Can these players just play, and get off the microphone!

[Gambit]

From Pro Football writers dot org

Players – Players must be available to the media following every game and regularly in person during the practice week as required under league rules and their contracts and as noted above. It is not permissible for any player or any group of players to boycott the media. Players with unusually heavy media demands must be available to the media that regularly cover their teams at least once during the practice week in addition to their required post-game media availability.

Other teams players don't seem to have a problem avoiding the media. And no. Players aren't compelled to talk to the media outside of an official event.

Look into the 2018 Media Access Policy specifically the last part of item 2.

 

[Gambit]

https://nflpaweb.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/NFLPA/CBA2020/NFL-NFLPA_CBA_March_5_2020.pdf

Page 289
ARTICLE 51
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 3. Appearances: No Club may unreasonably require a player to appear on radio or television or other news media (including internet and print)

Section 4. Promotion: The NFLPA will use its best efforts to ensure that the players cooperate with the Clubs and the news media (including television, radio, internet, print) in reasonable promotional activities on behalf of the Clubs and the NFL.

Section 6. Public Statements: The NFLPA and the Management Council agree that each will use reasonable efforts to curtail public comments by Club personnel or players which express criticism of any club, its coach, or its operation and policy, or which tend to cast discredit upon a Club, a player, or any other person involved in the operation of a Club, the NFL, the Management Council, or the NFLPA.

Page 335
APPENDIX A
NFL PLAYER CONTRACT
4. PUBLICITY AND NFLPA GROUP LICENSING PROGRAM.
Player will cooperate with the news media, and will participate upon request in reasonable activities to promote the Club and the League.

______________________________________

As shown above, both collective bargaining agreement and player contract language is subjective in how players speak with the media. Any player cannot pull a Marshawn Lynch and not choose not to speak with the media. The players' action would be interpreted as uncooperative and/or cast a negative light on the franchise or the league.

Some players are more than happy to carry on (sometimes lengthy) conversations with the press in order to promote their brand. The players get something back in return for going above board to give media soundbite material. It is a win-win situation.

That said, no player is forced to make, what is essentially sometimes unnecessarily explicit small talk, with the media. Blathering is a personal choice players make when a camera or microphone is in front of their face. Any implication that any player must talk with the media like it is a non-spontaneous, Big Brother, reality television moment is patently false.

I don't think anyone is suggesting that the players responses are mandated, rather their availability to be available to the media is.

I wish the tweets that are shared included the questions, it seems many think the players are just hopping on aic and going on and on. Sam's Micah and players with podcasts, the media time is not that. They are asked questions, usually with 10 phones in their face recording and they respond.

 

[Boyzmamacita]

I don't think anyone is suggesting that the players responses are mandated, rather their availability to be available to the media is.

I wish the tweets that are shared included the questions, it seems many think the players are just hopping on aic and going on and on. Sam's Micah and players with podcasts, the media time is not that. They are asked questions, usually with 10 phones in their face recording and they respond.

That's a great idea. Post the question and the answer. Like the old folks say, I guess it's too much like right.

 

[slick325]

As I said in another thread they take on the character of their owner. Bunch of loud mouths

The owner and his son have unfortunately been the people who set the tone and determine the culture of the Cowboys. Buying the hype and chirping for views/eyes is what is a priority in Dallas for years!

 

[DallasEast]

I don't think anyone is suggesting that the players responses are mandated, rather their availability to be available to the media is.

Both the CBA and standard player contract language clearly infers responses are expected from players during interactions with the media. Marshawn Lynch is an excellent example as far as availability is concerned. Lynch made himself available to the media. He declined to either respond to questions or gave extremely brief static answers. The NFL fined him for his lack of compliance.

 

[xwalker]

Thanks for being a supporter eagle lover

Thanks for the 3rd grader response...

 

[Gambit]

Both the CBA and standard player contract language clearly infers responses are expected from players during interactions with the media. Marshawn Lynch is an excellent example as far as availability is concerned. Lynch made himself available to the media. He declined to either respond to questions or gave extremely brief static answers. The NFL fined him for his lack of compliance.

Right, maybe I was a little vague. When I say their responses aren't mandated I simply mean the content that comes their lips. I agree, part of availability is actually speaking, but the verbiage, though coached and all players are required media training, is not mandated.

