Jets' Patterson Says He Never Went AWOL, Allegations Are 'Completely False'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Dimitri Patterson's future with the Jets remains uncertain, but the cornerback maintains that he did absolutely nothing wrong.
According to general manager John Idzik, the veteran went AWOL for about 48 hours last week. He missed last Friday night's preseason game against the Giants and returned to the team's facility on Sunday night.
The 31-year-old spoke with both Idzik and head coach Rex Ryan, but no details were released about their conversations or what happened to Patterson.
The one sticking point in this whole Patterson situation remains that he has never explained publicly why he was absent.
— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) August 28, 2014
But on Thursday morning, Patterson defended himself in a text message to ESPN's Josina Anderson.
"As it relates to my whereabouts, and me missing for 48 hours without being seen or heard from me or my representative, is completely false," Patterson wrote, according to Anderson. "My agent reached out to the Jets' organization multiple times several hours prior to Friday night's game. My commitment to the Jets' organization and to my teammates has never been an issue and never will be an issue.
"As it relates to the rumors about my frustration in regards to the depth chart, (that) is totally and completely false. In nine years I have never had control over the depth chart."
Dimitri Patterson's decision to essentially call out the Jets after Idzik & Rex made it clear they had no idea where he was is a curious one
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaSports) August 28, 2014
Patterson is currently suspended for the remainder of the preseason.
Signed by Idzik in April, he was expected to start opposite promising second-year player Dee Milliner in the secondary.
When did Dimitri Patterson become Revis? Dude, you are replaceable -- even by the corner-needy Jets.
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) August 28, 2014
But in light of these recent developments, it's conceivable that Patterson's career with New York will end before it really started.
The Jets' final preseason game is on Thursday night against the Eagles.
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