This week,Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta went public with his frustrations about his contract situation with the team. In the midst of the final year of his rookie deal, LaPorta and the Lions have cut off extension talks after the two sides have reached a stalemate. And while his initial comments to the local media weren’t very incendiary, during his podcast appearance on “Pardon My Take” this week, LaPorta didn’t hold back.
“It’s disappointing that you go out there every week and you bear the risk
of getting hurt. Like last year, whatever it was, Week 9, Week 10, I break my fucking back for this team. And then I’m going out there this year, and I’m ballin’, and maybe they’re just not showing the love,” LaPorta said.
He later added that he’s happy to go somewhere else if Detroit doesn’t pay up.
“So I’m going to continue to do my thing and ball out, and in three months if I don’t get to wear the Honolulu Blue and play for the Lions anymore, it’s going to be all good. I’ll go get paid somewhere else. So, whatever,” LaPorta said.
LaPorta is more than within his rights to feel this way. And I’m sure a lot of people think he’s in the right to be frustrated given everything he has accomplished.
Personally, I think the more controversial topic is taking this grievance public. By saying this on a podcast, he is creating drama, distraction, and possibly frustration on both sides of the table. Maybe that’s the goal as a negotiating tactic, but he’s already taking a PR hit, with some fans angry over his attitude.
So today’s Question of the Day is:
Should Sam LaPorta have taken his frustrations public?
My answer: During a break in our Midweek Mailbag podcast, Erik Schlitt and I discussed this topic at length. You can watch that segment below.
In short, I’m a little torn. On one hand, I appreciate honesty. Too often, we get boilerplate, safe answers from players who are too afraid to say their peace, because of the potential backlash from the public. We get annoyed when coaches give us coachspeak, yet when anyone dares to say what’s actually on their mind, they’re vilified, too.
On the other hand, I don’t think much of anything was gained with these comments, other than LaPorta’s release of frustrations. I don’t think the Lions will take too kindly to these comments, so I reject the notion that this puts pressure on them to get a deal done. I think it’s probably a net negative for LaPorta, too. While he may have experienced some relief for finally saying what he wants, the public backlash is already pretty obvious. Just look at the comment section of our news story on the article, and you’ll find plenty of comments asking to trade him or accusing him of being unloyal, greedy, and tone-deaf.
LaPorta is well within his rights to say whatever he wants, whenever he wants. And, again, I admire someone who speaks their truth without being overly disrespectful—and I don’t think he went over the top here. However, I do think more damage than good will come of this.
What are your thoughts? Vote in the poll below and share your fuller beliefs in the comment section at the bottom of this page.
