001
Later, when Phillips became a Barcelona Dragon, we all saw him do the unbelievable, week after week. A man among boys. But that was Lawrence Phillips. He went low in the draft, and of course it was because everyone had the same concerns. But Barcelona coach Jack Bicknell took a chance because he felt Phillips deserved it. I talked briefly with Bicknell and he told me Phillips was basically a good kid who had been in some bad situations, but that he had cleaned up his act. To what extent no one knew, but this was World Bowl week, and Phillips had made it through training camp and the 10-game season.
We were also tipped off early in the season that the Niners were looking at Phillips to which no one believed. And we all know he was released by San Francisco. But was it a matter of bad chemistry or Phillips being a scapegoat for a pathetic running game? If you remember, the Niners’ QB situation was simply awful. Jeff Garcia hadn’t established himself yet, and the team was in a downward spiral.
He is a terrific athlete. If you look at his numbers at Barcelona, he got stronger in the fourth quarter. According to teammates, he avoided the temptations of Barcelona, perhaps one of the most party-happy cities in Europe. The Dragons stay at Sitges, a town below Barcelona on the beach, which is known for sun, sand and women. Now with the Bobcats, he’ll find himself at South Beach. What’s the difference? Not much. This isn’t Nebraska anymore.
But he will have a ton of questions to answer like: Why didn’t the XFL want him? Or did they? Or was it all smoke and mirrors? One thing they shouldn’t do though is treat him with kid gloves. At one of the World Bowl press conferences, we were told to limit our questions to him to certain areas. Look, he’s a player, subject to the same questions as everyone else. It’s up to him to be honest and give an answer or say he does not feel comfortable. Now, as for his performance in Florida, it should be a boost for the Bobcats both at the gate and on the field. And if Phillips can stay level-headed, who knows what the future holds for this talented back? I do wish him well, but with those possible storm clouds coming in, check the weather reports first.
Lee Zakow was a writer for ArenaFan Online from 2000 to 2001.
