Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall spouted off on Chicago sports radio about two topics Monday: the media, and team's decision to fire head coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery.
Marshall, who has a regular radio program on Chicago's ESPN 1000, responded to a comment made by host Carmen DeFalco about the Bears being afraid of the All-Pro wideout. Marshall challenged him on this point, calling the host a clown, and jokingly invited DeFalco to box him.
"You guys complain about [players speaking honestly]," Marshall said, adding, "But if it wasn't for guys like me that actually spoke the truth, was honest, and wasn't afraid to show emotion and maybe cross the line that you guys put there, you wouldn't have anything to write about or talk about. You should be freakin' thanking me.
"Listen, I'm 30 years old. If someone says something about me that isn't true or attacks me, I have all right to defend myself. After six or seven years if someone tried to bury me, enough was enough. that's what people need to understand about me. That's what not true. The Bears never told me not to have a press conference."
Shortly thereafter, Marshall began discussing the Bears' decision to move on from Trestman and Emery. He expressed disappointment, noting that anytime coaches and executives are fired it affects many family members who must soon after relocate.
While Marshall is correct that his words help feed the sports news cycle, this may not be the look the Bears want from one of their top players, especially one reportedly at the center of a locker room fight earlier this season.