I agree with you... but I'm also inclined to believe that this was a time that it cost BB or the Patriots. I believe that the media frenzy that ended up sending AB out of town was exacerbated by BB's style with the media. I also believe that the local media is enjoying the fact that the unrelenting media circus/spotlight shown on AB essentially is what forced him out. If BB was the type to offer to the media "hey, most everything AB has done has been related to his professional conduct. We've decided to give him a chance and let him decide if being in our organization is valuable enough for him to make different professional choices. We think most players deserve a chance to grow as professionals." I think a small portion of the frenzy goes away and it dims some of the bright lights on AB off the field - maybe he doesn't make the group text decision. In this case the local media did their "how dare BB not answer our questions", and the pressure just increased.Word.
My head coach is not exceeding polite to random people who have no ability to help him win and ask him questions that they know in advance that he won't answer. Why should we care about that?
If someone asked me to do shit for them at work--shit that they know that I won't or can't do--I would hope that they're not surprised when I'm rude to them. I will be, because they're being rude to me.
That said, AB is 100% responsible for his actions/choices, etc. If he keeps his social media mouth shut, he's still likely playing football in Foxboro. He gave the media the ammunition they needed, and got it with both barrels. I just think if BB is a different sort AB is still hanging on by a thread.
I also think BB treated the most recent sideline reporter the way he has treated countless others over the years. If she is a guy, there is no outcry - and it is sexism that people are trying to defend the poor woman (who has already tweeted a solid and professional response to the outcry) who BB was a meany to.
Note: to be clear - I don't care that that BB's style may have cost them here... I'm just thinking about the topic. I hope BB doesn't change a bit, it is who he is and watching the media blow their top that he doesn't bow down to them is part of the fun.