Aaron Kromer: 'I Made A Mistake'
(CBS) Following a report that he broke down in tears Monday in front of the Bears offense during an apology for critical comments he made about quarterback Jay Cutler to a national reporter, offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer admitted Friday that he "made a mistake."
"I made a very poor decision talking about things outside the building," Kromer said. "I admit that and can't take that back. But I recognize I made a mistake and when I did, I instantly went right to the offensive unit, our group, and apologized to the offense, as well as apologized to Jay in front of the offense that he was singled out in the situation. I wish I wouldn't have made that mistake."
A few days after the Bears' loss to the Cowboys on Dec. 4, NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport said that Chicago has "buyer's remorse" over making Cutler the highest-paid player in the NFL with the largest contract handed out in franchise history. Kromer acknowledged to the Bears offense in an emotional meeting Monday that he expressed frustration to Rapoport over Cutler's play, but he "adamantly denied" he'd made the "buyer's remorse" comments, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Asked why he apologized to the offense, Kromer said, "I felt it important that they knew." If Kromer had stayed quiet, it's likely his link to Rapoport's report never would've publicly gotten out.
Cutler confirmed during his Friday press conference that he wouldn't have known Kromer was the source of the NFL Network report.
In this whole mess, Cutler came out looking like the most cool-headed, mature individual involved. He took the high road when faced with questions Friday, and when asked if he was angry he responded, "No."
"We've all made mistakes," Cutler said.
"I've said things out of character and things I wish I could take back. You know, that's what happened here. He apologized to us on Monday. In my room, the offensive room, it's a dead issue."
Cutler attributed the drama to Chicago's 5-8 that has left "no one happy with where we're at."
He also said he and his offensive teammates were "surprised" by Kromer's admission.
"He was owning up to it," Cutler said. "Everyone has made mistakes ... Not many step up and apologize and own it the way he did, and I think we left that meeting in a better place than we started.
"You could really feel he was sorry. The situation got the better of him."
After his apology Friday, Kromer largely deflected any other questions about the drama.
"We're going to handle this internally," Kromer said when asked why any player would trust him moving forward.
Kromer also wouldn't comment on how he expected his relationship with Cutler would be affected.
Later he added, "I have to coach Jay better -- I have to coach the offense better."
During the Monday meeting, Kromer also admitted he shouldn't have spoken to outsiders about internal issues, the Tribune reported. Kromer did acknowledge telling Rapoport that Cutler's inability to check out of bad running plays "absolutely killed" the Bears, the Tribune reported.
While Kromer made the Monday apology, one source told the Tribune that Cutler just "shook his head."
"All of us aren't above criticism," Kromer said Friday.
