Ohalete refuses to give #26 to Portis

[joecrisp]

I agree, Bunglehead. It's a pretty trivial thing to upset a teammate over, especially when you're the new guy on the team.

For his part, I think Portis has had a rather jocular attitude about it-- I don't think it's as big a deal to him as the press is making it out to be. I think Portis has just been having fun with it, without realizing the negative energy he's been putting out there by hamming it up with the press at his teammate's expense.

Ohalete doesn't seem to be taking this as lightly as Portis is treating it. Ohalete has refused to speak to the press, and obviously has rebuffed any attempts by Portis to settle the matter.

Portis needs to realize that egos can be very delicate things, and team chemistry-- especially on a team with so many new faces-- is easily spoiled. Clinton, accept your status as the new guy, the less-tenured player, and respect the status of the more veteran players on the team. If Ohalete wants to keep #26, smile, shake his hand, go find another number, and never say another word about it. We all know what a wonderful player you are, but we'd like you to prove that you're a wonderful teammate as well.