Coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Commanders vehemently defended his part in the team’s acquisition of quarterback Carson Wentz before ending the press conference and leaving the platform.
The Washington coach remarked, “I’m sorry, I’m done” as he walked out from the postgame press conference after the Redskins’ 12-7 victory against the Chicago Bears on Thursday.
Several Violations Have Sparked Rivera’s Ire
Through most of his press conference, Rivera’s anger at several infractions and what he termed irresponsible play had him on the verge of tears.
And he spoke passionately about the struggles his team had faced throughout the previous four games, all of which had ended in defeat.
The most venomous criticism, though, was reserved for Wentz. On Thursday, ESPN claimed that owner Dan Snyder was the one who actively sought out Wentz. This previous winter, Washington made a deal for Wentz.
Rivera flatly disputed reports that the owner insisted they make a deal for Wentz. Rivera had prepared stats showing Wentz’s performance and placed him on a list of desirable quarterbacks to potentially acquire heading into the summer.
He has said that it was during the scouting combine in Indianapolis last winter that they found out Wentz was available. Two days after Rivera’s “quarterback” response to the question of what sets apart his rebuilding squad from the other three in the NFC East, the report was released.
Rivera Cited Those Clubs’ Lengthier Winning Streaks
Rivera clarified that he was referring to the lengthier tenures of those clubs’ quarterbacks. Rivera said, “Bulls—-,” in response to the widespread belief that he avoided interactions with Carson.
“When we were in Indianapolis, I was the one who got out the papers, analyzed the data, and viewed the footage. And that’s what gets under my skin because I don’t think the young guy is mature enough to handle that kind of treatment regularly.”
The press conference was subsequently stopped by him. Wentz subsequently claimed ignorance of the ESPN report but praised Rivera for his enthusiasm.
Wentz has praised Rivera as a great coach. “Playing in this league for a time has given me a great deal of respect for him, and now that I get to play for him, I have even more respect.
Having someone who isn’t afraid to say what’s on their mind and go right to the point is invaluable in the corporate world. Men like his honesty and find his speeches inspiring because of it.
He gets a lot of positive feedback from the male gender. I value his help very much.” Again, Rivera found himself fielding queries about his personal life. The report on ESPN explained in depth the owners’ dislike of Snyder.
Rivera remarked, “I’m trying to go over all the stuff that’s on the outside in terms of noise.” “Growing this team is my main priority right now. I’d rather not start talking about something I can’t change.
Nothing in that room pertains to me, and I have no say or involvement in it. As for me, all I ask is that we remember that. It’s challenging and challenging, but for whatever reason, we’re going to keep doing what’s exciting, and that’s playing football.”
During Thursday’s press conference, Rivera was unusually enthusiastic, pointing toward the locker room to highlight his guys.
“Give me a moment to say what’s on my mind,” he said. “If you lose four games in a row, everyone seems to have something negative to say about you, so the past few weeks have been tough.
Finishing Line
They’ve given it their all, truly given it their all, for everyone. They go out and do it, and they put in a lot of effort, you see? They keep their mouths shut, OK? They are constantly bombarded with negative information and must learn to cope.
I understand it, and I admire them for being able to shake off defeat and try again.” Since this was Rivera’s first victory as a coach in Chicago, his team presented him with the game ball as a token of their appreciation.
He has spoken about how his time as a Bears player (from 1984 to 1992) influenced him as a coach. He stated he got well wishes through messages and emails from old teammates before the game.
Washington wide receiver Terry McLaurin remarked, “We all know what this location means to coach Rivera.” “In large part, his time spent here as a player and the relationships he forged have shaped who he is now as a coach.
For our squad as a whole, it was a huge victory to come back and win under such trying conditions.”
