Got a Question For New Running Back Ben Tate?
by Mike Kerns on Apr 26, 2010 7:56 AM CDT
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I'll wait while you get all of the man crush jokes out of the way...feel better? Awesome. Now, onto the business at hand.
I have talked to Ben Tate and his publicist and, as he promised if he got drafted by Houston, he has agreed to give me another interview for Battle Red Blog.
This is where you come in. Is there anything you would like to ask your future back?
I should be conducting the interview within the next couple of days and don't want to ask him the same stuff I asked in the previous interview.
So, fire away in the comments below and the BRB staff will pick the best questions for the interview. And feel free to ask as many as you'd like. The more selection, the better.
Thanks, BRB nation!
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So many glib questions come to mind
And that doesn’t even count the ones Kerns removes by ruining my mancrush jokes.
Okay, okay, I’ll be good.
What was the weirdest question you were asked in the draft interview process?
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
Just call me Hollywood.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Apr 26, 2010 8:22 AM CDT up reply actions
What's funny about it
Was I was like “I recognize that guy…maybe he is one of the Yellow Lot tailgaters…”
Questions
Have you ever played TE in your career?
What’s the over/under on how many times you plan to bury yourself in Anna-Megan this summer?
What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?
Which RBs have you watched the most tape of, in order to improve your game?
If I give you $3.50, will you punch Pancakes in the face?
→{follow-up question}: If I don’t give you the $3.50, how long can you withstand punching someone in the face whose voice sounds like nails on a chalkboard?
How do you plan to improve your WeightSpeed before the 2010 season kicks off?
If a train leaves Dallas at 9AM traveling east at 57MPH and another train leaves Nashville at 10AM traveling west at 64MPH, and these trains are on the same track, then do you have any friends that can make sure Jerry Jones and Bud Adams are on the trains before they collide?
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
by Shake on Apr 26, 2010 8:37 AM CDT reply actions 4 recs
Bury yourself in Anna-Megan?
…the hell is that supposed to mean.
Don’t forget to specify: African or European
by Kenny Larrey on Apr 26, 2010 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions
but african swallows
dont migrate so how can they bring me coconuts?
"Your mother is a hamster and your father smells of elderberries! Now Go away or I shall taunt you a second time!"
Go Texans!
Re: Anna-Megan
She’s one of the “writers” at the Houston Comicle. Here are her qualifications for reporting on the NFL:
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
I know who she is
She’s a really nice girl. Don’t hate.
by Kenny Larrey on Apr 26, 2010 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Would it change your mind if I noted ?
That her facebook page lists 2 children:
Diva Dot the Chihuahua, 2 years
Lucy Dot the English Bulldog, 1 year
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Apr 26, 2010 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions
And what that really means is I don't read the Comicle
Cause no one’s really qualified there outside of Lance and Solomon.
"Lord, beer me strength."
Oh well I guess that settles it
No offense but you guys are shitheads
by SpecialKCL66 on Apr 26, 2010 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
I rec'd this
Because thanks to the first 2 words in your message, I was not offended by being called a shithead.
And I always appreciate someone being proactive in regards to my personal feelings.
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
Well yeah.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Apr 26, 2010 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Shake I have a feeling you're about to get put in your place
Nobody likes the bitter guy who couldn’t get a prom date. She works very hard and does a great job.
by SpecialKCL66 on Apr 26, 2010 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions
re:
1. I had a prom date. She turned out to be psycho (not the good kind). In hindsight, it would have been smarter to have put a corsage on a sexy little bottle of scotch. OK then………just might have to give you credit about being bitter for this one.
2. Color me scared about being “put in my place”. Especially on the web. I pray I won’t lose sleep fretting over that tonight. Maybe I’ll call my buddy BBS to see how he deals with it.
3. Working very hard is an admirable quality in someone, and a trait that has seemingly tailed off among the general population in the past few decades. (But that’s a conversation for a “effects of pop-culture and the microwave on the most recent generations” thesis.) I’ll take your interwebz word that this is true regarding AMR. But doing a great job at the Chronicle is amazingly similar to doing a great job as a person (see how PC that was?) on the back of a garbage truck. You can work your ass off and do everything perfectly, but at the end of the day you still created a large pile of trash that looks and smells horrible.
