Though the New York Jets have declined to do anything that would render receiver Braylon Edwards unavailable for Sunday night’s showdown with the Dolphins (after all, they’d like to actually win the game), they continue to verbally condemn the actions that resulted in his DUI arrest.
“Embarrassment would not be the way I’d characterize it,” owner Woody Johnson told reporters on Monday, per Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com. “I think it’s more sad rather than embarrassed. I’m sad for him.”
Johnson then summarized for reporters his message to Edwards: “This is not acceptable, Braylon,” Johnson said. “I’m disappointed. You let yourself down and you let your team down.”
Johnson also explained that the Jets insist on full confidentiality from the service they’ve hired to give players rides, if they’ve been drinking any amount of alcohol. “If they tell me who the name is, I’m firing the service,” Johnson said. “I don’t want to know. But if you have one drink, you should not be driving. Half a drink, don’t drive. Drink liquor, don’t drive.”
The Jets still intend to dress Edwards for Sunday’s game, but they’re apparently milking the situation for full its strategic worth by not disclosing any information to the world (and thus the Dolphins) regarding the extent to which Edwards will or won’t play.
“I don’t have anything to add, it’s as simple as that,” coach Rex Ryan said, per Cimini, regarding Edwards’ playing time. “Nothing’s changed. We’ll make that decision when it’s time to make that decision. I’d rather focus on other things.”
Johnson also disputed the idea that Edwards is getting off easy. “He’s losing a lot more than [his starting role],” Johnson said. “He’s been accused of a serious [offense]. He’s got a serious ticket in front of him. If proven guilty, it’s a serious taint on his record. He’s going to be a free agent. If convicted, that’s not going to be helpful. He’s got a heavy load in front of him.”
That’s fine, but some would say there also should be a sanction imposed by the team for the damage Edwards has done to the Jets for creating the latest unwanted distraction in a season already chock full of them.