Pat Hanlon thought he would have some fun Tuesday. The PR man for the New York Giants did a spin as a panelist for NFL Network’s coverage of Super Bowl media day.

However, it went bad for Hanlon. He suddenly got a taste of what it feels like on our end when we say something that ticks off an athlete. Or this case, a Hall of Famer, Deion Sanders.

This one played right into the wheelhouse for Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News.

Following Sanders landing an interview–if you want to call it that–with the elusive Marshawn Lynch, the fun began.

Raissman:

“Prime got him,” Hanlon said smiling. “Hey, they said Prime didn’t tackle anybody (when he played). Well, he just ‘tackled’ Marshawn Lynch… Sorry to bring that up. I’m a Giant.” While Hanlon was delivering the word, Faulk — who was taking this whole Lynch thing way too seriously — glared at the PR man.

A few moments later, Sanders was back on the screen.

“I’m about to go into Beast Mode (on Hanlon). Name one game when you didn’t see me (make tackles) — especially against the Giants. Show me the tape,” Sanders seethed. “See, I get offended when people say that.”

Hanlon did not exactly go Ralph Kramden, but he was looking for a way out.

“When I think about you, I think about you breaking (kicker) Brad Daluiso’s leg (in 1999) returning a kickoff,” Hanlon said.

“Let’s not get off the subject,” Sanders shot back. “Name me one game… One game when you ever saw me cost my team anything? That (Deion Sanders) hit reel is 59 minutes long. If you want to be the last minute on that hit reel, you can.”

Now, Hanlon’s weasel, er, PR techniques kicked in.

“We can replay the tape,” Hanlon said. “I didn’t say you didn’t tackle. I said THEY said you didn’t tackle.”

Later, Raissman wrote:

We will at least credit Hanlon and Sanders for carbonating a flat drink. The only thing better would’ve been Sanders coming on the set and getting in Hanlon’s face. Maybe they would have had to be separated — by Sherman. Now that would have been some smokin’ TV. And the confrontation would’ve also reinforced the NFL’s trash-talking, anything-goes image. It might have also led to new studio segments where the analysts are miked in the Green Room just in case any blood is spilled.

Make no mistake, Hanlon and Sanders saved NFLN’s media day telecast. Unfortunately it was held in New Jersey, so no one will remember it. The Giants PR man will. For his ability to glom the neon spotlight fits right in with words that will be etched on his professional tombstone.

“We got this PR motto,” Hanlon said. “If you can’t promote yourself, how can I promote you?”

Now that’s spin. Welcome to our world, Pat.