Lynch's New Answer: 'You Know Why I'm Here'
By ROB MAADDI
AP Pro Football Writer
PHOENIX (AP) - Marshawn Lynch found a new way to say nothing. A day after giving the same one-sentence response at Super Bowl Media Day, the Seattle Seahawks' running back had another scripted answer to any questions.
"You know why I'm here," Lynch replied to every question except one on Wednesday. Lynch came out to a podium instead of his original assigned spot where a large group of reporters and cameraman had gathered. He stayed for five minutes before leaving.
The only time Lynch had a different answer was when he was asked what music he'll listen to pregame before facing the New England Patriots on Sunday at the Super Bowl. He said: "It's a new song. Marshawn. You know why I'm here."
On Tuesday, Lynch repeated: "I'm just here so I don't get fined" while talking to reporters at the US Airways Center. Some of the questions Lynch refused to answer Wednesday included:
- "Why do you have to be a jerk to all of us?"
- "Do you have a message for your fans?"
- "Can you talk about your charity foundation?"
- "Isn't this whole act a selfish move?"
In November, the NFL fined Lynch $50,000 for violations of the league's media policy in addition to collecting the $50,000 fine that was imposed against Lynch for violations last season. The fine from 2013 was held in anticipation of future cooperation from Lynch.
The Professional Football Writers of America complained to the league about Tuesday's session and Lynch had been apprised of a potential fine. A league spokesman declined comment.
Teammates continued defending Lynch, saying he's a different person off camera and away from microphones. "The Marshawn that we know obviously tries to be different to media," center Max Unger said. "Unfortunately you guys don't get a really good picture of who he is in the locker room and as a guy. He is the best. I think if you ask anybody in that locker room they will say the same thing, one of the best guys to be around. He has his own relationship with the media and you just have to leave it at that. He gets up there and says something and that's what the NFL wants. You can't regulate the quality of the response and that's the thing."