Commanders president rips reporter for ‘unprofessional’ interview with Carson Wentz

ABC7 News sports reporter Scott Abraham drew the ire of Washington Commanders team president Jason Wright for his hard line questions to quarterback Carson Wentz.

Abraham asked Wentz of his thoughts about the characterization of local reports of his inaccuracy during his first training camp with Washington.

“For one it’s camp,” Wentz said. “I didn’t know that, so thank you. At the same time I’m my biggest critic. I come back after practice, I’m kicking over one, two, three, four, five plays.”

Abraham then followed up by saying to Wentz, “it’s been well-documented Philly didn’t want you, Indy didn’t want you” before asking the QB if he thinks this is his last chance to prove he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

“I don’t really think about all that stuff for me,” Wentz replied. “I’m playing the game that I love. And I have the most confidence of anybody in myself to deliver to play at a high level to, you know, be a part of something special here with this team.”

Wentz responded with class to a blunt question. However, Commanders team president Jason Wright wasn’t as cordial as his quarterback.

Wright took to Twitter to express his displeasure with Abraham’s question, calling the situation a “pompous, unprofessional mess.”

Thankfully, Carson demonstrated grace & class in response to this pompous, unprofessional mess. I recognize you have made a living on childlike provocation but it needs to be called out. Don’t expect special access and good luck building rapport with the guys @Scott7news . https://t.co/fegxgvcJmr

— Jason Wright (@whoisjwright) August 12, 2022

Wright later referenced journalism with “standard practices” by sharing an article written by former Commanders beat writer and current USA TODAY Sports reporter Mike Jones.

And it’s not that the guys can’t take criticism. Just be a journalist and follow standard practices. Others have found a way to do both. https://t.co/eZ8i6rbvL1— Jason Wright (@whoisjwright) August 12, 2022

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio chimed in about the differences between a team-owned media versus independent reporters. To which Wright responded.

You can honestly say, “Philly didn’t want you, Indy didn’t want you” is an appropriate tone? We value giving extraordinary access to local media & Lord knows can’t avoid hard questions here. But disrespect should never be tolerated and we should defend our guys when it surfaces.

— Jason Wright (@whoisjwright) August 12, 2022

The reality is Wentz is on his third team in three years. For whatever reasons, the Philadelphia Eagles, the team who drafted him second overall, traded him to the Indianapolis Colts after his struggles in 2020. The Colts traded two draft picks, including a first rounder for Wentz.

Meanwhile, after just one season, the Colts offloaded Wentz to the Commanders in a trade. Speculation has arisen as to why the Eagles and Colts moved on from Wentz. Regardless what led him to Washington, it’s widely perceived this may be Wentz’s last chance to prove himself as a starting quarterback in the NFL.

Concerns have emerged about his accuracy throughout training camp. While it’s just camp, his inconsistency adds to his recent resume. Whether Wentz or the Commanders want to ignore how he got to Washington, it’s the harsh reality he faces.

Washington took on the $28 million salary owed to Wentz this season. They hope he is the quarterback that can lead the team to its first winning season since 2016. Wentz’s career hinges on him reaching his team’s expectations.