In an effort to defend his honor, ex-Lions quarterback Joey Harrington had a few parting words about his former team. QUESTION: Was there a moment when you felt that Coach Mariucci had lost confidence in you? ANSWER: There was an incident. It was about halfway through my third season. I went into his office to talk with him. I said, "Coach, I need you to give me permission to throw the ball downfield. To take some shots downfield. I feel like I can't." He said, "I don't know where you're getting that idea." I said, "You tell me every day if there's any chance of a mistake, pull it back, check down. I feel roped in. Let me take some chances." He stood up, went to his sink and started brushing his teeth. He said, "I've got to go do some interviews. If you want to talk about this, come back later." And then he walked out. I look back on that now and it seems like such a defining moment. But at the time, I was so focused on making him happy, on getting in his good graces, I just let it go.