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A determined and inspired Derek Carr spoke more defiantly than he ever has in the seven seasons as Raiders’ quarterback on Tuesday, saying he is “tired of being disrespected.”
When asked if he considered opting out of the 2020 season, the Carr was emphatic about his motivation to play this season and was clear he feels like he has a point to prove in 2020.
#Raiders QB Derek Carr on potentially opting out: "I did not. I have a lot to prove to myself. I have a lot to prove to the team. I'm tired of being disrespected. There is no question I was going to play this year."
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) August 4, 2020
Carr also made it clear where he is getting his inspiration from: He said he will wear an arm sleeve this season in honor of the late Kobe Bryant.
The NBA great died on Jan. 26 in a helicopter crash along with his daughter, Gianna, and seven other people. Carr is a lifelong Lakers fans and has long let it be known that Bryant was his favorite player.
Derek Carr will wear an arm sleeve to honor Kobe Bryant. “Watched every game he played. He meant so much to me. When he followed me on Twitter, it was one of the best days of my life. Then I got to know him ...
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 4, 2020
“It’s all about that Mamba Mentality.”
Carr, who is always pleasant when talking to the media, has rarely let his frustration be known publicly. Yet, his comments Tuesday show that he has heard the chirping about the Raiders’ replacing him for the past two years. He clearly is on a mission.
It will be extremely interesting to see if an improved supporting cast and his inner fire will combine to push Carr to having a career year in 2020. He is certainly focused on it.
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