4. If a person (AMR in this case) chooses to enter the public eye of the media, then they must have thick enough skin to handle being used in a joke from time to time. If that’s not the case, then I suggest alternative means of employment. Otherwise, it’s going to be a very long and stressful career.
****I also realize that there is a chance AMR does have thick enough skin to work in the media, and that you are a close friend/relative/stalker who does not have this trait. You also must not have had your AMR Google search-hits turned on back when DGDB&D existed.
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
by Shake on Apr 26, 2010 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Definitely just a Stalker
It’d be nice to be a close friend though
by SpecialKCL66 on Apr 26, 2010 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I'M NOT A WRITER
Shake,
I’m a blogger of fan topics as well as a video hostess. I’m not qualified to be a writer, therefore, I’m not one. I’m no longer a pirate, but I am going on my fifth season covering the Texans. Thanks for playing. By the way, find a picture that’s not from 2004. I’m much more boring as a brunette. http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=37509150&ref=profile
FYI – I’ve never been hit on by any player that I’ve ever interviewed. Now fans…you guys are a different story. Either way, to suggest that a rookie running back will “bury” himself is rather rude and wrong. I guess you can say whatever you want on a message board or blog. Be careful what you say when I’m around, though. I’ve been learning to box, and I’m really good.
Kenny,
I’m not always that nice. :-)
RiversMcCown,
My children, known as Diva Dot the Chihuahua and Lucy Dot the English bulldog, don’t talk back, and they are awesome. They do like to eat my shoes and my remote controls. Thanks for giving my little angels a shout out.
Stay tuned for stories (and videos) as we near the OTAs.
Later,
a-m
That's what's up.
by AnnaMeganRaley on Apr 27, 2010 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions 7 recs
Watch your mouth
My momma reads this message board, too.
a-m
That's what's up.
by AnnaMeganRaley on Apr 27, 2010 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Then she's familiar
with Filipino Tranny Porn?
"380 pounds of pure pirogi" ~ Cush
by LoneSpot on Apr 27, 2010 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Owned
and rec’d.
"I'm just looking forward to something great happening in the city of Houston" - Tracy McGrady
Still waiting...
by DreKeem on Apr 27, 2010 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
I think you need to change your signature
The something great happened – Daryl Morey got something of value in return for McGrady.
"Lord, beer me strength."
by TexansDC on Apr 27, 2010 11:39 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Not a problem.
Always fun when internet snooping goes rewarded.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Apr 28, 2010 12:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Ok
A) HOLY Dejesus Batman…
B) I totally sent a friend request to Ms. Raley, I like the fact of this bold Response to our shenanigans.
C) Even after the apparent disdain for being hit on by fans, If she comes out for the preseason game in Glendale I will have a sign that states Anna wanna go out for a drink or six?
D) Holy Dejesus Batman!
"Your mother is a hamster and your father smells of elderberries! Now Go away or I shall taunt you a second time!"
Go Texans!
Agreed
Anyone who can roll with the punches, so to speak, is hard not to rec.
"Lord, beer me strength."
for cereal..
i like this girl
"Your mother is a hamster and your father smells of elderberries! Now Go away or I shall taunt you a second time!"
Go Texans!
At this point
I’m wondering if anyone actually found the real question I put in there for Kerns. It’s like searching for Waldo.
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
FOUND ONLY TWO REAL QUESTIONS
Shake,
1 – I couldn’t find any mention of him playing tight end. His bio does not include information of his football career before high school, though. I’m sorry I can’t be as thorough as you need.
2 – The answer is zero.
3 – “What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?” is a line said by the Bridgekeeper in Shakespeare’s play, “Hamlet”. It was also spoken in “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”. I believe the correct response is: It depends on whether you are talking about an African or European swallow.
If you’re hoping the Texans’ second-round draft pick can answer that, then you’re not really a fan, even though Ben Tate is an intelligent athlete.
4 – Tate said on Sports Talk 790 Tuesday morning that he likes watching all talented running backs to see their different styles. I will find out whose film he’s watched. Again, I apologize for not having a complete answer.
