Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch doesn’t like speaking to the media. That much is pretty clear.
Recently, Lynch answered every postgame query with “Thanks for asking.” After Saturday’s playoff victory over the Carolina Panthers, he changed his catchphrase to “I’m thankful.”
Reporters covering the team hate this. The NFL’s feelings were made known earlier this week, when Lynch’s appeal of his $100,000 fine was denied. But some fans and athletes can sympathize with a player constantly thrust under the microscope.
One of those in the pro-Lynch camp is Rory McIlroy, one of the most open, honest and engaging players in the world. He defended the bruising back with this tweet on Sunday:
Love this! Paid to play not answer questions “@SportsCenter: Marshawn Lynch after every question in his postgame interview, "I'm thankful."
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) January 11, 2015
That apparently touched a nerve with sports fans, who let McIlroy have it on his Twitter account. He responded with a reasoned, intelligent discourse on the relationship between athletes and media.
@ali24867 shouldn't put someone in an environment they aren't comfortable in. Luckily I am comfortable so it's not a problem for me....
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) January 11, 2015
@JournoMatCleary because we're good at it....
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) January 11, 2015
@JournoMatCleary people are interested in our sports regardless of media coverage. Media enhances it I totally agree with you there.
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) January 11, 2015
@JournoMatCleary but he has 50 team mates that can answer q's about the game. Media insist that they want him as its a bigger story. Unfair.
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) January 11, 2015
@Erin_Molan sport and media go hand in hand... Both need each other to maximise potential on both sides
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) January 11, 2015
I don't know ML but seems like he marches to the beat of his own drum, isn't defined by what other people think. I respect that in a person
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) January 11, 2015
Good stuff. But note to Rory: Please, for the good of our website, don’t follow suit!