Marcus Mariota Apologized for Very Offensive Press Conference, But Is the Damage Already Done?

Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota went full wrestling heel after last Sunday’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The second-year quarterback provided short answers to the media and at one point said he was “pissed off.” It was extremely offensive behavior that has no business in an NFL postgame.

Thankfully, Mariota’s mother gave him a stern talking-to and prompted a sincere apology.

"“Real quick, I want to say I am sorry for the way I handled the press conference,” Mariota said [yesterday] at the start of his media availability. “I know not everybody that was there is here. But I was rude and inappropriate, and I just want to say I apologize for it. “It’s funny, because I got an earful from my mom. That’s how I was raised and I appreciate you guys for understanding.”"

There’s two ways to read this. The first is that Mariota is a considerate guy with a profound grasp of etiquette. The other, more cynical explanation is that he’s simply doing some p.r. in the hopes of avoiding a lengthy suspension from the league for his out-of-bounds behavior.

Could be too little, too late.