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OUTTAKES: ANTONIO GATES

Kenny inadvertently dates himself talking with the Chargers' TE.

by Kenny Mayne

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"Come quick, Antonio's about to have his Rod Tidwell moment!"

KM: How's your dislocated toe? Back in good shape?
AG: I wouldn't say good shape. It's just a rehab process right now for my foot.
KM: They had you on the physically unable to perform list. Is that insulting language?
AG: Well, a lot of people are on it.
KM: Did any male impotency endorsement offers come your way?
AG: Nah, most people knew about the injury.
KM: How do you get any work done in San Diego? The beach and weather are too nice.
AG: It's what we call being a professional.
KM: Did you watch the Olympics?
AG: I watched Usain Bolt and some hoops. And I got into baseball, the U.S. and China.
KM: Besides basketball, what Olympic sport would you want to try?
AG: Probably Ping-Pong. Me and a couple of the quarterbacks have some battles.
KM: What would be your worst event?
AG: Swimming. I can swim, but I don't breathe properly, so I get tired and fade fast.
KM: I have an idea: If a guy gets cut during camp, veterans can appeal. Thoughts?
AG: There'd be protests. For a team, it's never personal. But to players, it always is. If we don't like a guy, regardless of what he's doing on the field, get rid of him.
KM: Are you the owner of a clothing store?
AG: Part owner.
KM: Do you actually go in there and stock the shelves?
AG: No, I'm just the name behind it. The other owner is somebody I was in a relationship with. She does all the work.
KM: What's one of the most frivolous things you've purchased?
AG: I bought an old car, a '71 Cutlass. I didn't need it at all.
KM: Seventy-one? That's not that old. I guess to you it is. To me, that's fifth grade.
KM: Any reaction to Brett Favre's return?
AG: I don't think he should have retired. The physical ability usually gives up before your will. In his case, the will had given up, but his physical ability was still good.
KM: Would you like to have played with Favre? He likes his tight ends.
AG: Any man in football would love to catch a pass from Brett Favre. He's an icon.
KM: We talked a little bit about your other pursuits. Would you ever consider going on Dancing With the Stars?
AG: I'm not a bad dancer. Give me time, I can do some things. I just don't know if I have the guts to go on.
KM: So you're saying you might be physically unable to perform.


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