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Rob Parker Rips Rod Marinelli for Hiring His Son-in-Law as Defensive Coordinator

Dec 21, 2008 – 9:24 PM
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Michael David Smith

Michael David Smith %BloggerTitle%

Last year Detroit Lions coach Rod Marinelli hired his son-in-law, Joe Barry, as his defensive coordinator, and the results have been dismal: The Lions are the worst team in the league with the worst defense in the league. But still, Detroit News columnist Rob Parker may have crossed the line in today's post-game press conference:

Parker asked Marinelli, "Do you wish your daughter would have married a better defensive coordinator?"

Here's what Parker wrote after today's game:
Defensive coordinator Joe Barry has been a disaster since being hired two seasons ago. Last year, the Lions had the worst-ranked defense in the league. They hold that honor this season as well.

You just wonder why Barry doesn't make any adjustments to his Tampa 2 defense in the second half. Where are the blitzes to pressure Brees? They never came.

Just like the defense. It never showed up, either.

As much as I think Parker is correct on the merits -- Marinelli shouldn't have hired Barry -- I still think it was unprofessional of him to use a press conference to take a pot shot at the Marinelli/Barry family. He should apologize.
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