FLUSHING, EAST RUTHERFORD or BUST? -- Like many other things in life, I've decided I just don't have the time nor the energy to put up with this stuff anymore. Once a loyal fan and a witness of the Joe Namath, Emerson Boozer, Don Maynard-era JETS, and once a season-ticket holder for the infamous Richard Todd era JETS, I now feel disenfranchised!
I remember the first of (many) QB controversies, the Todd vs. Matt Robinson fiasco. just like it were yesterday. Once a dedicated tailgater at the frozen, windy confines of Shea Stadium, I lost a bit of interest when the New York Jets became the J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS of New Jersey, playing in of all places -- GIANTS Stadium. Huh? I tolerated it all, attended fewer and fewer games, to the point where one a year was fine. It almost took half a day or a day and a half to get to NJ and back.
Then, things really started to change. First it was just Rex. Then it was Hard Knocks, which was highly entertaining, but it made me think twice about whether I could further stomach the whole Rex Ryan thing, footy fetish and all.
Then, we moved. Yes. To New England, my favorite place in the entire world. A dream come true.
Even before the move, I always loved Bill Belichick and I have a close bud with a great job in the New England Patriots organization. When it gets personal like that, your loyalties tend to change. Then, I learned Coach Belichick loved a sport I really love, lacrosse, and he backed it up -- right in front of my own eyes -- by frequenting the (now defunct) Boston Blazers games. Coach even held court with the head coach of the Blazers, a friend of ours named Tom Ryan. Belichick was kind and gracious, respectful of the lacrosse players and coaches. He's a real "pro."
When you look at the whole package, front office, organization, ownership -- then personnel-wise, it's a no brainer. I've decided to set sail.
Crap, Fireman Ed had the same exact thoughts I have.
And, now, the final straw.
Way back when, when I worked at the NBA, we taught NBA rookies how to deal with the media, I can always remember one particular sound bite. It came from the Hall-of-Fame writer, Jack McCallum and his tip to the rookies... I can quote it without looking it up...
Said Jack: "The one thing journalists hate more than anything is when a player is there when he wins, but he's nowhere to be found when he loses."
Ladies and Gentlemen ... I give you Rex Ryan.
The Jets have finished their 2012 season, but still could draw one more penalty flag from the NFL.
Call it 15 yards for being incommunicado.
The Jets announced Wednesday that coach Rex Ryan and owner Woody Johnson will be made available to the media at a news conference Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the team's Atlantic Health Training facility in Florham Park. Neither man has spoken to reporters since the news came down Monday morning that Johnson had fired general manager Mike Tannenbaum.
Johnson issued a five-paragraph statement on Tannenbaum's firing and Ryan's retention, and Tannenbaum issued a statement that day, too. But other than players, nobody has answered questions from reporters since the Jets concluded their disappointing 6-10 season.
By not making Ryan and/or Johnson available until Tuesday, the team appears to be in violation of the NFL's season-ending media policy, which states that "Every team is required to 1) open its locker room for player interviews the day after the season ends and 2) hold a news conference during the week following the end of its season with its head coach, and/or owner, and/or club president, and/or general manager. The purpose is to respond to fan interest in the conclusion of the team's season."
The Jets finished their season with a loss to Buffalo on Sunday, so Johnson and Ryan's press conference would come nine days after that.
The NFL is looking into the matter, following a formal complaint filed by the Professional Football Writers of America.
Buh-Bye!