Sports feeds
E-mail sports alerts
DDN sports mobile
Sports TwitterAnderson: 'It was time for me to go'
Longtime Bengals lineman cheers new team on, says he didn't help Ravens prepare game plan.
Monday, September 08, 2008
BALTIMORE — Former Cincinnati offensive tackle Willie Anderson is being called a traitor by Bengals fans for signing with the Baltimore Ravens.
The 6-foot-5, 340-pounder is a big man. He can take the criticism.
After autographing a three-year, $11 million contract on Friday, Sept. 5 — less than a week after the Bengals released him — he told the Baltimore media:
"They (the Bengals) didn't cut me because I couldn't play. They cut me because I said I didn't want to play there anymore. After 13 years, you get tired of dealing with non-football issues."
Anderson was deactivated for Sunday's game, but was on the sidelines in a T-shirt and shorts, cheering his new teammates, then celebrating a 17-10 victory. He'll wear uniform number 79 for the Ravens.
"I don't hold any grudges (toward Cincinnati)," Anderson said. "I said what I said. I was ready for a change. At this point in my career, the stuff I've done there, it was time for me to go.
"I've been here for a couple days now and this team has accepted me in like family. The type of game they played today, it's how they prepare around here. But the funny thing is, I know the Bengals prepare the same kind of way, too.
"This team just executed better and were a very physical team. The defense speaks for itself. The organization speaks for itself.
"I told the defense, 'I came here because I wanted to play with you guys.' It's amazing, first of all, seeing it in practice. It's amazing, too, seeing it in a game."
Anderson claims he didn't contribute to the Ravens' game plan.
"Everybody asked me, 'Well, how many secrets did you give them?' I said, 'Trust me, these guys already know (the Bengals).' The way they prepare. The way they're coached. They don't need my help."
