After the Colts placed two starters on injured reserve Wednesday, they made another quieter transaction by releasing cornerback Justin Tryon.
The fourth-year player made the move a lot more interesting with some comments on Twitter.
“Caldwell wanted to start me but it wasn’t up to him!’' he wrote. Another tweet later said: “IM BLESSED!! lay off of Caldwell he’s a great coach! Peace.’'
Tryon started six games last year because of injuries, but saw his role decrease this year. His comment about Caldwell is compelling.
If Caldwell isn’t making the decisions, who does Tryon think is pulling the strings? Probably not defensive coordinator Larry Coyer. More likely: Vice Chairman Bill Polian and/or G.M. Chris Polian.
Owner Jim Irsay quickly took to Twitter to discredit Tryon’s comment.
“Bill Polian is 1 day, going 2 The Hall of Fame, he knows what he’s doing, and Coach Caldwell makes final call on who plays n who doesn’t, period,’' Irsay wrote. “I already told some of u guys Coach Caldwell decides who plays, I would know, I own the team.”
Irsay had to defend Caldwell quickly. Even though Tryon’s suggestion wasn’t exactly shocking, that’s a pretty damaging public accusation for a head coach’s credibility.
This news won’t help the perception, fair or not, that Caldwell doesn’t have a lot of juice within the Colts.