Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell spoke to the media Friday morning for the first time since tight end Sam LaPorta’s comments went viral. During an appearance on the “Pardon My Take” podcast, LaPorta expressed some clear frustration that he hasn’t received a contract extension yet, after talks broke off a few weeks ago.
“I think the combination of getting your heartstrings twisted as well as the violent sport we play—it sucks,” LaPorta said. “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.”
Campbell was asked for his thoughts on the comments, and it’s clear he isn’t taking any of this personally.
“I know what it may appear like. I know Sam. We all know Sam. Honestly, I don’t even think twice about those comments, because I know what he’s about, man,” Campbell said. “And we’re all good here. And we’re not going to let this be a distraction. He’s not. We’re not. We’re all good.”
Campbell admitted they typically don’t want these things to bleed into the season, but said everyone involved is going about their business as normal.
“On the outside world, it’s a distraction. In this building, it’s not,” Campbell said. “This kid’s locked in. He’s been locked in all year. He was locked in when he came in on Tuesday. He was locked in Wednesday, I mean Thursday. He was locked in today. So he’s ready to play, and we’re ready to use him. He’s a hell of a football player.”
On the field, LaPorta is on pace to set career-highs. He’s currently fifth among tight ends in receiving yards (316) and t-fifth in touchdowns, despite playing one fewer game than most tight ends.
As for the specific comments, Campbell chalked it up to some pent-up frustration from LaPorta, and not a knock on his character.
“Look, I’ve said things that I regret—rarely, but sometimes it happens,” Campbell joked. “Sometimes you get into these spots, and you’re in a setting that feels a little bit more whatever. But it’s all good. That doesn’t mean that’s who the person is. You say something—sometimes you get something off your chest. But we picked the guys we picked for a reason, because we know their character, and we know what they’re about deep down. So, listen, man, Sam’s a stud. And he’s going to help us win games, and he’s an unselfish teammate, an unselfish player. Listen, sometimes things happen, things get said. It’s all good, man.
“You can never take anything personal when you start talking business. That’s why business and football, they don’t belong with each other, but it’s the world we’re in, and it makes the world go around for all of us.”
When asked if he believes LaPorta regretted the comments, Campbell had officially reached his limit on talking about the topic.
“I’ve answered this I don’t know how many times. I said I didn’t want it to be a distraction, and now it’s becoming one, because you keep asking these things. That’s why.”
LaPorta has not yet said anything to the media since his podcast appearance.
