JERSEY CITY, N.J., Jan. 29 (UPI) -- After answering questions for six minutes and 21 seconds during Super Bowl media day on Tuesday, Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch lasted fewer than seven minutes during a mandatory media session on Wednesday.
Lynch, who was wearing headphones and was visibly uncomfortable, climbed over chairs in an effort to evade reporters on Wednesday morning at the Seattle Seahawks' hotel.
"I appreciate it," Lynch said of reporters’ desire to speak with him. "But I just don't get it. I'm just here so I don't get fined."
The reclusive runner lasted six minutes and 47 seconds while sitting with fellow running backs Robert Turbin and Michael Robinson before climbing over chairs to leave. "Why you wanna block me in, brother?" Lynch asked Turbin.
Following the media day fiasco, the NFL indicated that Lynch might not be fined.
"Players are required to participate and he participated," league spokesman Greg Aiello told ESPN. The Pro Football Writers of America ripped Lynch for his media day snub in a statement on Wednesday.
"Several of our long-standing and high-profile members were appalled by Mr. Lynch's conduct and refusal to answer any questions," the PFWA said. "We find the statement that by the league that 'Players are required to participate and he participated' to be an affront to our membership. However, we are encouraged that the league will continue to closely monitor this situation."
[ESPN] [USA Today]
