Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell became increasingly frustrated with a reporter continuing to ask questions about tight end Sam LaPorta, prompting the coach to snap and ultimately leave the podium.
Earlier this week, LaPorta appeared on Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take" and expressed his frustration with the team's handling of his contract negotiations. LaPorta is in the final year of his rookie contract and will become a free agent after this season.
"I think the combination of getting your heartstrings twisted as well as the violent sport we play, it sucks,” he said on the podcast.
“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 [expletive] 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 on the podcast.
"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," he said, adding, "I'll go get paid somewhere else. So whatever."
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During Friday's Lions press conference, Detroit Free Press's Dave Birkett asked Campbell if he had any issues with what LaPorta said on the podcast, but the Lions coach defended his player over the situation.
"I know Sam. We all know Sam. And ... honestly, I don't even think twice about those comments because I know what he's about, man," Campbell said during the Lions media session.
Later during the press conference, Birkett noted that LaPorta delivered his best performance of the season earlier this month despite his contract frustrations. LaPorta recorded five receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown in the Lions' 45-21 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Oct. 11.
Birkett asked whether the team's "character evaluations" on players assess how they "compartmentalize" and deal with off-field aspects of the NFL.
"Look, things happen, man ... Look, I've said things that I regret rarely, but sometimes it happens. Sometimes you get in 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," he said in defense of LaPorta.
"You say something, and sometimes you get something off your chest, but yeah, we picked the guys for a reason, because we know their character and know what they're about deep down," Campbell said.
Campbell also referred to LaPorta as a "stud" who is going to help the team "win games," also referring to him as "an unselfish teammate."
"Sometimes things happen, things get said. It's all good, man. ... You can never take anything personal when you start talking about business," Campbell stated. "That's why football and business don't belong with each other, but it's the world we're in."
LaPorta was asked about his "Pardon My Take" comments later, saying he "felt bad" if he caused "any sort of distraction to the team, teammates, or the coaches," and that there was a "misconception" about what he said. He emphasized that he still wants to play for the Detroit Lions.
Later in Friday's press conference, Birkett attempted to revisit LaPorta's comments, prompting a frustrated response from Campbell, who quickly shut down his question.
"I'm not answering anything, Dave. I mean, 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," he fired back, then left the podium.
Campbell's frustrated reaction suggests he's eager to move beyond the contract controversy and keep the focus on winning games in the especially competitive NFC North. Right now, all four teams still look like they'll be fighting all season for playoff spots.
Detroit next faces division foe, the Green Bay Packers, on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 4:25 p.m. ET, followed by a clash with the currently undefeated Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 1.
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