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Parcells apologizes for inappropriate reference
By STEPHEN HAWKINS, AP Sports Writer
June 7, 2004
Updated on Monday, Jun 7, 2004 9:43 pm EDT
By STEPHEN HAWKINS, AP Sports Writer
June 7, 2004
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Bill Parcells apologized Monday for calling the surprise plays used in practice "Jap plays", saying the remark was inappropriate.
The Dallas Cowboys coach was talking to reporters at the team's minicamp about how his quarterbacks coach and defensive coordinator try to outdo each other when he made the comment, an apparent reference to Japan's 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
You've got to keep an eye on those two, because they're going to try to get the upper hand,'' Parcells said about Sean Payton and Mike Zimmer. Mike wants the defense to do well, and Sean, he's going to have a few ... no disrespect for the Orientals, but what we call Jap plays. OK, surprise things.''
Akira Kuboshima, the editor of Japan's American Football Magazine who was in the room, said he wasn't offended but believed some people would be. He also said he was surprised more by the reaction of other reporters than the comment. There is a lot of chance for someone to feel offended,'' Kuboshima said. To me, it was no big deal.''
Cowboys spokesman Rich Dalrymple apologized on behalf of the organization, and Parcells later issued a statement. I made a very inappropriate reference, and although I prefaced it with the remark, 'no disrespect to anyone intended,' it was still uncalled for and inconsiderate,'' Parcells said in the statement. For that I apologize to anyone who may have been offended.''
The remark was only part of Parcells' 45-minute session with reporters, in which he also talked about the team's quarterback competition and some of the new players. After three straight 5-11 seasons, the Cowboys went 10-6 and reached the playoffs in their first year under Parcells. Still, he expects better in 2004. That doesn't mean we'll win more games,'' Parcells said. That just means I think from head to toe that we have a chance to be better.''
Wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, who had two of his Pro Bowl seasons for Parcells while with the New York Jets, came to Dallas in a trade with Tampa Bay. Vinny Testaverde was reunited with his old coach last week, leaving the Jets as a free agent. The 40-year-old quarterback will compete for the starting job with incumbent Quincy Carter and serve as a mentor to Drew Henson, who was added this spring after he quit professional baseball.
These guys that were here last year, they've already bought into it. From that alone, we'll be a better team,'' running back Richie Anderson said. We already know what to expect. He's not going to allow certain things to happen or go on.''
Updated on Monday, Jun 7, 2004 9:43 pm EDT