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Phillips Delivers Big Hits As A Fight Analyst

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 18, 2007

For Tampa Bay, this weekend is all about fighting.

The Bucs are playing the Falcons in Atlanta, home of the world's most famous dog fighter. Tampa Bay is also fighting to stay atop the NFC South standings, while Coach Jon Gruden is battling to keep his job.

Staying with the battle theme, I spoke with Bucs safety Jermaine Phillips about skirmishes he has experienced, or observed, for today's Wide Right column. Phillips fought through my unlikely questions better than he smashes opponents.

Anwar: What is the worst fight you have ever been in?

Jermaine: It really wasn't a fair fight. I was in sixth, seventh or eighth grade. I got in trouble in school. I knew I was going to be in trouble when I got home. I was sleeping and was woken up by a belt. That fight right there, I definitely lost. That was the worst fight I was in. It was one I definitely didn't win and one I definitely didn't want to be a part of.

Anwar: Was the belt attached to your mom or dad's hand?

Jermaine: It was my dad's hand. I think it slipped out and the buckle part is what I got hit with and I was like, "Whoa." It was good and I definitely learned my lesson.

Anwar: Who would win a fight between reality TV star New York and Lil' Kim?

Jermaine: I like Lil' Kim. I think New York is a lot of talk. She really didn't handle herself well when she got spit on during the "Flavor of Love" show. She really didn't handle her business like I thought she should, so I'm going with Lil' Kim, especially since she's done some hard time. She's bout it, bout it.

Anwar: But New York did run after that girl.

Jermaine: True enough, but if she really wanted her, she would have gotten her.

Anwar: Staying with reality show "I Love New York," who would win a fight between former contestant Midget Mac and Gary Coleman?

Jermaine: If it comes down to being physical, I think it's going to be Midget Mac, but once it's all said and done, Gary Coleman is going to take him to court and be compensated.

Anwar: Who in your family would win a fight for the last slice of turkey on Thanksgiving?

Jermaine: That's a tossup. It's like in the NFL where we say on any given Sunday, anybody can lose. On any given Thanksgiving, anybody can win. I can't even give an answer that is worthy of the question.

Anwar: Will you fight the crowds Friday and Christmas shop?

Jermaine: My son is going to be in town, so I doubt it. It will be a time when he comes down here and he and my fiance and I get to spend some quality time together. I know he's going to be excited to come down here, so I'd rather spend my time with him than fighting with all the crowds in the mall.

Anwar: Who won the battle between Prince and Michael Jackson?

Jermaine: As an entertainer, it's definitely Michael Jackson. I've always liked Mike since the "Man in The Mirror" song, but Prince has been with Carmen Electra and Apollonia. ... I've never known a man to be able to wear heals and tight pants and get away with it. It depends on what you're looking for, or what the fight is.

Anwar: Who wins the "Parent of the Year" battle - Britney Spears or Travis Henry?

Jermaine: The odds got to be in Travis Henry's favor, so I'm going with Travis Henry. He has a lot of kids nine, and I'm sure he's a good father, if not to at least one of them. Britney Spears has way too much on her plate. I definitely wouldn't want her babysitting my son.

Anwar: What would happen if Travis Henry and Britney got together and had a child?

Jermaine: I think they would be on a deserted island by themselves where they didn't have to worry about anything, because every day would be something new.

Anwar: Do you think Michael Jordan should have fought to keep his marriage alive?

Jermaine: I love Mike. I could never say anything bad about Mike. He's going through it and it's going to cost him. They say it's going to be the most expensive divorce in history $150 million. Before he got in the NBA, he didn't have anything, so he knows what it's like to not have anything. I don't think it's going to hurt him when it's all said and done. I think you should always fight to keep your marriage alive and keep it going. ... People give up way too much and way too early. When it comes to fighting a little bit, they take the easy road.

Anwar: Who wins the battle for best hair - Al Sharpton or Katt Williams?

Jermaine: If I grew my hair like that and put a perm in it, mine could look good, too. It's not all natural. Nowadays, what they have in their hair, you can buy in the store for $99.99. If I had to go with one, give me Don King. He's all natural.

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