Jeff Fisher: ESPN Asked Monday Night Coaches To Take Timeouts [Update]

Oct 19, 2010, 4:15 PM UTC

UPDATE: Apparently Fisher was joking about this widespread conspiracy. ... Or was he?

In the wake of Monday Night's Titans-Jaguars game, there was some criticism levied at Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher for allowing Chris Johnson back in the game. Johnson ripped off a 35-yard touchdown in garbage time, and some called it a classless move.

For his part, Fisher claims he was just playing by the rules. But whose rules?

Coach Fisher told the Tennessean that both coaches were asked to take their timeouts late in the game, as ESPN needed more network timeouts. Here’s Fisher’s in full:

My understanding is they needed network timeouts, and that’s why Jack used his timeouts. They came over and asked me to do it, but I said, “I was hoping to get a first down and kneel on it.”
It didn’t bother me at all. I believe that they asked them to use them. It’s the first time I’ve heard of it. I just said I would have a hard time using them, because I’m ahead.

A possible explanation after the jump.

You really thought ESPN couldn’t control the length of the games they broadcast? Open your EYES, man. The evidence is all around you! Step back from evergreens and take a look at the petrified forest. Have you ever looked at ESPN the Magazine under a black light? That sh*t will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. They’re playing with our reality, mannnn. It’s not crazy, it’s sports! But I didn’t even type that ohmygod ESPN is controlling my keyboard now oh no now they’re in my office Mike Tirico noooo--

[/waterboarded]

[/forced to watch Rick Reilly’s “Homecoming”]

[/becomes a Miami Heat fan]