NFL teams don't like to share more than is obligated when it comes to injuries. This is especially the case when it comes to the New England Patriots, who would probably build a moat around their Foxborough facility if they could get city clearance to do so.
So it was legitimately curious on Tuesday when the team (along with Rob Gronkowski's family) released a statement on Gronk's injury status. Gronkowski suffered a significant -- but non season-ending -- knee injury late in Sunday night's loss to the Denver Broncos.
On Wednesday, a reporter asked Patriots coach Bill Belichick why the team opted to release the statement. Belichick wasn't into it.
"To try to do everything we can to help you out," the coach replied. "Sorry if you're offended by that. Just trying to be cooperative and help you out, so if that's a problem just let me know."
Gronkowski -- in partnership with Bleacher Report ($$$) -- posted a video talking about his injury on Tuesday night. The same reporter asked Belichick if the team had been made aware of Gronk's plan to provide his own update.
"We did what we did. If you have any other questions really you should take it up with our public relations department, which is very capably run by Stacey (James) and his staff."
You know what? Words don't quite do this interaction justice. Here it is, in video form:
The reporter was right to ask the questions. It was a weird press release. And that's a tough beat.
