Tim Tebow's 'Crazed Fans' Hurting His Chances, Says Jaguars Legend Tony Boselli
Tony Boselli, former Jacksonville Jaguars legend, has argued that "crazed fans" and the media have created a "circus" around free agent Tim Tebow, which is making it a problem for him to find a new team.
"I like Tim and I think he's a great person, but if I were [in charge of] the Jaguars I would not do it (sign Tebow)," Boselli said in an interview on the Open Mike radio show. "I wouldn't do it because of the distraction. I'm not convinced either way on whether Tim could be a franchise quarterback ... The problem is people like this lawyer (John Morgan who wants the Jaguars to sign Tebow), the media and the crazed fans who are hurting Tebow."
Boselli, who played as an offensive tackle for the Jaguars between 1995 and 2001, refers to prominent Orlando attorney John Morgan, who launched a radio campaign trying to persuade Jaguars owner Shad Khan to sign Tebow.
Ever since the former N.Y. Jets quarterback was released from his contract in April, speculation has been rife with where, or if, the popular Christian athlete will play again. Although rumors have swirled around various teams that could be interested in offering him a place on their squad, albeit not in the preferred starting quarterback position that Tebow wants, nothing has yet materialized.
It has even been suggested that if Tebow fails to find a new team to play for, he might be offered an analyst opportunity with a major network like Fox or ESPN, where he will be able to stay in the spotlight.
Boselli insisted that the reason Tebow hasn't been presented a solid offer yet is because he might be seen as causing a "distraction" in the locker room.
"What team wants to bring a guy who's a developing player onto their roster when he's going to be a complete distraction – through no fault of his own – and become a disruption in the locker room? It becomes all about that – whether he (Tebow) is going to play, whether it's going to work – and the rest of the team is saying, 'We're trying to win ballgames.' I feel bad for Tim because I don't think it's all his fault. It's outside circumstances and people who are making it tough on him," the former offensive tackle said.
Tebow has built a large and supportive backing over the years, especially among sports-watching Christians who have been inspired by his proclamations of faith on and off the field.