The Harrington Family Foundation

ALLEN PARK -- It hasn't been a good bye week for the Detroit Lions (because of Charles Rogers' injury) -- and the previous four weeks weren't so good either -- so it's a good time for the players and coaches to get a breather.

As the players took a break from football this weekend, we gave quarterback Joey Harrington a head start by asking some questions that had little to do with football:

Question: At the Masters golf tournament next year, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are tied going into the 18th hole on Sunday. Who are you rooting for, and why?

Harrington: "Wow, I could really jump into this one. (Pause) When Tiger first came on the scene and was winning all the tournaments, I didn't like the way Phil reacted to it. The reason I'm hesitating is because I'm not sure that's really the way he felt or if that's the way the media portrayed him. He seemed to whine a little too much, as opposed to doing something to change it. Let's just say this: I like Tiger because he's a competitor. He doesn't blame other people for his mistakes and he doesn't accept finishing anything less than first. I love that competitive nature."

Q: When you play the video game "Madden 2004," which quarterback do you pick?

"I've never played it. I don't have time for video games. I just got the Tiger Woods game but I haven't unwrapped it. I haven't picked up a video game controller in . . . I'd say maybe one time in the last year and a half."

Q: What was harder growing up, football practice or piano practice?

H: "Piano practice. Because it didn't come as naturally. I always wanted to be out playing football and there was a period in there, from about third grade to seventh grade, where I had to practice (piano) for 15 minutes before I could go out and play. That's what I dreaded, it was a feeling of anxiety. But I was good at it, it was just a matter of getting in there and practicing. But then I wanted to get out there and play ball."

Q: If you could be on any reality show of your choice, what would it be?

H: "I'd say "Survivor" because I think I'd win it. I don't know if I'd have the most fun on that one, though. I'd outlast people, I would outlast anybody. I'm trying to think, which other shows are there? I'd have to say 'The Anna Nicole Smith Show.' "

Q: A few weeks ago, Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher brought socialite Paris Hilton to his game and had her watch from his suite. Which A-list celebrity would you like to be involved with?

H: "None. Absolutely none. You will never, ever catch me (dating a celebrity) . . . no, no. Number 1, I don't enjoy being in the public spotlight as it is. Then, to be paired with somebody who is constantly followed by the paparazzi - ugh, it gives me the creeps."

Q: "Monday Night Football" features players who are being musicians during their halftime show. Which musician would make the best NFL player?

H: "I'd have to say Boyd (Tinsley) from The Dave Matthews Band is pretty cut-up. Physically, he might be the best suited for it. But I think Billy Joel's got the attitude, he's got that swagger about him."

Q: You have a Golden Tee golf machine in your basement. Have you finally jilted your old favorite, Ms. Pac Man?

H: "No, it sits right next to it. I got 202,198 -- I broke the 200,000 point barrier a month ago. On Golden Tee, it depends on the course. It's not the 2004 (machine), it's an older one, right after they put "backspin" in. I shot 11-under on a nine-hole course and I've been 17-under on an 18-hole course."

Q: If there's one thing you could change about the media, what would it be?

H: "I think I'd run more positive news stories on the evening news. Here's my thinking: Remember when I came in last year (as a rookie) and said 'No negative questions.' Remember that? I wanted everything to be positive. When I think of the media, I think there's a definite . . . if you ask any pro athlete what they think of the media, they'll all have some negative thought pop into their head. I think that needs to be changed. Good, positive things aren't newsworthy and that's where my problem (with the media) is."

Q: Most single NFL quarterbacks spend their bye week in Las Vegas, South Beach or in the islands. What are you going to do?

H: "Who said I'm single? Just kidding. I'm going home to Portland. I'm going to see my family, that's the one thing I miss more than anything. I'm going to see my grandma. And my brother (Michael) is playing a home game in Moscow, Idaho (at the University of Idaho), so I'm going to go there for that. He's a sophomore quarterback and I think he's very good. Being with my family is the ideal situation."