Marshawn Lynch did it again.
And again. And again.
Wednesday, he showed up for a mandatory pre-Super Bowl 49 media session rather than risk an NFL fine potentially in excess of $200,000. And just as he did the day before in what became a Super Bowl Media Day farce with his “I’m here so I won’t get fined,” the Seahawks’ individualistic star running back stuck to just one response.
“Y’all know why I’m here,” he said repeatedly.
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He sat there for five minutes through pauses and stares at all questions on a platform behind a microphone and in front of curiosity seekers eight deep around him at the Arizona Grand Resort hotel. Then he left.
In the NFL’s mind, that will suffice. The league is not going to fine Lynch for what he does or does not say when he shows up for these.
What it will apparently fine him for is wearing the wrong kind of hat.
ESPN reported the NFL is considering fining Lynch for wearing a nonauthorized cap to his past two media sessions that have had his signature “Beast Mode” logo on it. Never mind that cap is made by New Era, the same supplier of league-approved gear Seahawks and Patriots players are wearing this week. New Era is an NFL sponsor.
If this league obsession with sanctioning Lynch for everything but what toothpaste he uses seems ridiculous to you, you are not alone.
“I think sometimes we focus too much on the little details that don’t matter,” Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson said. “There’s times I don’t think he should be fined, that’s for sure, especially to the extent people try to fine him. That’s just my honest opinion.
“I think the guy loves the game. People love the way he is, and sometimes people try to take certain things away from people, the way they are.”
TURNABOUT IS FAIR PLAY
Another day, another incisive perspective from Richard Sherman that is bigger than himself, the Seahawks or the Super Bowl.
On Friday, commissioner Roger Goodell will give his annual state-of-the-NFL address in a press conference. Someone asked the All-Pro cornerback what he would ask Goodell on Friday if he weren’t practicing at that time.
“I would ask him why he doesn’t do this weekly instead of annually,” Sherman said.
That, of course, is a reference to the league requiring Lynch and all its players to be available to the media each week throughout the season. Inequity in the league has been a favorite topic of Sherman’s all season.
Sherman, 26, also didn’t rule out someday entering politics — yes, politics — after his playing days end.
“I’m trying to leave my options open there, but politics isn’t a bad way to go,” the Stanford graduate said. “There’s some things out there that need to be changed, and some things that I feel like I would be an asset.”
THE BEAUTY OF THE BYE
Every player on the 53-man roster fully participated in practice at Arizona State University. That included Earl Thomas. The All-Pro safety missed two practices for the first time in memory last week to rest the left shoulder he dislocated and played through. He has never missed a game since he joined the league in 2010.
“I’ve come so far,” Thomas said of the shoulder. “I feel so much better. Each day, it’s surprised me.”
Carroll on the health of the Seahawks: “We’re really fortunate to be this healthy. If we can make it through practice (Thursday), we’ll be in great shape.”
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