Last October I sent a letter to a local newspaper bemoaning the usage of former professional athletes as commentators and columnists, and, more specifically, that newspaper's occasional publication of a column written by former NFL player Steve DeOssie. I posted the letter here shortly thereafter. Recently someone, purportedly Mr. DeOssie, wrote to me- several months after I originally posted the page. Either he was doing a web search and came across my page, or someone is pulling a prank on me. Further clouding the identity of the sender is the return address, 'Fred Smerlas,' another former NFL player who is active in the New England sports media and a common guest along with DeOssie on an afternoon radio show in Boston. When I replied, the sender wrote me saying it was not DeOssie.

I am not sure what to make of the whole situation, but it is certainly worth sharing. Whether or not the message is from DeOssie, the sender's retort is witty and insightful. Behind the humor there really is an interesting opposing perspective. Here it is for your review:

From: Fred Smerlas
To: Scully
Subject: RE: DeOssie
Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2003 23:58:39 -0400

dan, this is not mr. deossie's wed address, so please don't ever write me agsin.

-----Original Message-----
From: Scully
To: Fred Smerlas
Subject: RE: DeOssie
Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2003 5:13 PM

If this really is DeOssie writing, I guess the fact that you get paid for your opinions and I have to pay a hosting fee to even have a website is the best way to get your point across. Either way, I will concede the fact that you may be more qualified to offer your views on football, but when I hear former professional athletes commenting on sports outside of where their experience lies, it rarely is informative or entertaining. The charisma and IQ thing I will not even touch. And no, I have to pay my own rent in addition to having to pay for the website, so you've got me there too.
-Dan Scully

From: Fred Smerlas
To: Scully
Subject: DeOssie
Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2003 02:37:23 -0400

Hey Dan,
Good stuff. You're funny. You should have your own column instead of your insignificant little website. Just kidding. Also I would never threaten to kick your ass. I would let my daughter kick your ass. As I once told Pete Sheppard I'd have to spot you 30 IQ points to even have a conversation with you. Is it that difficult to accept the fact that a former professional athlete is smarter and more charismatic than you are? As far as my mediocre 12 year NFL career goes, I am sure it can't possibly compare to your all too brief Pop Warner Football career where I am sure (as I hear all too often) some coach screwed you over or an unfortunate knee injury cut short what would have been a brilliant career. Relax.. I am just having fun. Keep up the web work and thanks for listening, watching and reading my work.