AFC Exec: There Is A 'Serious Organizational Issue At The Heart Of The Jets' Culture'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- So was Tim Tebow "forced" on Jets owner Woody Johnson and team president Neil Glat?
From saying that "you can never have too much" Tebow to saying you were "forced" to bring in Tebow? Quite a change in heart, if true.
One league executive, who works in the front office of an unnamed AFC team, says that this revelation speaks volumes about the dysfunction of the Jets -- and as Johnson as an owner.
"(It's a) serious organizational issue at the heart of the Jets' culture," the executive told Metro. "I'm not sure if, with all due respect, that what Mr. Johnson is saying adds up. He's saying that a general manager and members of player personnel are forcing a player on him — that being Tebow. But isn't that what a general manager does? Why would it be forced?
"To me, that's where it doesn't add up, unless he's saying that he feels all player movements should be run by him. If that's the case, he's truly meddling to Jerry Jones and Al Davis proportions."
When Tebow was acquired by New York on March 21, writers and fans alike speculated that it was a publicity stunt to capture headlines and sell merchandise, PSLs and tickets. That speculation continued throughout the season, as Tebow never became a factor in Gang Green's offense. Despite starter Mark Sanchez's struggles, the 25-year-old was leapfrogged by third-string quarterback Greg McElroy.
Johnson's alleged comments allude to the fact that it was general manager Mike Tannenbaum who wanted Tebow in the fold. Tannenbaum was fired by Johnson the day after New York's season-ending defeat to the Bills in Buffalo.
"To say 'forced' is absurd," the executive said. "Did Tannenbaum force Jason Taylor on the owner? How about Plaxico Burress? Was he forced? This looks like classic scapegoat to me because the Jets had no plan for Tebow when they brought him in. They didn't adjust to his skill set and now are trying to make the guy they just fired look bad. Plain and simple."
Used primarily as a personal punt protector on special teams in 2012, Tebow threw just eight passes on the season, completing six of them for 39 yards. He also rushed the ball 32 times for 102 yards. The former Heisman Trophy winner didn't score any touchdowns.
"To me, [Johnson] was and is trying to distance himself from the trade by casting it on Tannenbaum," the source told Metro. "It's unfair because Tannenbaum has been pure class in all of this. It's a shame really. It is revisionist history."
Is it clear that Woody Johnson is spinning this to pin the blame on Tannenbaum? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...
