IRVING – Marion Barber rarely speaks to the media. He opened up Wednesday.
Sort of.
The running back was fined earlier this week for violating the dress code instituted by interim coach Jason Garrett. Asked if those stories were accurate, Barber gave this response.
"I respect what you do," he told a small group of reporters. "Why would I cry about what you do? That's your job. That comes with the territory."
Does it bother him that the story was reported?
"By no means, that's your job," he said. "Why would I get mad at what you guys do? I can respect that."
You will notice Barber neither confirmed nor denied the fine. He was equally circumspect on the other questions he chose to answer in a session that lasted less than three minutes. Here's a sample:
Did it bother him not to start the New York Giants game?
"I have never cared about starting because I'm an unselfish person," he said.
So it was not a surprise that Felix Jones was on the field and got the first carry against the New York Giants?
"Can we talk about the future?" Barber asked. "The next game. The Detroit Lions."
Does he like the way he's been used this season?
"I'm going to continue to go to work, regardless of the scenario or the situation," he said.
Do you like how this team has responded to Garrett and the changes he's implemented?
"Yes," Barber said. "Positive change."
As one of the leaders of this team, do you have an obligation to help implement what Garrett wants done?
"We're all leaders on this team in our own way," Barber said. "Next question."
But do you carry more of a responsibility since your teammates appointed you as one of their captains?
"That's a trick question," he said. "Next question."
What do you think of Ndamukong Suh and the Lions defensive line?
"Who?" Barber asked. "What do I think of Suh?
"Well, like I said, I'm more so worried about what we do prior to the game and how we prepare and how we work and the line works and practice.
"Thanks for your time, fellas. Enjoy your day."
A sympathetic ear? Garrett isn't that far removed from his playing days. How that helps him relate and interact with the team may surprise you.
"One of the things that you have to guard against is having too much sympathy for the players," Garrett said. "It's hard, and it's going to be hard.
"It's a long season and we know that. The best players know that. You've got to fight through some things."
Garrett was asked what he meant by having too much sympathy.
"Sometimes it's easy to say, 'OK, I'm not going to run that last wind sprint. I'm not going to finish this drill,"' he said. "It's our job as coaches to make sure the players get pushed through those things.
Injury update: Cornerback Mike Jenkins said his neck remains sore from the injury that forced him to miss the second half of Sunday's game, but he was able to go through a full practice Wednesday.
Cornerback Terence Newman wasn't able to join him. Newman is still bothered by a sprained left ankle, but the club hopes he can work today. Linebacker Bradie James (knee) and nose tackle Jay Ratliff (calf) also were held out of practice.
James has been nursing a sore knee for the last month and sat out one practice last week. Garrett said he wasn't concerned about Ratliff's injury and that "hopefully he'll get some work as the week goes on and be ready to play for Sunday."
Defensive end Jason Hatcher also returned to practice for the first time since tearing his groin in the loss to Jacksonville. He was limited, and how he feels today will help determine if he'll be able to return against Detroit.
Dallasnews.com
No comments:
Post a Comment