The New York Giants did not play well Sunday in a 28-6 season-opening loss to the Minnesota Vikings. There was plenty of blame to spread around, including the team’s inability to pressure Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold.
However, Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux did not want to address that subject.
Thibodeaux met with the media in the locker room, and ESPN’s Jordan Raanan asked, “You know that a lot is on you and the pass rush up front, that’s what this team is supposed to be built on. How much —”
Thibodeaux interrupted: “Anybody else got questions?”
The ESPN reporter quickly regrouped and asked Thibodeaux if “that was a bad question.”
Anthony Rivardo, managing editor for Empire Sports Media, recorded the exchange. He posted the video Monday on X, saying, “This is unacceptable behavior from Kayvon Thibodeaux.”
This is unacceptable behavior from Kayvon Thibodeaux.
0 tackles, was asked a completely valid question, and this is how he responds? I thought he wanted to be one of the greats? Not like this.
Back in the days of Tom Coughlin, with those leaders, this would never happen. pic.twitter.com/kZFYIy2mjN
— Anthony Rivardo (@Anthony_Rivardo) September 9, 2024
The No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Thibodeaux recorded 11.5 sacks in 2023. Given his lack of presence in Sunday’s loss, Raanan asked a fair question. Players have a responsibility to address the media after games, and Thibodeaux dropped the ball there.
Some in the NFL media called out Thibodeaux over the way he handled the situation.
This is soft and weak. https://t.co/YcwutpWDPI
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) September 9, 2024
Behaving like this after 60 minutes of cardio is the textbook definition of a lack of self-awareness. https://t.co/8OYhtm1lRh pic.twitter.com/XoKqc3i4jy
— Jon Bailey (@ByJonBailey) September 9, 2024
I’ve told everyone this dude is an assclown. I’ve said it from the moment he did the snow angel next to
Foles and claimed he didn’t know he was hurt… while touching him.Glad he isnt on my team. https://t.co/BE4Q3Jt1I9
— Stephen Burton (@StephenBurton86) September 10, 2024
[Anthony Rivardo]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.