Talking to the media after loss is never fun but lately we’ve seen these required interactions boil over.
With the Chicago Bears at 1-4 and coming off of a loss to the Indianapolis Colts, it’s easy to imagine Bears head coach John Fox would be frustrated.
Well, Fox’s frustration was unleashed Monday by criticizing the media. And while there are plenty of times where reporters should be blamed for dumb questions and even dumber behavior, this freakout by Fox was unwarranted.
If you watched Sunday’s game in Indianapolis, you know one of the biggest plays of the game came when Chicago quarterback Brian Hoyer failed to see an open Alshon Jeffery in the end zone. Naturally, reporters asked Fox about this play Monday. He came back with one of the worst cliche criticisms of the media there is.
#Bears coach John Fox was asked a couple of questions about the team's final offensive play in the loss to the Colts pic.twitter.com/Ig3XpASFT6
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) October 10, 2016
A look at the play that caused Fox’s outburst. Jeffery looks pretty open but I’m eating some Ramen in a basement.
Jeffery himself was a bit taken aback by the play as well.
Alshon Jeffery sprints off the field. No hand shakes, no nothing. He did not look happy after that fourth-and-8.
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) October 9, 2016
There are plenty of times where reporters are right to be criticized by coaches. But this is pretty much Fox just bullying the reporters. These are legitimate questions, and as head coach, he has an obligation to answer them.
Thankfully, some media members have gone after Fox for his stupidity.
So strange to see a coach snipe at his local media with a lame, tired stereotype. Should be above this. https://t.co/OSflBKniFt
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 10, 2016
Besides refusing to answer the question, ripping reporters for sitting up in the press box and eating hot dogs is ridiculous. Yes, they’re not playing, but to anyone watching, it was obvious Hoyer missed the throw. How inquiring about that key moment transitioned into giving writers a hard time for eating free hot dogs is a poor reflection of Fox. You’d have to imagine that if the Bears continue to play like they have under Fox, it’s unlikely he’ll be many more of these media sessions as head coach of the Bears.
