Allen Park — Here are six thoughts to end the week as the Detroit Lions prepare to host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Reflecting on and relating to LaPorta’s frustrations
I didn’t immediately write about Sam LaPorta’s comments on the “Pardon My Take” podcast for a couple of reasons, none of which were a design to ignore them.
First, I didn’t feel the heart of these comments were all that different from what he had expressed to a small group of local reporters a couple weeks back, although his tone was certainly amplified a bit because of the comfort guests often feel on that let-your-hair-down platform.
We already knew he was frustrated by his contract situation, he just said it with a little more bass in his voice. If anything, his closing comment on the matter, where he somewhat flippantly said if Detroit doesn’t pay him what he’s worth, he’ll go somewhere else who will, came across in a regrettable way. That was never going to land with a healthy portion of this city’s fan base. Detroiters want their athletes to be ride-or-die.
It was clear this was going to be a talking point throughout the week. But instead of writing a headline on LaPorta’s comments, followed by his coordinator’s reaction, followed by Dan Campbell’s reaction, and ultimately LaPorta having to address the situation again, I figured there would be more value in listening to it all and recapping my sentiments in this space, which is a little more informal and allows for some opinion.
As a refresher on where I stand with the negotiations, I’m in favor of Detroit awarding LaPorta the extension I feel he deserves, even if that extension makes him the highest paid at the position.