NFL teams shouldn't try to dictate coverage, and reporters shouldn't tolerate it
•Yahoo Sports
The NFL thrives on media coverage. It craves it. But plenty of its teams want to reserve the right to control it.
It happened on Tuesday, when Patriots coach Mike Vrabel made a surprise cameo before reporters. He made a new statement on a topic he'd previously called "laughable. " And then he took no questions.
When he was made available to reporters "on the side," the reporters were told to turn off any microphones or cameras. They were told to ask football questions only . One didn't, and Vrabel declined to answer it.
Another one tried, and V. P. of communications Stacey James intervened.
It's unacceptable. Vrabel is a grown man, 50 years old and entering his eighth season as a head coach. He can answer questions, on all relevant subjects.