Cardinals' Budda Baker addresses trade speculation in Halloween mask

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 22:15 · Archive

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker answered trade deadline questions while wearing a Halloween clown mask at media availability on Friday.

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker answered questions about potential trades while wearing a black-and-white clown mask at Friday media availability, continuing an annual Halloween costume tradition.

The eight-time Pro Bowl safety is among the most prominent names discussed in trade speculation as the Cardinals approach the 10 November deadline. Arizona is rebuilding after starting the season 2-5, and has already traded wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Texans this month.

When asked how he handles trade rumours, Baker responded through his mask: 'I just live in the present, like today having a great time with you guys. Going to go out and have a great Friday practice, and just focus on playing against the Dallas Cowboys and trying to get a W at their stadium.' He also answered questions about his Halloween candy preferences while in costume, saying he favours anything fruity and dislikes candy corn.

Baker, in his tenth season with the Cardinals, told ESPN earlier in the week that he has not requested a trade and has not had conversations with general manager Monti Ossenfort about his future. He acknowledged that trade rumours are part of the business. 'I'm here. I want to win. I want to be here,' he said.

The press conference drew attention on social media, with some fans divided on his decision to keep the mask on while addressing reporters about his potential departure from the team.

How it is being reported

• Cardinals' Budda Baker fields questions about trade rumors while wearing evil clown Halloween maskBudda Baker showed up in a creepy clown costume for his media availability, then had to field Arizona Cardinals trade deadline questions in full getup.Fox News · 31 Oct, 21:50
• NFL press conference descends into farce as Cardinals star Budda Baker responds to trade talk... while refusing to take off his Halloween maskSeemingly trying to add some fun to an often-monotonous moment for the players, Baker was perhaps not expecting to field some hard-hitting questions from the journalists in the room.Daily Mail Sport · 30 Oct, 21:44
• Budda Baker addresses trade rumors in full Halloween costumeBudda Baker's Halloween mask wasn't the only horror facing the Cardinals this week.New York Post · 30 Oct, 21:37

In this story: Budda Baker · Arizona Cardinals · Dallas Cowboys · Monti Ossenfort · Marvin Harrison Jr. · Houston Texans

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