NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Coach Jeff Fisher lashed out at critics of the Tennessee Titans' dealings with Billy Volek, saying Wednesday that Volek lied to him and never took advantage of the opportunity to be the starter.
The Titans finally traded Volek on Tuesday to the San Diego Chargers for a sixth-round draft pick that could become a fifth-rounder depending on playing time. Fisher said Volek asked to be traded the day the Titans signed Kerry Collins late last month.
"I never at anytime in my career have gone into such detail (about a trade). But I felt the responsibility, as Billy felt he was thrown under the bus," Fisher said. "Billy threw this organization under the bus, along with a number of his teammates."
It was unprecedented public criticism by Fisher, who repeatedly has protected his players.
Volek inherited the quarterback job when the Titans traded Steve McNair to Baltimore in June, and Fisher claimed it was in the first week after Volek was made the starter during the offseason that the quarterback lied to the coach.
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| Billy Volek's exit from Tennessee remains messy. (AP) |
"He was untruthful with me, untruthful with his head coach, about where he was and what he was doing. So we started off on the wrong page there, and that did not sit well with me," Fisher said.
Fans have been vehemently critical of the Titans for not giving Volek the chance to start the season, and the team is 0-2 with Collins as a starter.
Fisher said he met with Volek in his office Tuesday and was told the quarterback had no hard feelings.
Volek told several reporters on his way to the airport that he received a raw deal and didn't know why he went from starter to third-stringer before the season.
"He felt compelled to set a record straight, which is not accurate," Fisher said. "His record and his comments were not accurate."
Fisher said Volek was told he was the starter and that Collins was brought in for his experience and to create competition with Volek. But Fisher said Volek came to his office and went to general manager Floyd Reese the same day asking to be traded.
The coach also charges that Volek never took advantage of his opportunities once told he was the starter.
