It is not in my nature to comment on a story by another writer. Nor am I known to actively defend a player who chooses to acknowledge or “attack” a writer. But in this case I simply could not resist as Cleveland Browns TE Evan Moore refuted an article by Robert D. Cobb.

Cobb, who is a writer for Rant Sports wrote an article entitled “2012 NFL Draft : Why The Possibility Of Taking Stanford TE Coby Fleener At #22 Is Bad News For Cleveland Browns TE Evan Moore” in this article Cobb outlines the possibility of the Cleveland Browns drafting TE Colby Fleener from Stanford. Cobb also goes on to outline his reasoning for the decision including the impending free agency of both tight ends Ben Watson, and Evan Moore at the end of this upcoming season (which was in error. Moore is signed through the 2013-2014 season) and also “Moore’s inability to stay healthy”.

Moore then responded to Cobb’s article directly via Twitter stating the following.

“Was just forwarded your article. I won’t be a free agent until 2014 and played in all 16 games last yr without a single injury.”

“This is probably why you have only 300 followers. Be responsible and do your research before speaking abt someone in a public forum.”

“I don’t usually reach out to writers but speaking irresponsibly abt injuries is just that: irresponsible journalism.”

Moore has played in 28 of the past 32 games for the Browns playing in all 16 games last season. This is an accomplishment which in itself is difficult for any NFL player, let alone a skill position player who is regularly in the trenches on the offensive line. Moore is a dynamic player who is capable of playing tight end, receiver, and although I do not recall an example, I’m sure he could also line up in the backfield as well.

But to me, this is not the story. The story is that Cobb did not let go writing another story about Evan Moore and his “exception” to Cobb’s article. Cobb went on to concede his error in regards to Moore’s contract (correcting it in his previous article) but defended his assessment of Moore’s inability to remain healthy stating that it was “common knowledge”. He went on to claim that Moore’s claim of “irresponsible journalism” was out of line.

I could only hope that if one of my articles prompted a response from an NFL player he would remain respectful enough to simply say “irresponsible journalism” and not call into question my mother’s moral standing. After reading this article I couldn’t help but imagine what would have happened if a player like Terrell Owens, Warren Sapp, or Chad Ochocinco had been the player in question.

If you are going to write your opinions for public consumption like we as writers do, it is a must that you do two “very” important things. First, do the proper research. There is nothing more embarrassing and “irresponsible” then to incorrectly report something that is not factual or potentially damaging. And the second thing is to make sure you have a “thick skin”. If you are in the business of writing your opinion, then chances are at least half of the people reading (including the subjects of your articles) will disagree with you. That’s just the way it is.

And if by chance Evan Moore should happen to be reading this then I say “Good Job”. I’m with you and agree with your assessment of the article. And you get extra bonus points for the way in which you handled yourself. The last thing that this team would have needed would be another Braylon Edwards opinionated rant.