Media Week Recap: Five Conclusions

(standingosports.com)

After three straight days of live media coverage, we take a look back at what we have learned

1. Marshawn Lynch made his statement

His resistance to the media took on new meaning this week, as the Seahawks' running back spent two days reciting single answers-- "I'm just here so I don't get fined" and "You know why I'm here"-- before breaking his stonewall on Thursday to offer an opinion on the media and on the things he values in life.

"I don’t know what story you are trying to get out of me. I don’t know what image y’all are trying to portray of me. But it don’t matter what y’all think, what y’all say about me. Because when I go home at night, the same people I look in the face — my family — that I love, that’s all that really matters to me."

Touching as his opening statement was, it is doubtful whether the league office was moved toward anything other than an inclination to punish Lynch for his non-cooperation and for his deliberate flaunting of his own brand of "Beast Mode" hats. He wore the "unsponsored brand" at every appearance, despite the threats from the league to fine him, and when asked about the hats, he adjusted it to make the logo visible and mentioned you could find them online.

(thebiglead.com)

2. Russell Wilson is a good guy

The Seahawks' quarterback took him time at the podium to answer plenty of questions about football and speak openly about his faith. There may not be a better character for the NFL today, as Wilson is humble, well-spoken, and volunteers every Tuesday at a children's hospital in Seattle. Above all, Wilson is the epitome of a team-player, and a leader from the front. 

"I'm just grateful to be here, man," he said. "The best thing that we've learned is the selflessness, and playing for one another. That's the greatest thing you can learn in life, its doing things for others... We play for each other."

It is no surprise that his teammates wholeheartedly agree and echo their quarterback's sentiments on many levels. 

(bostonherald.com)

3. Stephen A. Smith believes the media is infallible

The co-star of ESPN's First Take felt pretty strongly that Marshawn Lynch had an obligation to speak to the media-- a topic that has caused much discussion across the airwaves. Arian Foster did not agree with him, however, and had no qualms about speaking his mind. 

"I've never seen anybody show up to see players talk. I've never seen anybody get a contract because they're really good in the media," said the Texans running back before Smith interrupted to prevent losing any more ground. Smith then backpedaled and pandered to the players before again trying to make his point. 

"So in other words," Smith said, adding his own to Fosters' "You have no problem with him getting away with something that other players wouldn't get away with."

"Let's rephrase that," Foster quickly corrected. "'Getting away' is a terrible way to phrase that." He then went on to ask Stephen A. if he would prefer to her the glittering generalities instead of a real answer when a player actually felt like talking. 

"I don't even wanna hear that junk anymore," said Foster. "It's getting old... I'd rather hear a players's honest opinion, i.e. Richard Sherman, than a cliche montage of nonsense, which is what it really is." 

Stephen A. then tried again to salvage his argument, but the will of God intervened and spared us from hearing any more banter on the issue. 

4. Matt Damon deflated the footballs

Jimmy Kimmel asked some of his friends to share their theories on the deflated footballs and received a lot of enthusiasm in response. In fact, he received multiple confessions to perpetrating the act, and it seems Tom Brady's* name is cleared once and for all... 

Watch the video here.

5. Nothing brings two rivals together like Mario Kart

Conan aired a clip this week in which he joined Lynch and Patriots* tight end Rob Gronkowski in Phoenix for the only game that matters... Mortal Kombat. 

The clip has multiple highlights, including Lynch teaching Conan to grab his nuts, and Gronk making using a statue's open mouth to.. Well, just check out the video here.