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Joe Douglas had a press conference today.
On the trade rumors regarding Jamal Adams and a few others from the compromised NFL insiders who carry the water for their sources, Douglas repeatedly said, “I want to reiterate we were not shopping those players that were mentioned today.” Douglas said if teams call about players he will listen. What can he do if the quid pro quo NFL insiders get leaks on these conversations?
One of the players mentioned in trade rumors took to Twitter to blast Douglas. Some might argue this player is a little bit of a drama king and has some growing up to do. Some would argue he’s a great leader.
I’ve never been too concerned with the feelings of very well compensated pro athletes about trade rumors. These are first-world problems.
The player complaining today about the Jets’ GM and trade rumors is in the third year of $22.3 million deal that is fully guaranteed and he’s coming off a rough game.
The only thing I would question about Douglas’ comments today was when he referred to Sam Darnold as a “franchise quarterback.” There’s a chance he gets there, but isn’t there yet. You can’t will something into being by saying it. Darnold has a lot of work to do. Yes, the offensive line needs to play better, but there have been some issues even on plays where the protection is fine. He must improve his field vision, progressive scans, throwing mechanics and cut down on picks. And the picks aren’t necessarily Adam Gase’s fault since they were an issue in 2018 AND his last year at USC.
Aside from calling Darnold a “franchise QB” prematurely, Douglas performed well today and showed good leadership ability, getting in front of issues, and not leading from behind.
One problem with the press conferences wasn’t his fault. It was the fact one reporter, who has negatively impacted the Jets’ culture over the last few years, including repeated ad hominem attacks on the owner, was allowed to dominate the press conference. It seemed like he asked half the questions.
Right before the press conference, this Jets culture eater tweeted, “Sources: Jets would not have signed Le’Veon Bell or CJ Mosley if Joe Douglas were the GM during free agency.”
So he tried to undermine Douglas before he took the stage.
And he attacked the owner a few hour before the press conference in a story, yet he’s allowed to dominate the press conference?
I just don’t know what to say anymore.
I just don’t get it.
What should they do?
Simple.
Pick on people who raise their hands in press conferences, and don’t call on him or just call on him once. Don’t let him sit in the front row, ignore the people in the rows in back on him wanting to ask questions, and then a almost every other question.
Don’t let this man who trashed your boss earlier in the day, and a few months ago (quoting an supposed unnamed Jets employee saying the owner doesn’t know what he’s doing), and sabotaged Doug Marrone’s candidacy (who has now kicked their butts two years in a row), dominate the press conference.
I love covering pro football, but this scene is getting to me. I’m not going to lie.
I have been around this team 25 years, and I’ve never seen such a disruptive force in the press room.
It’s unreal.
For goodness sake Jets, do something about it!
Isn’t insulting the man who signs your checks enough to warrant action?
October 29, 2019
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