Tate apologizes for tantrum
Subdued, contrite and sounding ready to take responsibility for his actions, New York Giants receiver Golden Tate apologized Friday for an outburst that led coach Joe Judge to leave him home for last week’s game at Washington.
Tate said he “just got caught up in the moment” when he twice screamed, “Throw me the ball” into cameras during a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 2.
Judge and Tate had a lengthy conversation earlier this week in hopes of moving on. It’s unclear whether Tate will play Sunday against Philadelphia. He injured a knee late in practice Thursday and was listed as questionable Friday.
“If you know me and you know my game, I play with a lot of emotion, a lot of passion and I just got caught up in the moment,” Tate said. “I was wrong to draw attention to myself. I take full responsibility for that. I handled it the wrong way, and again, brought negative attention to our organization. It was something that won’t happen again.”
In other pro football news:
• Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy said he’s giving up play-calling to offensive coordinator Bill Lazor in an effort to lift an offense that ranks among the NFL’s worst. Nagy announced the decision after practice, saying it was a difficult and necessary move to make.
The Bears (5-4) have lost three in a row heading into their game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on Monday night.
• The Detroit Lions ruled out wide receiver Kenny Golladay for Sunday’s game against Washington because of a hip injury.
Golladay also missed last weekend’s loss at Minnesota. He’s played just five games this season after two straight 1,000yard campaigns.
• The San Francisco 49ers will have to wait at least one more game to get receiver Deebo Samuel
back on the field but will have Kendrick Bourne available when they visit New Orleans.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said Samuel has been ruled out for a third straight game since injuring his hamstring Oct. 25 against New England. But Bourne was activated from his second stint on the COVID-19 list and took part in a walkthrough after missing last week’s game.
The Niners also will have rookie receiver Brandon Aiyuk back after he missed last week as a “high risk” close contact with Bourne.
• Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa remains in the concussion protocol and has been ruled out for Sunday’s game at the Miami Dolphins.
• The Dolphins said defensive line coach Marion Hobby, quarterbacks coach Robby Brown, quality control coach Kolby Smith and outside linebackers coach Austin Clark assistant coaches will miss the Chargers game because of COVID-19 protocols.