I don't think I have ever seen anything as bizarre with regard to the New York Jets, and that is saying a lot, as as the fallout from the story alleging Zach Wilson's own personal "reluctance" to play football.
Keep in mind this is an organization that has defined and redefined dysfunction to a T. But, what we saw in the last 48 hours since the Jets 13-8 loss to the Atlanta Falcons is like a volcano that continues to shoot hot lava into the air -- days after the initial eruption.
It started when The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Zack Rosenblatt reported that Wilson would be reluctant to get back under center for fear of risking injury.
"[Wilson] is hesitant to step back into the role, multiple team sources said Monday. [The Jets are] hoping Wilson will change his mind. If Wilson were asked directly by the Jets to start, he would agree to that, a source familiar with Wilson's thinking said," the report states.
Russini later tweeted that Aaron Rodgers reached out to Wilson to try to advise him to take back the starting role, but the young signal caller remained "apprehensive."
The story only got bigger as Head Coach Robert Saleh flubbed his way through a press conference with the media, and later stumbled even harder in an interview with the Michael Kay Show.
In his press conference, Saleh told reporters that he spoke with Wilson, and that he confirmed that the quarterback wants the ball. Saleh added that Wilson came to him and expressed his desire to return under center.
"The young man wants the ball. He wants to start. I appreciate he wants to play, I am just not there yet,"
"I am always going to put myself in someone else shoes. we are in a society where kids miss bowl games because of their draft status. if that conversation was had and leaked to the media it's not indicative of his mindset. He wants to play. I don't know what to say to all of it."
On the Michael Kay show, Saleh buried himself further when he tried to explain his thoughts on the possibility that Wilson confide his reluctance to someone else within the organization.
"I don't care if that conversation was had," Saleh said. "I will put myself in someone's shoes. It's not like it's a negative. I don't understand why that's a big deal."
It was an odd response to a simple question from ESPN's Don LeGreca.
"I am surprised you said it's not a big deal, " LaGreca replied.
"No that's a great question. It's not that its not a big deal. I am saying if it crosses their mind in this age of player it's not a big deal," Saleh tried to elaborate, adding that if really didn't want the ball, Wilson would be out.
At the same time further down the radio dial on WFAN, semi-retired host Joe Benigno revealed a text-message exchange he had with Saleh, in which the coach allegedly remarked sarcastically to a suggestion by Benigno (a known Wilson critic) back under center.
“He texted me back and said, ‘Joe, about No. 3’ — which was playing Wilson — ‘Are you kidding me?’ It might have been, ‘Are you serious?’” Benigno told his old radio partner Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber.
Benigno then added that he believes Saleh doesn't like Wilson.
You can see the lava still flowing from the mountain.
Then today the drama only escalated when word came down that the Jets acted quickly and cut Tim Boyle, and signed Brett Rypen to the practice squad, a clear sign that the Jets will either go back to Zach Wilson on Sunday, or hand the job off (although unlikely) to Trevor Seimian.
Finally Aaron Rodgers decided to chime in on the Pat McAfee show, in a profanity laced interview in which Rodgers comes to Wilson's defense and called the Athletic story "chickenshit."
I have never in my time following this team, or any team (and that will include the Giants) drama of the highest order like this.
And this is a team that once employed Adam Gase and told its fan base right their faces that Gase knew where offensive football was heading.
Who knows who is lying or telling truth. While it's admirable for Rodgers to come out and defend his teammate, and essentially try to take heat off his head coach, where in God's green earth is General Manager Joe Douglas?
Where is he? As Rome burns to the ground, Douglas is nowhere to be seen.
Where is Woody Johnson who must have steam coming out of his ears right about now?
It's anyone's guess what the fallout from this story will have for the futures of Wilson, Saleh and Douglas. Word was last week that Saleh, Douglas and O.C. Nathaniel Hackett are all expected back in 2024 due to their connection to Rodgers.
Now, who knows? Do the Jets go back to Wilson after this? Will his teammates have his back IF it is indeed true that he rather not play behind Gang Green's battered offensive line?
Will Saleh -- who has been left to twist in the wind by his G.M. survive this? And again, where is the architect of this monstrosity, Joe Douglas?
One thing is certain, the Jets never cease to amaze, confound, and totally baffle.
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