Marshawn Lynch will behave as he pleases as long as he is an elite back. Photo by contrastphotography.com

By TIM BLASCO

It’s no secret that Marshawn Lynch is not media friendly.

After the NFL threatened to fine him enough money to pay off most mortgages if he didn’t speak to reporters during Super Bowl week, Lynch showed up in unique (trademarked?) fashion with a single statement.

He said 21 times to every question “I’m here so I won’t get fined.”

He told every reporter at his riser that he was going to do that in the opening of his press conference.

Lynch sported a hat and bulky sunglasses. He sometimes smiled and at one point even chatted with Deion Sanders who stopped by for the NFL Network.

He almost seemed to have created a character that he didn’t want to break.

Like a bad actor in a poorly written soap opera Lynch poured out his one-thought lines. Unlike a soap opera though, Lynch’s press conference character made him even more popular.

America has always loved a rebel. With shows like “Dexter,” and “Breaking Bad” recently on top of the ratings. Americans now more than ever like to stick it to the status quo while seeming “untouchable” Lynch produced just that to the media. Pointing out that he had to talk to the press, but they couldn’t control his words. He simply looked, seemed, and was too cool for words.

But the act is getting old, even for some fans.

Taking a step back, one wonders what the long term effects of his actions may be.

Everyone remembers a time when they could have been less arrogant. Lynch seemed arrogant and approached the part of his job he doesn’t like with a character of arrogance.

We are in an era when almost three-quarters per of NFL players go bankrupt just five years after their playing days are over, its a good idea be professional with the media.

Media jobs after a long career are a good way to keep your shirt on. Most athletes can’t seem to keep their lifestyle up after retirement and Lynch is on the back end of his career. His antics although popular today won’t get his foot in the door for post-career media gigs.

The media is the message. Think about that. If Lynch wasn’t on a medium how would we know about him. Players who are unprofessional with the media aren’t just biting the hand that feeds them, they’re biting the hand while it feeds them.

Press conferences are in many player’s contract. At the Super Bowl it is mandatory. Most professional athletes understand that fans want to hear from them, sponsors want them to express themselves.

Unfortunately Lynch does not appear to be one of them.

http://www.wyattresearch.com/article/five­reasons­professional­athletes­go­broke/