Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby has publicly stoked the flames of an internal dispute, posting videos of himself playing basketball just a day after a reported disagreement led him to walk out of the team's training facility.
The Injury Disagreement That Sparked Tension
The conflict centres on the team's decision to shut down the star player for the remainder of the NFL season. Crosby was reportedly unhappy after being ruled out of Sunday's crucial clash with the New York Giants, a game with significant implications for the battle for the No. 1 overall draft pick. Head coach Pete Carroll stated that Crosby, 28, has a knee injury that 'looks too bad' and is expected to require surgery, leading to his placement on season-ending injured reserve.
However, reports indicate Crosby had been 'fighting to play' and 'vehemently disagreed' with the franchise's conclusion. The Raiders, partially owned by Tom Brady, stated the decision came after 'deliberate and thorough consultation with multiple top medical professionals' and was deemed in the best interest of both player and team.
A Pointed Social Media Message
In a clear response, Crosby took to Instagram on Saturday. He uploaded several clips showing him running around and shooting hoops on a home basketball court. Other photos depicted the defensive end jumping on a trampoline with his young daughter.
While the exact timing of the footage is unclear, its posting came just hours after the Raiders confirmed his season was over. The move is widely interpreted as a pointed message underscoring his disagreement with the injury assessment.
Carroll's Defence and Crosby's Contract
Coach Carroll, 74, has played down talk of a major rift. 'It was exactly like you would think he would [react] and how he should,' Carroll said. 'And I agree with him 1,000 percent on how he responded... He's been just fighting his a** off the whole time.'
Carroll revealed Crosby has been battling the knee issue since mid-October and praised his commitment, saying 'each week, he has done everything you could possibly imagine a guy could do to play.'
The situation casts some uncertainty over the future for a cornerstone player who signed a massive three-year, $106.5million contract extension with the Raiders as recently as March. Crosby is regarded as one of the league's premier defensive talents.
High Stakes for the Raiders' Season Finale
The backdrop to this drama is a dismal season for both involved teams. The Raiders and the Giants hold identical 2-13 records, the worst in the NFL. The loser of their Week 17 matchup is likely to secure the coveted first overall pick in the next draft.
Ahead of the decision to sideline him, Crosby made his competitive priorities clear, stating: 'I don't give a s*** about the pick. I don't play for that. My job is to be the best defensive end in the world.' His absence will now be a defining factor in a game with major draft implications.
