“First of all, for more than a decade we have had a code among players, staff, and ownership that our meetings are private and do not leave the room. There is one reason for that. It enables all of us to openly discuss important issues.

“What Tom, Larry, and I heard in the player meeting was one overriding sentiment. Players felt responsible for the record. They weren’t blaming injuries or anyone but themselves. At the same time, they openly spoke about what could improve in addition to their play. They made substantive points. We addressed those points. No one in that meeting at any time took the position that Bobby should be or needed to be replaced.