Cooper Kupp, a player whose contributions were pivotal to the Los Angeles Rams‘ Super Bowl victory, is a figure many believe deserved such an ending. However, his recent candid conversation with the Los Angeles Times reveals a different narrative.
In the NFL, there exists a sentiment that certain players, those who have dedicated years of unwavering service to their teams, deserve a farewell that reflects their contributions. This ideal scenario envisions a heartfelt departure, surrounded by family and team leadership, a moment that encapsulates the positive impact they had on the franchise and its fans.
Los Angeles Rams To Cooper Kupp: This Is The Way We Want It
“I walked into Sean’s office and he said, ‘We’re going to trade you,’” Kupp recounted to the Los Angeles Times. “I asked if there were any other thoughts on ways to move forward, were there any other options to figure things out, and he said no, this is the way they wanted to go. In that moment, I made the decision that I didn’t want this to be a bitter thing in terms of our ending there.”
This account suggests a direct and decisive approach from the Rams, a pattern that appears to be characteristic of the Sean McVay era. Incidents involving Matthew Stafford, John Sullivan, and Todd Gurley indicate a trend where, despite fulfilling financial obligations, the team’s handling of player departures has lacked a certain human touch.
“And as time has gone on I’ve had to deal with all the frustration, anger, sadness, all these things that as a human you process,” Kupp continued. “Having to say goodbye to people and know that that door is closed. That’s been tough to walk through as the weeks have gone by.” While Sean McVay and Les Snead have publicly left the door open for a potential return, their lack of direct communication with Kupp regarding his contract or future with the team suggests a definitive decision has been made. This raises questions about the team’s approach to handling the departure of a player who played a crucial role in their championship success.
While acknowledging the necessity of making difficult decisions, the manner in which the Rams have handled Kupp’s situation raises concerns about the civility of their approach. The departure of a franchise legend, particularly one who delivered a Super Bowl ring, should ideally be marked by a sense of mutual respect and appreciation, rather than leaving a lingering sense of bitterness.
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