Maxx Crosby Addresses Michael Lombardi’s Criticism on His Team Commitment

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby has expressed his strong displeasure over recent remarks made by former Browns General Manager Mike Lombardi. The comments, aired on the Pat McAfee Show, alluded to a possible disconnect between Crosby and Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce after Crosby was absent from the Raiders’ Week 4 victory over the Browns due to a high ankle sprain.

Lombardi’s suggestion that Crosby’s absence reflected issues within the team’s locker room drew a vehement response from Crosby. The Las Vegas Review-Journal quoted Lombardi saying, “That bothers me… Crosby has always been the team guy, but when he doesn’t show up to a game, that tells me something without knowing something.”

Crosby addressed the media after the Raiders’ Week 5 loss to the Denver Broncos, where he took issue with Lombardi’s insinuations. “Saying something’s going on, and they’re speaking for me, saying I should be on the sideline when I got a high-ankle sprain,” Crosby stated. The defensive star emphasized his dedication to the team, stating, “Everybody knows my intentions, and they try to speak for me.”

The criticism implied Crosby, similar to wide receiver Davante Adams, might be seeking an exit from the franchise. However, Crosby was quick to dismiss these assertions. Highlighting his commitment to the Raiders, he remarked, “You know where I want to be. You think I want to be anywhere else? No. I have this sh*t tatted on my body. I don’t want to go anywhere.”

Crosby further clarified his position by calling out what he referred to as “clowns,” seemingly alluding to Lombardi, without mentioning him by name. “I’m gonna speak for my guys, and that’s all I care about,” he asserted post-game.

Pat McAfee, the show’s host, acknowledged Crosby’s clarifications, expressing relief that the criticisms were not directed at the show itself. “For those that listened to the answer… it’s like okay, he’s talking about Michael Lombardi, thank god,” McAfee commented.