‘Regret’ Is Not A Word Known To Mike Ditka
In 1999, then-Saints head coach, Mike Ditka, and general manager, Bill Kuharich, did what we’ve all done: trade away an entire draft, and then some, for the draft rights to one player. Except, when we do it, it’s on Madden. Either way, 11 years later, Da Coach still isn’t wavering on his decision.
Whilst in Palm Beach, Florida on Thursday, Ditka told — *snicker* — attendees of the Palm Beach County Jewish Federation’s ‘Men’s Nite Out’, that he would “absolutely” do it all over again, when asked about his choice to bank their draft on one man. He then added, “of course, that’s why I’m sitting here, talking to you.” So, basically, Ditka is understandably grateful for the incident that spurred the end to his, admitted, “worst three years of my life.” NICE!
For the record, though, it’s more likely that the Saints’ 3-13 record that year was what really brought down the hammer on old Iron Mike. If you want to be specific, the trade wasn’t even all that bad. Sure, the team on the receiving end, the Redskins, got All-Pro’s Champ Bailey and LaVar Arrington out of it and, indirectly, the Broncos reaped tight ends Desmond Clark and Billy Miller. But, the year after Ricky was eventually traded, his replacement, Deuce McCallister, went to the Pro Bowl. And the Saints eventually rebounded to some alright seasons in the Jim Haslett era. Plus, it isn’t like the Redskins were propelled to greatness ala the Cowboys via the Herschel Walker debauchery. Or, the Dolphins, for that matter; Ricky’s first year in Miami was the first time they missed the playoffs after five-straight seasons of postseason appearances.
In less words: YOU GO, MIKE DITKA! Besides ‘Kicking and Screaming’ and, maybe, some other stuff, you have nothing to be sorry for!
