The Associated Press
NEWARK, N.J. — Seattle Seahawks star Marshawn Lynch made an early exit at Super Bowl media day, then returned to today’s session just in time to possibly avoid a hefty fine from the NFL.
The running back abruptly left the required session at the Prudential Center, walking out after 6½ minutes.
He later came back and stood on the side of the media area, doing interviews with the Armed Forces Network, Deion Sanders for the NFL Network and a Seahawks Web reporter. Lynch also talked to teammates and signed footballs and a helmet for fans in the stands.
While he did that, about five dozen media members stood in front of Lynch and shouted out questions. He ignored almost all of them as time ran out in Seattle’s 45-minute availability.
One reporter asked, “Are you trying to avoid being fined by standing here?”
Lynch twice nodded his head yes.
Earlier this month, Lynch was fined $50,000 for not cooperating with the Seattle media. The NFL put the fine on hold, saying it would be rescinded if his behavior improved.
“Players are required to participate and he participated. We will continue to monitor the situation,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Tuesday.
Lynch has required media sessions Wednesday and Thursday. The Seahawks play the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
At media day, Lynch was standing on the floor of the covered-over hockey rink among a cluster of about 100 reporters. There were eight podiums set up for Seattle stars and coach Pete Carroll, plus nine other separated areas separated from the throng. Lynch wasn’t positioned at any of them.
Lynch answered a half-dozen questions before walking away. He spoke to someone for a moment, then left the arena. He came back a little bit later.
The Seattle and Denver players were expected to speak to media members during the 45-minute sessions that lead up to the game.
Lynch watched as the clocked counted down to zero and, when it was announced the Seattle portion was over, left for good.
