Stallworth No Fan Of UT's Washington

posted September 19, 2001 - print me!
by Harry McCulla,

ABC26 - WGNO New Orleans
neworleansprofootball.com

It's game week in Knoxville, Tennessee. The big bad Florida Gators are coming to town, so is ESPN's GameDay with Chris Folwer, Lee Corso, and Kirk Herbstreit.

As networks will do, ESPN called me and asked if I'd interview former UT wide receiver Donte Stallworth for their show. "No problem," I said, "glad to do it. Send me a list of questions." They arrive via email. I head to Saints camp.

Donte Stallworth

The Saints finished their Wednesday workout. Donte' catches a few extra balls off the jugs machine, and he's headed to the locker room. "Donte'," I say, "GameDay would like you to be part of their pregame show for the Vols and Gators. Would you mind?"

Donte's face lights up, "Sure, but can I take a shower, I want to look good." "No problem," I say, "I'll wait by your locker." I'm pumped because Donte' is pumped. He's going to get national pub, and I'm going to make it happen. I'll be in with #83, and when we figure out his nickname, I'll be able to use it. "What's up Stall," or Dont, or D.S. or whatever it is. And he'll say "Not much, Mac," or H or H-Mac or whatever my nickname is. 

So Donte's is back from the shower, he's using Michael Lewis' deodorant, borrowing Jake Reed's lotion, and using Jerome Pathon's brush. (All the wide receiver's lockers are side-by-side, and apparently Donte's signing bonus didn't cover toiletries.) 

Anyway, he's ready. I'm ready. Roll camera!

Question #1- Why is the Florida/Tennessee rivalry so great? Donte' answers in no particular order. Big crowd, Spurrier, great players, tradition, national rankings, BCS, BS, and Jill Arrington on CBS. 

"Good answer," I say, as if I'm a member of Donte's family and we're there with fat Louie Anderson, playing Family Feud.

Question #2- Has Coach Phil Fulmer lightened up over the years? Donte' says, "yes he has, but not really." This time I'm nodding my head in agreement, but inside I'm saying "Huh?" 

Question #3- How good is Tennessee WR Kelley Washington, and can he be better than you? Donte's face drops and now he's the one saying "Huh?" 

Thinking I'm helping, "You know, Washington, that big stud that killed LSU last year during the regular season." Donte' needs no help. He knows the one, but he ain't saying nothing about Kelley Washington. 

Kelley Washington (left) and Donte Stallworth (right)

"They wanted you to ask me about Kelley Washington? I'm not talking about Kelley Washington. Any more questions on that sheet, that aren't about Kelley Washington?"

I look, "No."

"Okay," he says. "I'm outta here. Later." 

Now I'm bumming, because Donte's is bumming. And he didn't even say "See you later, H" or Mac, or H-Mac, or whatever my nickname is, when he left. So now it's time for research. Call up the internet, click on search, keyword "donte stallworth", 5370 results, and one answer to Donte's reaction to Kelley Washington.

Apparently Stallworth and Washington were "boys" a year ago in Knoxville. Scouts were saying they might be the top 2 receivers in the 2002 draft class. So they made a pact. Both Juniors were going to get agents and enter the draft. Stallworth did just that, but Washington crawfished. Washington figured that with Donte' out of the way in Rocky Top, that he'd get the lion's share of Casey Clausen's passes, rack up the stats, and move up to a big-money Top 5 spot in the 2003 draft. 

Stallworth immediately appealed to the NCAA to have his eligibility reinstated, but his request was denied because of signing with the agent.

But things have a way of working out. After his appeal was denied, Stallworth put all of his attention into preparing for the draft. He came to New Orleans, worked with Mackey Shilstone, and ran 4.1's and 4.2's in his workouts.  He was the first wide receiver taken in the draft. He signed with the Saints for $9 million dollars. He's been a TD pass catching machine in 2 games, and he doesn't have to listen to that "Good Ol' Rocky Top," song anymore.

Meanwhile in Knoxville. Kelley Washington has been sidelined with a hurt ankle. 2002 stats- 0 catches, 0 yards, and 1 less friend.

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