New York Jets safety Kerry Rhodes has been frustrated the last two weeks about losing his spot in the starting lineup, and today he took that frustration out on Jets secondary coach Dennis Thurman in practice.
Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News reports that Rhodes acknowledged after practice that he had yelled at Thurman, and that he was upset about being in and out of the base defense.
“Today I was a little mad,” Rhodes said, adding that he was perturbed about “the in-and-out thing.”
Although Rhodes didn’t get specific about what was said, and Thurman apparently did not speak with reporters afterward, Rhodes acknowledged that he’s getting testy about not knowing his role on the defense.
“It got to me a little today,” Rhodes said. “I was a little more emotional. I felt a little way about it today. . . . It’s irritating.”
Head coach Rex Ryan has hinted -- but not come right out and said -- that Rhodes may have earned a spot back in the starting lineup this week. Rhodes didn’t sound too enthusiastic about that semi-endorsement from Ryan.
“Hmm, let’s see how I can characterize it,” Rhodes said. “I still like Rex. Yeah, I still like Rex.”
Whether he still likes his position coach -- and whether his position coach likes him -- is another question.