Leonard Fournette responds to criticism over skipping bowl game
Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey have taken a lot of heat since they announced their decisions to skip out on their respective teams’ bowl games, and it seems like Fournette is tired of hearing it.
On Tuesday, Fournette shared a photo of him with his daughter on Twitter that featured a not-so-subtle message.
Only person I owe something too….. pic.twitter.com/QaLDGDC9Nw
— Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) December 20, 2016
A lot of people feel that Fournette is bailing on his teammates, while others respect his decision to not risk injury when he is all but a sure thing to be taken in first round of the NFL Draft. Texas A&M star Myles Garrett, one of the top prospects in the upcoming draft, took a shot at Fournette this week.
Myles Garrett on Leonard Fournette skipping the bowl game: "Leonard's been trying to leave since sophomore year."
— Santa Baby (@Ben_Baby) December 20, 2016
Former Notre Dame star Jaylon Smith tore his ACL and MCL in the Fiesta Bowl last year. The injury resulted in him slipping down the draft board and missing his entire rookie NFL season. What happened to Smith might lead to more players choosing not to partake in bowl games. The linebacker shared his thoughts on the controversial topic with this tweet.
In fairness to Fournette, he is battling a foot injury and not 100 percent healthy. Still, you have to wonder if he and McCaffrey are starting a trend.