Dan Campbell reaches his limit as Lions questions keep coming

NewsDan Campbell suddenly ends Lions news conference after one topic keeps coming upDetroit Lions coach Dan Campbell became frustrated with repeated questions about tight end Sam LaPorta’s contract situation during a news conference Friday. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)AP Photo/Rick ScuteriDetroit Lions coach Dan Campbell made it clear Friday that he has heard enough about star tight end Sam LaPorta’s contract situation.Campbell grew frustrated as reporters continued asking about LaPorta and eventually ended his news conference, according to MLive.“I know Sam. We all know Sam,” Campbell told reporters Friday. “Honestly, I don’t even think twice about those comments because I know what he’s about. And we’re all good here. We’re not going to let this be a distraction. He’s not. We’re not. We’re all good.”The issue has followed the Lions this week after LaPorta publicly expressed frustration about not having a contract extension. The 25-year-old is playing the final season of his rookie deal and said he could play somewhere else next season if he and Detroit do not reach an agreement, ESPN reported. LaPorta has 27 catches for 316 yards and three touchdowns through five games this season.Campbell defended LaPorta and said he believes the tight end remains focused on football. But after more questions about the contract, the coach’s patience appeared to run out. For Campbell, the key is making sure the situation remains outside the team’s facility and doesn’t become an issue inside the Lions’ locker room.“We’re two days from Green Bay, you know, but that’s what it is -- it’s on the outside world as a distraction. In this building, it’s not,” the Lions coach explained. “This kid is locked in.“He’s been locked in all year. He was locked in when he came in on Tuesday. He was locked in Wednesday, Thursday. He’s locked in today.”Campbell acknowledged that players can sometimes say more than they intended during an interview or in a relaxed setting. He said LaPorta’s comments don’t change how the Lions view him, especially when the business side of the NFL gets mixed in with football.“We picked the guys we picked for a reason,” Campbell said. “We know their character and we know what they’re about deep down. Listen, Sam’s a stud. He’s going to help us win games. He’s an unselfish teammate. He’s an unselfish player.“You can never take anything personal when you start talking about business. That’s why business and football, they don’t belong with each other. But it’s the world we’re in. It makes the world go round for all for all of us.”By the end of his news conference, Campbell was ready to move on. When he was asked whether LaPorta regretted his podcast comments, Campbell walked away from the podium after making his position clear.“I’m not answering anything. I’ve answered this I don’t know how many times,” Campbell concluded.“I said I didn’t want it to be a distraction, and now it’s becoming one because you keep asking these things, that’s why.”Chris Pugh covers trending news and national breaking stories, focusing on the moments, conversations, and cultural flashpoints shaping the national news cycle. Chris worked as a digital reporter for...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Cleveland.com staff.