5 – That’s an ignorant question.
6 – He does not decide how to improve his speed and weight. That is up to Director of Sports Medicine/Head Athletic Trainer Geoff Kaplan and his staff.
7 – Tate has a former college teammate who is also a Titan. He understands that rivalry. He will soon learn about the intrastate rivalry that exists between the Texans and the Cowboys.
I’m glad you had a prom date, and, yes, I have thick skin. I also have a baseball bat in my car.
Later,
a-m
That's what's up.
by AnnaMeganRaley on Apr 27, 2010 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
I like the task-taking
But why, exactly, would we as fans NOT want Ben Tate to be able to rattle off Monty Python shtick? Wouldn’t this make him amazing? I think so.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Apr 28, 2010 12:41 AM CDT up reply actions
What if question 5
Instead of Pancakes we change it to LDJA12. I know you work at the chron and all Anna-Megan and probably wont say how you really feel but Little Dicky Justice Age 12 is like egg salad gone so bad the mold forms a semi-sentient being. I know that at least 99.5% of regular BRBers would egg his house, or put jolly bologna on his car if they got the chance.
"Your mother is a hamster and your father smells of elderberries! Now Go away or I shall taunt you a second time!"
Go Texans!
or jolly ranchers on his windshield, and bologna on the paint of his car (fixed!)
"Your mother is a hamster and your father smells of elderberries! Now Go away or I shall taunt you a second time!"
Go Texans!
Thick skin or not...
based on your answers to 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7, you apparently have no radar for sarcasm or tongue-in-cheek humor.
" I'm hung over, my knees are killin' me, and if you're going to pull this shit, at least you could've said you were from the Yankees."
--Jake Taylor
by MDC on Apr 28, 2010 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Guess I should have typed faster
You’re always trying so damn hard to beat me…..1 minute on this post…..4 days in the late 70’s
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
Apparently, you don't either
MDC,
I invented sarcasm. I’m sorry you couldn’t tell from my post. I thought it was pretty clear, but, like I said, I’m not a strong writer. That was sarcasm, again.
riversmccown,
I like my favorite players to watch game film, not Monty Python flicks. I’d be happy if all players watched ‘Entourage’, though.
Taco Joe,
Should I tell Richard to park his car inside the garage?
You all have a wonderful day.
a-m
That's what's up.
by AnnaMeganRaley on Apr 28, 2010 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions
In a just world
There is time for both.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Apr 28, 2010 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions
"5 – That’s an ignorant question."
So you were being sarcastic, and number five wasn’t really an ignorant question? OH, THAT MAKES TOTAL SENSE. (<—That’s how you do sarcasm, honey.)
Maybe check this out, then try again.
" I'm hung over, my knees are killin' me, and if you're going to pull this shit, at least you could've said you were from the Yankees."
--Jake Taylor
Honey
Thanks for the link, baby cakes.
That's what's up.
by AnnaMeganRaley on May 2, 2010 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions
AMR
First, kudos to you for being a good sport about a joke. There are plenty of those who would have taken it much more personally.
Second, I have to say that you are obviously taking my questions above FAR too seriously. We have a lot of running gags around these parts of the web, and I hope you will hang out long enough to pick up on them.
-There was only 1 serious question….which was about the RB film that he watches. And if you have a method to follow up on this deeper than his current PC answer of “all the talented RBs”, it would be greatly appreciated.
-All other questions were a pure joke. Allow me to borrow your numbering system:
1) I know he was never a TE. But it seems that 90% (exaggerated) of our draft picks over past few years HAVE played TE at some point.
2) The answer was always zero. (unless you have a huge secret crush on Ben Tate…..) Was it crudely written? Yes. Were there any other ladies in the Houston Chron to use in this question? No.
3) Not really a fan? Seriously? So anyone who uses humor from Monty Python (be it a movie or the Flying Circus) is not really a fan? Again, I’m fairly certain that you are taking these waaaayyyy to seriously.
