Madden 2010 "controversy"

In case you did not know, T.J. Houshmandzadeh made it public that he is boycotting Madden 2010. He is upset that his rating is not higher, specifically his speed and yards per catch.

Let me repeat this in case you were as stupefied as I was. A professional athlete was so in need of attention, he went to the media and told them he was upset with his rating in a video game. What made it worse is the media ran with it, reporting the "story" on several platforms.

A quick glance at Houshmandzadeh's stats last year should explain it. He pulled in 92 receptions for 904 yards, four touchdowns and a whopping 9.8 yards per reception. Those are not superstar numbers.

The former Bengal has an excuse though. The poor yards per catch and off year was a result of the offense he was in last season. He as playing hurt and his starting quarterback was out most of the year, but how can he be surprised his rating went down after a poor season? And there is that one really important thing to keep in mind. We're talking about a video game!

Houshmandzadeh then confronted the game developers on ESPN's First Take. He kept telling them how wrong they were, that it was not his fault, and that he will not play the game until they fix it. Then he claimed he did not take it personal. I'm going to have to call shenanigans on that statement, T.J.

As if having Houshmandzadeh complaining was not bad enough, First Take then let Dallas Cowboys' receiver Patrick Crayton question the game developers. He was not happy he was ranked an 86 or 87. Crayton only had 550 yards last year to go with four touchdowns. For his career, Crayton has never reached 700 yards in a season. And he thinks he deserves a higher rating?

At least Houshmandzadeh has been a top 10 receiver and pro bowler. I am not sure anyone outside of Dallas or fantasy football are quite sure who Patrick Crayton is.

Rickel's ratings:
Houshmandzadeh - 80. Would have been a 90, but he lost man points for making a big deal out of a video game rating.
Crayton - Who?

I'm a Man - Spencer Davis Group