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Sports Columnists | Renck: Vernon Davis, Super Bowl 50 champion with Broncos, discusses mental health, overcoming tragedy in new book

Related Topics: Vernon Davis, Mike Singletary

A snapshot is not a relationship.

Former San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Singletary raged about tight end Vernon Davis in 2008 in one of the most memorable NFL postgame press conferences ever.

“Cannot play with ’em. Cannot win with ’em. Cannot coach with ’em,” Singletary roared after he sent Davis to the locker room during a game following his personal foul for slapping a Seattle Seahawks player. “Can’t do it. I want winners.”

The scathing response humiliated Davis. It could have jeopardized their friendship, but instead, it became a defining moment, a turning point. Davis made a mockery of the outburst, shedding his selfishness.