Breaking news: Baugh benched - DJ's Blog

DJ's Blog

Breaking news: Baugh benched

Posted on January 12, 2009 at 02:32 PM.

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With its season hanging in the balance, New York Gladiators owner/coach Dan Johnson has decided to shake up his defense.

Starting quarterback Sammy Baugh, who was also moonlighting as the team's free safety, has been benched on defense, leaving him to focus solely on his offensive responsibilities.

Baugh wasn't pleased when he heard the news.

"Sure I've had some bad games on defense but give me credit for busting my *** and playing both sides of the ball," Baugh said. "I don't mind splitting time with a guy but don't completely take me out of the game on defense. I still feel like I can make a difference (on defense)."

Coach Johnson said the reason for the change was two-fold.

"The first thing with the change is that we needed a spark of some kind," Johnson said. "Hopefully this will light a fire under Sammy and he'll come out more determined than ever to put up big points on the offensive end, and defensively, this should get everyone's attention that no one's job is safe and that the players that are on the field need to make plays."

The Gladiators, despite having a prolific offensive attack, are 1-4 and in last place of the Armchair QB's North Division.

"Hopefully this change will get us pointed in the right direction," Johnson said. "If we don't go on a run now, we can forget about the playoffs. I just missed out on the postseason last year in Nashville; I don't want to make it two years in a row I'm sitting on the couch early."

Johnson did concede that Baugh could wind up at another position, and perhaps even return to the secondary.

"Sure, he can always wind up back on D," Johnson said. "I haven't closed the door to that. We'll see what happens. I might have him take over the punting responsibilities, although I hope he's not used much for that."

The fiery Baugh wanted to leave everyone a message before ending his abrupt press conference.

"You can bet your *** that I'm coming out guns blazing the next time I'm on the field," Baugh said. "I'm going to put up so many points that coach Johnson has no choice but to reconsider and put me back on defense."