4) real question…addressed above
5) It’s only ignorant if you’re taking it seriously. Do I really think that a new RB in the NFL would risk an assault charge in order to make $3.50? No. Do I think that there needs to be some sort of drastic event to get decent investigative sports journalism in this city ? Yes. (And judging from another 13% circulation drop of the Chron, I’d say I’m not alone in this opinion.)
6) Again….running gag based on a story written earlier this year.
7) Maybe the only part of this one that was a joke was the word problem. Because I’d still like to know if he has any friends that can make this happen.
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
by Shake on Apr 28, 2010 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
WE NEED COUNSELING
Shake,
I’m just having fun with you. Are women prohibited from being just as sarcastic as all you fellas? I hope not. I will take it easy on you, Shake. I can tell you’re sensitive. :-)
But until you and I have resolved our issues, I suggest we see a therapist.
Now, can we please get back to talking about sports?
Later,
a-m
That's what's up.
by AnnaMeganRaley on Apr 28, 2010 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Damn
Your sarcasm is drier than {insert analogy here}.
So what’s your copay for therapy? I’m not sure if my insurance covers extramarital counseling.
Back to sports. How many dead kittens do I have to leave at OD’s front door before he signs his RFA Tender? Because so far, I can tell you that it is more than 27.
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
by Shake on Apr 28, 2010 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
on 5
if it was.pacman we could get him to do it for a handle of.boones farm
"Your mother is a hamster and your father smells of elderberries! Now Go away or I shall taunt you a second time!"
Go Texans!
Really?
I was always thinking he would be easier to bribe with some Mad Dog 20/20
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
Which ever is cheaper shake...
but honestly i do like mad dog, in fact i think imma go buy a bottle now…
"Your mother is a hamster and your father smells of elderberries! Now Go away or I shall taunt you a second time!"
Go Texans!
That term comes from our friends at the Phinsider (Dolphins blog obviously)
When a post receives enough rec’s, it is said to be “green’d.” However, the Phin fans call it goo…I’ve also seen slimed…..but they said it when we played them (the benefit of SBNation: You can cross-blog for games and learn a lot from fellow fans). Goo’d stuck, in part cause the Miami fans were such a great group of guys. So when someone goos something, they’ll say “Goo’d.”
"Lord, beer me strength."
Rec'd
For thoroghnessality.
"380 pounds of pure pirogi" ~ Cush
by LoneSpot on Apr 27, 2010 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd
For inventing a new word.
That's what's up.
by AnnaMeganRaley on Apr 27, 2010 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Excellent get
Again Kerns.
Questions:
1 How do you feel your skillset translates to the zone blocking scheme?
2. What current or former NFL running back do you model yourself after?
3. Do you have a preferred, ideally pithy, nickname for online posters to refer to you by? If so, do you have also have preferred nickname for use by active mancrush devotees who may or may not be tracking your movements at all times?
Jimbo you stole my thunder
my question was going to be,
“Would you rather Mashed by Tater, or just plain Tater?” I mean we are a bunch of rednecks to the rest of the country with our BBQs and lack of Glitz and glamour!
"Your mother is a hamster and your father smells of elderberries! Now Go away or I shall taunt you a second time!"
Go Texans!
Questions:
1. Now that you know you will be playing for the Texans in a one-cut and go type of scheme, what do feel most confident about going into camp? Where do you feel you will have to work a bit harder to fit into the scheme?
2. Can you please hurt Courtland Finnegan? I’m thinking maybe put your head down and run over him, stepping on his face as you head for the end zone.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
The ROSENFAIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKAKE-uq-8&feature=related
Okay, a serious question....
Ask him to talk about the Auburn/Alabama rivalry and talk about his new 1st rounder teammate Kareem Jackson from that rival school Alabama.
You might want to add that several of his new teammates are from Alabama…
Ask him about the Texans offense and how they were a primarily “passing offense/looking for rushing offense” last year. And, ask him about what the Texans coaches have told him about what they are looking for to improve the rushing attack.
Ask him to talk about how he can add to the team coming out of the backfield catching the ball in the flat or on screens.
Ask him to talk about where he thinks he is on blocking on pass plays. How much did he do in that situation at Auburn.
