Well, it only took him five years. Better late than never though. Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley has finally learned to stop running his mouth at every occasion and speak to reporters in sound bites.
So, no more talking about a lack of chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. No more talking about how certain members of the opposition have lost a step. Just short sound bites.
For example…
“If I do what I’m supposed to do, everything else will take care of itself,” Finley said during minicamp.
Or this…
“I feel good; That’s all I can say,” Finley said. “I put on some weight, I’m moving well and I appreciate Coach for the confidence.”
Finley pretty much went on to repeat both of those same comments as answers to other questions. He’s also reportedly been declining interviews.
What’s going on here? We’ve got a pretty good idea.
One, Finley is in a contract season. There had been talk of the Packers releasing Finley earlier this offseason instead of paying him the $8.25 million he’s due. Him and his mouth have dodged that fate, but he’s still playing for a new deal.
Second, there was that little offseason fiasco where Big Fin apparently got drunk and tried to bang some broad who is not Big Fin’s wife.
Third, Finley was also reportedly working with a company that manages athletes’ public images. If he’s still a client, there’s a real good chance they told him to shut the fuck up.
So, add a little image rehabilitation, throw in a dash of public disaster to teach some humility and dump in a cup of I don’t have a contract after this season and what do you get?
A whole new Jermichael Finley!