Cubs News: Kris Bryant when asked about his critics: 'I don't give a s—' |
CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs third baseman
Kris Bryant returned to the lineup on Saturday after missing the previous four games with an oblique injury suffered on Monday. The former MVP collected two hits, including
a 419-foot grand slam, and scored two runs against the Chicago White Sox. He also made a great diving stop as part of his defensive performance.
Bryant provided the Cubs with a 5-2 lead via his fifth career grand slam, but the White Sox came from behind and won 9-5 at Guaranteed Rate Field. After the loss, which was no fault of Bryant's, a masked-up Bryant was asked by the media about the criticism he has faced throughout a season that has seen him struggle at the plate and deal with multiple injury issues. "KB" hilariously leaned into the camera and simply said to the reporters present for the virtual press conference, "I don't give a s—. How 'bout that?" I love Kris Bryant so much. pic.twitter.com/kbsAaF3Ta6 Kris Bryant, asked what he thinks of harsh criticism he gets from some over injuries/performance: "I don't give a s***. That's a good answer." A superstitious person might credit Bryant's successful return to the lineup with the gold chains he wore around his neck during the contest. Channeling Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who produced an outstanding plate performance while sporting bling earlier in the season, the bedazzled Bryant showed out. Rizzo had something to do with it, as he lended the chains, which belong to Cubs quality assurance coach Mike Napoli, to Bryant prior to Saturday's game. "Do you trust me?" Rizzo asked Bryant before handing over the jewelry in order to bring the third baseman good luck, adding, "There's magic in those." You probably saw Kris Bryant wearing gold chains in today's game. On top of a contract controversy, Bryant has attracted criticism due to the slew of injuries he has dealt with in recent years and his considerable dip in production this season. Entering Saturday's matchup, Bryant was hitting below .200 and had accrued a modest two home runs and five RBIs. Hopefully, for the sake of Bryant and the Cubs, the chains will bring Bryant even more good fortune once the North Siders begin postseason play.
Said he feels like he can go 4-for-4 and it's still not good enough for some people. And then he repeated his first answer for emphasis.
Before the game, Rizzo asked Bryant, "Do you trust me?" and gave him the chains, which belong to Mike Napoli. Then KB singled and hit the slam.
Rizzo: "There's some magic in those."