"Marion Barber rarely speaks to the media. He opened up Wednesday.

Sort of.

The running back was fined earlier this week for violating the dress code instituted by interim coach Jason Garrett. Asked if those stories were accurate, Barber gave this response.

"I respect what you do," he told a small group of reporters. "Why would I cry about what you do? That's your job. That comes with the territory."

Does it bother him that the story was reported?

"By no means, that's your job," he said. "Why would I get mad at what you guys do? I can respect that."

You will notice Barber neither confirmed nor denied the fine. He was equally circumspect on the other questions he chose to answer in a session that lasted less than three minutes. Here's a sample:

Did it bother him not to start the New York Giants game?

"I have never cared about starting because I'm an unselfish person," he said.

So it was not a surprise that Felix Jones was on the field and got the first carry against the New York Giants?

"Can we talk about the future?" Barber asked. "The next game. The Detroit Lions."

Does he like the way he's been used this season?

"I'm going to continue to go to work, regardless of the scenario or the situation," he said.

Do you like how this team has responded to Garrett and the changes he's implemented?

"Yes," Barber said. "Positive change."

As one of the leaders of this team, do you have an obligation to help implement what Garrett wants done?

"We're all leaders on this team in our own way," Barber said. "Next question."

But do you carry more of a responsibility since your teammates appointed you as one of their captains? "