TE Jimmy Graham, who hasn’t quite lived up to expectations this season, has reportedly been fined by the NFL for violating the NFL’s media access policy — meaning he has been avoiding the media.
#Packers TE Jimmy Graham, who had not spoken to reporters since Aug. 5, was fined $25,000 this week for violating the NFL’s media access policy. Perhaps why he granted an interview inside the locker room on Wednesday.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) October 26, 2019
(By the way, Ryan Wood blocked our Twitter account. Just a fun fact for our readers.)
Jimmy Graham was fined $25,000 for repeated violations of the NFL's media access policy. Graham talked on Wednesday after he received notice of the fine. Previously, he had spoken to reporters only once – on Aug. 5 – since the start of camp. NFL players… https://t.co/oAJWTAQHCJ
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) October 26, 2019
(Rob is a professional that doesn’t block accounts and also probably doesn’t even know we exist anyway.)
Graham currently averages around $10 million a year so it’s not going to put much of a dent on his finances, but that’s not really the point of NFL fines anyway.
Graham was billed in the past as a pass-catcher tight end(see also: Jason Whitten) at the expense of not quite being as decent of a blocker. Unfortunately for the Packers, he has not been much of either.
It should be noted that Graham actually did play a great game — perhaps one of his best with the Packers — last week against the Oakland Raiders. He had four receptions for a total of 65 yards and a touchdown. With the return of injured WR1 Davante Adams still uncertain, the team needs him now more than ever as a target for QB Aaron Rodgers.
.@TheJimmyGraham is on the receiving end of @AaronRodgers12's FOURTH touchdown pass of the day! #OAKvsGB | #GoPackGo https://t.co/YyJDFzEkKy
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) October 20, 2019
I’m going to go ahead and say that not only has he been a disappointment as far as production and expectations vs wage, but he’s also made himself out to be one of the weakest links in an otherwise solid and improving team half way through the season.
Lazard exerted more effort and physicality in one play as a big guy than I think I’ve ever seen Graham do for us, a reciever I know but comparison for size sake alone. Mercedes is cheaper and at least does exactly what we brought him in for plus has provided a few bonus key plays here and there.
Even with bad performances the team energy has been positive and people have been accountable in their interviews. It seems like a cohesive team that’s really building off one another. Seeing Jimmy not be part of it in any way just feels like another disconnect and loss for him. He’s the big acquisition at the tight end position and has a chance to show leadership there when everyone is questioning him but I guess we didn’t purchase that premium package.
If he talks like he runs, then I do not blame him…..
I think he has been fined for this in the past if I am not mistaken. I mean, I get it, I wouldn’t like talking to reporters either. The reality of the situation is we all have parts of our jobs that we dislike, but we have to do them anyways or we get fired most likely. Luckily for him he only gets docked a little pay. He needs to suck it up and just do his job.
The reality is he’s contractually obligated to speak to the media. More importantly (most don’t understand this) is that it is a slap in the face to the fans. That is who your hurting because those media interviews are intended for….(wait for it)….the fans?
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Some of Gute’s decision’s are highly questionable. I don’t know if Rashan Gary talks to the media. But then again, to be fair, i don’t know if any media outlet actually ask him any questions.
I get it, so fans can feel like we’re all on the same page. That said, it’s understandable that some are tired of being misquoted. I’m sure you’ve seen it. As a fan I’m SICK of hearing the same questions. Not everything has to be said. Some should think about their next question. If questions were asked that were less like a snotty kid that thinks they are immune to being responsible reporters and more like a well thought out question that doesn’t always make people think “that question should include a handful of knuckles with the answer”. Ask things you would ask to someone you respect. Players have a responsibility to answe questions, reporters need to be just as responsible asking. Otherwise Marshawn Lynch and his non answers are the right response.
Since Jimmys been payed over 20 million so far by the Packers, i doubt he gaf about 25 grand. Proof being, i’m sure he knew the fine was coming if he didn’t make himself available.