Yes Micah could simply say we are focused on improving and facing the challenges that New England presents. But those words aren't scripted.

 

[DandyDon52]

his statement is now up in the pats locker room >?

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

As I said in another thread they take on the character of their owner. Bunch of loud mouths

If that was the case all you would hear from them is Unnnn....Hmmmm...LIp Smack..babble babble babble Wink of the eye and smile.

 

[DStar22]

They are required to be available to media and answer questions.

It's mandatory. Can not be avoided. They are compelled to do this.

They will be fined if they fail to comply.

How else can this be more clear?

do they mandatorily have to spout arrogant , stupid things?

no. the answer to that , is no, they do not.

 

[Gambit]

do they mandatorily have to spout arrogant , stupid things?

no. the answer to that , is no, they do not.

That wasn't the title nor OP, now was it?

 

[leeblair]

All this talking, growling, warnings to the opponent on game week, just needs to stop! Our proof is in our play on the field. Better yet, it starts in practice! It's time for guys to lock in, step back away from the microphone and just play ball!! Please give your thoughts ..

That's the circus mentality that Jerry has established.
These Cowboys think a good soundbite is better than winning, and Jerry likes the advertisement.
It helps sell tickets.

 

[Buzzbait]

Maybe the Cowboys should be pioneers and say no more phones during practice or on team grounds. What you do in your personal time is whatever. When you're at work. You're here to work. It would also fall into line with the NFLs policy on gambling at the facilities.

I agree, but this young generation doesn't do ANYTHING without a phone! They can't drive a car without phones, they don't use the restroom without phones, I wonder if they perform brain surgery without phones. LOL

 

[America's Cowboy]

All this talking, growling, warnings to the opponent on game week, just needs to stop! Our proof is in our play on the field. Better yet, it starts in practice! It's time for guys to lock in, step back away from the microphone and just play ball!! Please give your thoughts ..

Brother, I've complained about these talkers, especially Micah, the past 2 years. I got chided incessantly. 2 years later, there are more players talking instead of executing.

 

[Cebrin]

Anyone else seen that Bill Burr skit about the angry guy in the bar watching T.O. on the news? That's what this feels like.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

From Pro Football writers dot org

Players – Players must be available to the media following every game and regularly in person during the practice week as required under league rules and their contracts and as noted above. It is not permissible for any player or any group of players to boycott the media. Players with unusually heavy media demands must be available to the media that regularly cover their teams at least once during the practice week in addition to their required post-game media availability.

This sounds about right......in other words, each team has to give media access to the tone/mode of the locker rooms. More times than not, that will be team captains, QBs and/or trending players. It's obvious media guys prefer certain players over others. Good example......last season when Dak was out several games, Zeke became their go-to player for the offense, not future HOFer Zack Martin. Hell, Bland led the team in interceptions last season and I'm sure I have seen more than a couple of interviews from this year and last year (lol). Also, notice how Parsons is quickly becoming their go-to player for the entire team......not Dak.

 

[Captain-Crash]

if you guys would quit posting what was asked and said, I like many more fans would not know what these children said. shrugs...*looks at my phone to see if somebody posted something on facebook* *checks Twitter while walking the dog* *checks phone while eating my steak to see if anybody said anything again* *driving home keeps checking my phone to see what was said on FB again* *carries phone into the bathroom to make sure I don't miss nothing while taking a shower* *gets ready for bed, plugs in phone and puts it close beside bed in case somebody post something new* *etc......*

​

 

[Proximo]

I’d honestly rather hear from the players and coaches than the talking heads on TV or fans.

Gives some insight to their mindset heading into the next game.

It’s also just the nature of sports media at this point. The Internet, social media, etc. it is what it is.

 

[Coogiguy03]

Brother, I've complained about these talkers, especially Micah, the past 2 years. I got chided incessantly. 2 years later, there are more players talking instead of executing.

Bro you're the man I swear, you know how it is though, we take heat for a lot of stuff, then it happens more clearer. I'm just glad we're able to think outside the box

 

[Coogiguy03]

Thanks for the 3rd grader response...

All because of your kindergarten response, you got the 3rd grade response, payback is a BEACH!!!!!