After his comments in “Pardon My Take” blew up, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta met with the media Friday afternoon to clarify and expand on his thoughts, as he continues to pursue a long-term deal in Detroit.
Here is a full transcript of his session, with media questions paraphrased.
What was your reaction to how people received your comments?
“I feel bad if there was any kind of distraction to the team or my teammates or the coaches. But I think maybe there was a misconception with, I guess, my intentions: I want to play for this team. I give everything I have. My teammates do too. They all love me and respect me and support me. And they want to see me happy and paid.”
Where does your frustration come from?
“I guess I wouldn’t expect anyone else to really care, but, emotionally, for me and my family, it’s an important thing for us. We want to have stability. We’re excited; in the next few months, me and my wife are going to have our first child. We’re going to welcome our baby girl into the world. in the Detroit metropolitan area. We want to be here with the Lions.
“And I guess that makes me emotional, but overall it’s really a business. And you have to respect what the front office does, because they’re the ones calling the shots. They’re the ones who brought me in. This is my first team. They’ve done nothing but support me and support my career.”
How do you compartmentalize contract negotiations and play?
“I guess you learn early in your career that you’re employed and you’re paid to do a good job for this team, and if you don’t do a good job, you won’t be here.”
Do you regret that emotional comments came out in the middle of business?
“I don’t know if I regret it. I don’t expect other people to understand. We’re very lucky. I’m getting millions of dollars this year. So you have to take it with a grain of salt. It comes from wanting security for myself and my family, but also when I think about other people in the league, I feel like I’m doing just as good a job, if not better. And I want to get paid like those guys.”
Any updates/progress in discussions?
“Um, no. I don’t think so.”
Do you use these frustrations to fuel your game?
“I don’t think so. I haven’t really changed the way I prepare. I’m going to give it my all every week. Starting this weekend, a huge game is coming up. I’m trying to take the lead in the division, make it 1-0. See what we can do there.”
Did you expect the comments to explode?
“I think the media will always take small stories and turn them into big ones. And when they put comments together, everything can seem harder or bigger than reality really is. I’m one person in a huge cog, a huge machine in this building, and I want to continue to do my part, and I hope something happens soon.”
Where are the frustrations with negotiations? Not enough money? Guarantees?
“I don’t know if I want to elaborate on that, because we could be here all day. (I’m talking about it) with my agent.”
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