This is just a general LOL at no one in particular, but whenever someone (and I do mean anyone) has an opportunity for their comments to be quoted, it does not mean that someone must respond OR respond in a typical fashion.
Everyone who is aware of my post history knows how little respect I have for Terrell Owens the person. Even so, I remember when we played the Patriots in 2007 and how the media were picking at him to comment about his upcoming matchup with Randy Moss.
Usually, Owens would have followed the knucklehead, 10-cent head route and ran his mouth. Atypically, he did not. Instead, he posted a carefully worded response in his locker for the media to run with.
Even I had to publicly give him props for that move. No one has to give the media what they want simply because they want you to say something. Heck, if I recall correctly, the (old) CBA states that players must allow the media access to them after games, etc. However, it does not make it mandatory for how a player responds to the media--as long as that response or non-response does not reflect badly on the league.
All-in-all, Chris Cooley can say whatever the hell he wants to say (*quote material*), but must he say everything he wants to? Of course not.
Did he have to say this? Nope. Did he choose to? Yep. Hopefully, that choice will come back and bite him in the nether regions November 20 at noon on FOX.