Davis on NFL talk: Basketball's my focus

BOSTON -- Celtics forward Glen ""Big Baby"" Davis didn't know his comments about wanting to play in the NFL had become such a big story in Boston.

Davis recently told ESPN The Magazine that, after becoming an NBA All-Star, he wanted to give professional football a try, given his gridiron prowess in high school. But informed Friday that the story had taken on a life of its own, Davis made sure to emphasize that basketball is his focus.

""I play basketball. There's a reason why I didn't choose football,"" Davis said. ""

[Michael] Jordan just decided to play baseball one day. But I'm here. It's basketball. That's all I'm thinking about right now.""

Davis endured some good-natured ribbing from his teammates, most notably Tony Allen, about his gridiron dreams. Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge walked through the locker room while Davis was talking to reporters and playfully shouted, ""You're not tough enough to play football.""

Davis played two seasons of high school football at the University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge, La., and drew interest from multiple Division I colleges, including LSU, where he ultimately accepted a basketball scholarship.

Injured in an off-court incident two days before the start of the 2009-10 season, Davis is recovering from surgery for a fractured right thumb. He shared some humorous tales about trying to function without the use of his natural writing hand, including the difficulty in getting dressed and signing autographs.

Davis did note that the extra work with his left hand might leave him ambidextrous when he returns to the court -- he's targeted to return to practice Dec. 1 -- and joked he'd be putting up ""Rondo-like layups with his left hand"" at that point.

Amazed that the NFL comments had become so popular, Davis wondered aloud whether he would get the same reaction had he said he wanted to pursue a career in table tennis.

Then he dropped the real bombshell: Neither football nor basketball was his best sport. He grew up a standout baseball player. Maybe he'll give the Red Sox a call after he conquers professional football.

""First base, third base, pitcher; I was a better all-around baseball player than either basketball or football,"" Davis said.

(Source:Bostonglob)

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