I don't know about that. It could still have been dragging, even if he was considered a starter. It seems more to me like Gibson's head got too big all of a sudden and he fancies a toe-to-toe with Levy, just to make a point (what that point is, is beyond me). Same as Peace with Berahino and that didn't end too well for anyone. Gibson better be careful, because right now it looks like he's cutting off his nose to spite his face. Unless he's been planning on doing a U-turn at some point all along, but at least makes himself look good in the eyes of the Boro fans by later claiming that his tough negotiations got them the best deal, even though that deal may have been what Spurs originally offered.
Who the fuck knows...