Chargers TE Antonio Gates says his comments about slowing down were taken out of context
The other day, San Diego Chargers starting tight end Antonio Gates stated he was ready to slow down in the 2015 season. But now the future Hall of Famer is stating his comments were taken out of context.
“One thing about me is I love to compete,” Gates told U-T San Diego. “I want the ball. It’s not a selfish act. It’s more so I think I can help us win in certain situations and certain areas, particularly in man coverage. That’s the competitive nature I’ve had in this league since I got to San Diego.
“For me, to put in all this work in all these years and have the opportunity to play and say I don’t want to play, I don’t know where people got that from. It was probably a misquote or a misunderstanding,” Gates said. ” … I ain’t asking to play less. Every time I’m in a game, I feel like I have the opportunity to make a play. Why would I want to be on the sideline? That defeats the purpose. The only way you can contribute is by being in the game.”
I thought the comments made the other day were a little insane, especially coming from the competitive Gates. I would not shut the door on his career just yet, #85 has years to go.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com