To finish the interview, ask him about his halfback pass skills…
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
by Rip Jersey on Apr 26, 2010 10:28 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I may come up with some more later but...
With two texans rookies receiving ROY in the past four years, despite them being defensive, does he feel pressure to maintain that standard or inspiration to bring one to the offensive side? Maybe I worded that question weird but anything along those lines I think might be interesting
by Albiceleste on Apr 26, 2010 10:43 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
ask
If he has talked to any of his new teammates and what have they been telling him?
apparently you are not a
Texans twitter tottler.. lol… not to dog you jrob, One of the guys is supposedly takin him out for food when he gets into town i think it is supermario
"Your mother is a hamster and your father smells of elderberries! Now Go away or I shall taunt you a second time!"
Go Texans!
I got some
Ben, what do you say to people who say your a more finesse runner than power even though you are 224lbs. Todd mcshay said you were 245 by the way
What about people saying you have small hands and that could lead to fumbling problems?
How awesome is it that you weren’t drafted by the raiders?
by AllenOU on Apr 26, 2010 10:54 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Questions...
I have only one…
Can I have those tickets? :-)
Questions...
I saw his Twitter update about Wiki-ing Houston. What’s he learned about the city that excites him most?
Which teammate(s) has made him feel most welcome?
Is he gonna wear 22? Cause I’ve done the mock-up on it already and it looks great.
I know he’ll say yes to both, but….will you win the Offensive Rookie of the Year (no Texan has won that)? Is he that missing piece from the playoff/Super Bowl puzzle?
"Lord, beer me strength."
VIA his twitter page
It appears that he will be wearing 43. I like it. Big bruiser number.
by Da babyfacedassassin Meco on Apr 26, 2010 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Ask him
What benifits he gained from playing against real defences in the SEC, vs some other RB that played in say the WAC or PAC-10?
You can't fix Dumb or being a VYFB
Questions
What do you think the split will be between you and Steve Slaton. Do you, like myself, think that the two of you could wind up having a similar DeAngelo Williams/Johnathan Stewart type carries-sharing arrangement?
Question
What kind of routines do you do to gain your explosiveness?
Question
“Does this dress make me look fat?” ok now that the mental image of Mr. Kerns in a Dress during an interview is over…
“When He gets his first check is he going to take any of the Vets on our team to Sea World?” I was thinking six flags but that would mean a trip to southern Oklahoma…
“Can he send me those tickets, and buy me some Southwest Airline tickets to houston?”
"Your mother is a hamster and your father smells of elderberries! Now Go away or I shall taunt you a second time!"
Go Texans!
Northern Mexico...
San Antonio has a Six Flags AND a Sea World. I just want to know when they’re here so I can do my best teenage-girl-at-a-Jonas-Brothers-concert-impression.
Maybe Kerns can convince
Ben to hang out with me and my friends out here after the first preseason game…
"Your mother is a hamster and your father smells of elderberries! Now Go away or I shall taunt you a second time!"
Go Texans!
Oh and btw
I knew 6Flags Fiesta Texas was in SA, I just didn’t know if it was still operating, being a Houston native and losing Astroworld to gangs, and lack of space to grow thought it might have happened in SA as well
"Your mother is a hamster and your father smells of elderberries! Now Go away or I shall taunt you a second time!"
Go Texans!
Ask him this:
Do you think you can fit into the zone blocking scheme? And why?
A statement to the players of the Jazz and Mavericks: Please stop flopping all over the court.
ask him
what he thinks when he see’s a rookie holding out of camp and causing unnecessary drama for the team over a contract dispute.
new to BRB, been reading the posts on here for awhile. I was formerly in the service and would come to you guys while deployed. Thanks for keeping me informed.
Welcome, FBS
Look forward to reading more from you.
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
he posted on twitter #11??
if so, how much did he have to pay apostrophe for his #? lol
There is a master key and a spare key for the office. Dwight has them both. When I asked, "what if you die, Dwight? How will we get into the office?" He said, "if I'm dead, you guys have been dead for weeks."
http://www.twitter.com/doobieman21
by chrisd21 on Apr 26, 2010 6:48 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
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