Marshawn Lynch is once again facing a fine. That has become the trend for the Seattle Seahawks running back as he constantly refuses to talk to the media despite it being mandated in his contract. Super Bowl Media Day was no different. Per NFL policy, Lynch was required to attend the event, but responded to every question with, "I'm here so I won't get fined." Now the NFL is thinking about fining the running back for that as his teammates come to his defense.
The Seahawks are used to Lynch's media antics. According to head coach Pete Carroll, the running back is simply a private person and does not understand why he has to speak with reporters around every corner. Lynch is one of the best players in this year's Super Bowl so naturally everyone wants to get his take on the game. Now Lynch's silent treatment has him facing even more backlash.
"You're seeing a guy being himself, and not being what everyone else wants him to be," Carroll said, via ProFootballTalk.com.
Technically, Lynch did not break NFL rules by his answers. His contract only states that he makes himself available to the media, but there is no language stating how long or what should be said. The running back could now be hit with yet another fine, something his teammates are trying to fight.
"I don't think they should be obligated any more than the commissioner is obligated to speak to the media," Richard Sherman said, via USA Today. "I think that if players are going to be obligated to speak to the media, then every one of the NFL personnel should be obligated to speak to the media weekly. It's unfortunate. I think that every team should be forced to present certain players. But, obviously, if someone is uncomfortable in front of the media and is uncomfortable answering questions and things like that, you have to find a way to accommodate that as well."
Doug Baldwin and Cliff Avril took the same approach as Sherman and simply defended Lynch's actions. The running back will be a critical piece to the team's Super Bowl chances. Russell Wilson admitted that he predicts Lynch could be the game's MVP with the way he is playing right now. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick made note that Lynch will be the best running back the team has faced this year and they must be ready to contain him.
