The final week of the regular season has been defined by scandal within the New England Patriots’ building.
Star wide receiver Stefon Diggs is involved in an ongoing assault case regarding an early December incident. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore is facing charges as well for an alleged assault that took place in August.
With this story dominating the NFL’s headlines in Week 18, “Zolak & Bertrand” fill-in host Leroy Irvin was disappointed with the amount of time spent on the subject at head coach Mike Vrabel’s press conference.
“I’m disappointed in — let me back up because I’m getting emotional, let me get the emotions out — it felt like an email went out and said ‘do not ask me about my response, at all,’” Irvin said. “I’m not saying that’s the case, but it’s disappointing that no one was really specific and direct with him.”
Irvin said that he wanted clarification on Vrabel’s earlier week comments in which the head coach said that he “was not disappointed” in his players upon hearing of the allegations.
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The head coach has remained consistent in maintaining that he will support and believe his players until a final ruling is made.
“It’s not malicious, it’s not with like a salacious intent or anything,” Irvin said of asking about the charges. “That’s a fair question for serious allegations. Why didn’t anyone ask that?”
The host especially took issue with the softball question about scheduling Foxborough High School next season that effectively ended the press conference.
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“So nobody wanted to ask. Everybody is going to be all polite; might as well draw him a bath,” Irvin said. “It should’ve been a question! Ask the man a legit question! It’s in the news, it’s something the people are talking about… Come on now.”
