Oakland Raiders receiver Michael Crabtree has spoken for the first time since being ejected and suspended for exchanging punches with Denver Broncos corner Aqib Talib.
Since the wild altercation between bitter divisional foes, Crabtree has heard all the commentary and believes he's being mischaracterized.
For the second time in as many seasons, Talib ripped a chain off of Crabtree's neck. On Sunday, it led the latter to tangle with his opponent into the bench area, sparking a minor melee.
"I am just playing ball, man. ESPN said that I taped the chain to myself before the game because I was worried about it. I didn't. I don't care about no chains," Crabtree said to Vic Tafur of The Athletic.
"I am just playing ball. Not worried about nothing. I don't like how the whole thing got flipped and I am the bad guy."
Talib's teammate Chris Harris said Crabtree sucker-punched him just plays before his confrontation with Talib. Crabtree denies he did such a thing.
He also disputed the league's notion that his actions were premeditated, warranting a two-game suspension that was reduced to one on Tuesday.
"I'm not trying to get revenge. I'm trying to get a catch in my 122nd straight game and help my team win a big game. I don't want to get kicked out. I know what's at stake for my team," Crabtree said.
There's no disputing the feud between Crabtree and Talib has escalated and could boil over when the two meet again next season. But the Raiders wideout insists he carries no ill will towards his Broncos counterpart.
"I don't have a problem with him. I can't figure it out. It's all him," Crabtree said of Talib.
"That was a big win (Sunday). I'm just mad I couldn't be a part of it because of some guy and his love of chains."
