dead_poet wrote:
Probably. Rarely do you get anyone to speak on the record anymore, especially NFL executives.
Given the way it was written I think they're simply talking about Johnson's release/availability.
It's probably someone within an NFL front office that wishes to remain anonymous. The reporters grant them anonymity to keep them as a source for information. Heck, even Schefter or Mort don't use names. They all just quote "sources" unless it's a press conference or other public event.
I love angry Jim.
A source close to the situation said that was a glimpse into my "waited too long to eat lunch" state of mind.
I realize why they all want to be anonymous. I just think it's gone beyond being an understandable practice that protects sources to something that's become almost comical, mainly because it's so widespread.
For fun, I've decided to believe Zimmer himself was the source for this Tomasson quote and I imagine an exchange like this took place:
Tomasson: "Mike, are you concerned about Johnson after he had a down year in Tampa Bay?"
Angry Zimmer: "No, I know how to use him all over the #@*% field."