Dexter Lawrence latest Giants player to rip critics

New York Giants defensive tackle and team captain Dexter Lawrence spoke with reporters via a Monday Zoom call and addressed why he declined to meet with media members shortly after Sunday's embarrassing 49-17 loss at the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. 

"It is ridiculous to be tweeted about (Sunday) when I am available to you guys every day and (Sunday) I wanted to go see my family because it’s my birthday," Lawrence explained, per Bob Brookover of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. "That’s ridiculous." 

Darryl Slater of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com was among those who blasted Lawrence and fellow defensive captain Xavier McKinney for "ducking accountability" and not speaking with reporters after the Giants allowed the second-most yards in franchise history (640) at AT&T Stadium. Lawrence, who signed a massive four-year contract extension this past spring, turned 26 years old on Sunday. 

"It had nothing to do with losing to Dallas," Lawrence insisted about his behavior. "It had nothing to do with frustration or any of that. That’s ridiculous for someone to be sensitive because I wanted to go see my family. That’s all I have to say about that." 

Lawrence's decision is yet another example of a Giants player generating headlines for all the wrong reasons amid a season that seemingly can't end soon enough for everyone associated with the organization. In October, right tackle Evan Neal referred to fans who booed the team during a home defeat as "bandwagoners" who "flip hot dogs and hamburgers somewhere." More recently, McKinney irritated defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale by suggesting team leaders weren't being heard by coaches during games. 

Even though the 2-8 Giants appear to be falling apart in multiple ways during midweeks and on Sundays, it's believed team co-owner John Mara will give general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll at least one offseason to fix things after they helped the club win a road playoff game this past January. That's easy to say on Nov. 13, but Mara could experience a change of heart if his Giants remain non-competitive through the final seven games of the campaign.