by Tony Farmer

04.18.06—Leave him be. Please Niner fans, leave Kwame Harris alone.

Recently an article from Scouts Inc. featured a quote from an unnamed offensive lineman from the 2003 draft class. When asked “Do you like football?” The player allegedly answered, “It’s OK. I mean, I am pretty good at it, but I have a lot of interests, too. A lot of days, when I am getting ready for practice, I would prefer to be back home playing my piano.”

Because of the overwhelming circumstantial evidence, 49er tackle Kwame Harris is considered by most to be the source of the quote. This of course is not sitting well with Niner fans who’ve watched Harris and their team struggle since he was drafted in the first round.

Nobody has come to Kwame’s defense in recent days despite the following quotes from 49ers fans on this site:

– “…Kwame has the potential to be a monster, but that damn piano distracts him.” – “Harris is a fucking pussy.” – “I’d rather have a piano blocking for Alex (Smith) than Kwame.”

And my personal favorite… (drum roll)...

– “I hope Larry Allen beats the shit out him.’

San Francisco is making a huge deal out nothing. If you have a problem with Harris not living up to his potential, that’s cool. So do I. But to blame that on a piano, is more foolish than setting your sister up with a Duke lacrosse player.
You know what though, maybe people are right, and Harris should find a new more masculine hobby. He could practice assault like Washington safety Sean Taylor. He could take up pumpkin carving lessons (if you know what I mean) from Ravens’ linebacker Ray Lewis. Or maybe former Packers’ tight end Mark Chmura can teach him how to rape young girls. The sad part of this whole thing is that 49er fans are acting as if Harris’ “crime” belongs in the same sentence as the others. It does not.

Because of the negative connotation, I know it’s hard to imagine a piano player enjoying going to war every Sunday. But the late Reggie White was an ordained minister and I don’t think you’ll hear packers fans calling him any four letter words.

Furthermore, let’s examine the conversation that supposedly involves Harris. A scout asked him, “Do you like football?” Ok, lets hold it right there. Can anyone imagine a professional scout asking a professional football player that exact question? What’s next, “Hey Kwame what is your favorite color?” I mean, I know these interviews aren’t exactly the SATs, but are these really the questions being asked? I think not.

The question and the quote were likely taken out of context. The original question probably was too. Considering the quote was from three years ago and this author likely has interviewed hundreds of other prospects, I find it hard to believe he still has a direct translation of the audio tape. What’s a more likely scenario? This scout still has the tape, he dug up the tape and transcribed it prior to writing his article, or he remembered it best he could and slapped some quotes around it. After all, there would be no harm done because he didn’t even formally name Harris as the player.

Even if it was a direct quote, nothing Harris actually said convinces me that his heart isn’t in the game. So what, he would rather be playing the piano than being screamed at and working his ass off at practice in 90 degree weather. Wouldn’t you rather be performing your hobby than be at work? I know I’d rather be throwing darts at my Terry Donahue dart board than be stuck at the office.
If Harris’ wasn’t a team player, then he would have put up fight when being asked to switch positions on the line. He probably wouldn’t have started all 16 games last season either. So Niner fans, I know it’s a tough time of year and a more difficult time in the history of the Franchise, but take a deep breath and leave Kwame alone.