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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis told the media Wednesday afternoon that he felt “disrespected” by how the Colts handled his benching for last Sunday’s game vs the Houston Texans.
The 29 year-old corner said: “It should be more about the respect. I’m a professional ... I’ve been in (the league) long enough. When I look at the situation, I feel like there was no respect. Knowing Chuck, I figured it would come from him. It really bothered me.”
Interesting: Vontae Davis says he was told about his demotion not by Chuck Pagano but by Colts DC and the DB coach. Did it get a little nasty?
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) November 8, 2017
"Of course, and you want to know why. And it should be more about the respect. I just felt like there was no respect."
Davis said: "I had a groin tear that I dealt with... I got different opinions on it. One doctor said I should have had surgery, other doctor told me to let it heal. I took the let-it-heal approach. I came back and probably came back a little too early and in the process I probably hurt my teammates."
The former Pro Bowler also went on to say he doesn’t plan to play this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, or make a return until he is completely healthy. Meanwhile, in a radio interview general manager Chris Ballard said the benching was based on level of play, and NOT because of any injury.
Chris Ballard, on @JMV1070 right now, says Vontae Davis was cleared by docs/trainers earlier in season. No fudging of injury report whatsoever since. "He hasn't played very well."
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) November 8, 2017
It’s growing even more likely this is Davis’ last year with the Colts. His decline in play, and obvious disagreement with the organization seems to have hit a boiling point. When asked directly about his future with the team, Davis said “change is good.”
Vontae Davis felt disrespected by the #Colts benching him.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) November 9, 2017
What about the 2018 future in Indy for the pending free agent?
Davis: “Change is good. Change is good.”https://t.co/QT0hHMrqKJ
For the Colts, a bad season just keeps getting worse. The team has struggled when playing and the distractions off of the field continue to mount. The joining of these two circumstances is a recipe for a very frustrated fan base, a frustration that seemingly won’t be resolved until a head coach who has seemingly lost his locker room is replaced.
UPDATE:
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is now reporting that Vontae Davis is electing to undergo season-ending surgery on his injured groin.
After seeking second medical opinions, Colts CB Vontae Davis is opting to undergo season-ending groin surgery, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 9, 2017
While the news of the surgery may be a shock to some, it appeared unlikely that Davis was going to suit up for the team any time soon this season.
Davis has played with the Colts for 6 seasons, 72 games in all, earning two pro bowl appearances.
The team has yet to make an announcement on this report at this time, but fans can expect something soon. Stay tuned to Stampede Blue for more updates as this story continues to progress.