Jets, Revis to keep negotiations confidential
The New York Jets have finally come to their senses. Instead of letting all the dirty laundry going on between the team and their star cornerback Darrelle Revis being exposed to the public, all details of their future negotiations will remain private, the way they should be. Revis’ agents issued a statement about the matter
"Both parties have had conversations to clear the air and will continue to negotiate with the hopes of reaching an agreement,'' the statement read. “From this point forward, all discussions regarding these negotiations will remain confidential.''
Last week, Jets owner Woody Johnson met with Revis’ agents to discuss a contract extension, but indicated that no progress had been made between the two sides. He even went as far as to say that his gut feeling was that Revis would not play in 2010.
Jets’ coach Rex Ryan had his solution. He suggested a team meeting with Revis and his agents sitting down with the entire Jets organization, including players until the matter is resolved.
The Jets have appeared to have found a solution, by keeping all talks out of the public’s eye. It seems as if throughout this ordeal, both sides have tried to turn the public against the other. Revis’ agents even suggested that someone in the Jets organization was a “blatant liar”. It’s been reported that where the two sides disagree most is on total compensation and guaranteed money.
Revis wants to be the highest paid cornerback in the NFL, meaning he would have to earn $16 million ahead of Oakland’s Nnamdi Asomugha. So far, Revis has accumulated over $200,000 in fines for his holdout and has lost an accrued season, meaning he will be a year further from free agency. He has also lost $20 million of guaranteed money that he could have made in future seasons. None of that fazed him, as he was set to make $1 million this season, insufficient for one of the best players in the game.
Ryan’s idea to have the entire organization sit together was met with mixed feelings across the Jets: "I wouldn't be open to that from the standpoint of, once you do something like that, that means that somebody's bigger than the team,'' wide receiver Braylon Edwards said. "I love Revis to death and I have no problem with his situation and what he has going on right now. At the end of the day, it's about his family, it's about him and the team getting on the same page, and by team, I mean the administration, the heads and the guys that go over those deals and those contracts.''
Jets’ offensive tackle Woody Allen supported his coach’s idea: "If I could send a message, it would be: Come on up here,'' Woody said. "He can just come on up and we'll meet at some restaurant or wherever the case is. Having practice off, yeah, that would be pretty sweet.''
One thing’s for sure, something must get done. Revis is perhaps the Jets most important player and not having Revis with them this season jeopardizes the Jets’ status as Super Bowl contenders.
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