Lions coach Matt Patricia admitted the decision to trade receiver Golden Tate to the Eagles on Tuesday was a difficult one. He even called Tate on Tuesday night to make sure he was all right.
So Patricia might have still been dealing with the aftermath of that tough decision Wednesday in a press conference. That might explain the scenario that unfolded when he chastised a reporter for his posture, and asked him to be more professional. Kudos to the Detroit Free Press for capturing the exchange between Patricia and the reporter (who was off-camera).
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The reporter asked Patricia, "Why do you think this move makes your franchise better?"
Patricia responded, "Ah, well, you know. Do me a favor just kinda sit up, just like, have a little respect for the process. Every day you come and ask me questions and you're just kinda like you know, 'gimme this.' "
Reporter: "I'm sitting ..."
Patricia: "I'm asking just to be a little respectful in this whole process."
Reporter: "OK, that's fine."
Patricia: "So ask me a question professionally and I'll answer it for you."
Reporter: "OK. Why do you feel like this move makes your franchise better?"
Patricia answered the question at length, saying the trade "will help us long term" and the club has to look at the "big picture" on personnel moves. That still doesn't make the Tate deal easy to accept. Tate, who joined the Lions in 2014, had recorded more than 90 receptions each of the past four seasons.
"Those decisions are not easy. It's more about players, it's about relationships. Friendships. It's working together for a long time," Patricia said. "I talked to Golden at length yesterday. I talked to him last night. Really wanted to make sure he was alright moving forward. Know he's going to a good place with some people who are going to take care of him, and he and his family are important to me.
"That's a relationship that will go a lot longer than football and last a lot longer than football."