Sheldon Richardson wants the Jets to give Muhammad Wilkerson a new contract

Sheldon Richardson isn't afraid to speak his mind. Whether it be about an opponent or his ability Richardson will let his opinion be known. In this case it's about keeping a teammate around.

 Muhammad Wilkerson earned a base salary of $1.2 million this season along with $975,000 in bonuses. The Jets picked up a fifth-year option on Wilkerson for 2015, when he will make $6.9 million. In Richardson's mind that has to change. He wants the Jets to give Wilkerson a nice contract extension.

“Hopefully, they do the right thing and pay the man,” Richardson said. “That’s coming from me. That’s somebody I want around. But it’s just business. You have no control over it.“He’s due for a paycheck, though. Believe that, he’s due for a paycheck.”

It is not likely to influence the leaders and Richardson doesn't call any shots in the organization, but Wilkerson will be glad to know that he has the support of his teammates.

Ed Reed has $50,000 stolen from his car in Houston

All-Pro safety Ed Reed, who played last season for the Houston Texans and New York Jets, reportedly had a bag of money containing $50,000 stolen out of the front seat of his car.

According to Reed, he had withdrawn the large amount of cash from a Houston bank on Wednesday afternoon and put it all in to a bag. He then drove to another bank and left the bag of money on the seat of his car while he quickly ran inside.

A police report states that thieves had apparently followed Reed, waited for an opportune time to strike, broke the window of his Audi, snatched the bag, then hightailed it away. According to investigators, the Reed crime is part of a popular theft trend, where people who make withdrawals from a bank or ATM are then followed and robbed.  Police refer to this type of robbery as “jugging.” According to Houston police Sgt. Arturo Bazan, who spoke to Fox Sports, ”These guys go all over the city, every bank. It’s all over.”

The 35-year-old player, who will be an unrestricted free agent, signed a one-year contract in November, after being released by the Texans who gave up on the nine-time Pro-Bowler after only seven games; Reed had signed a three-year, $15 million deal with Houston.

Meanwhile, police have no idea as to why Reed was driving around with $50,000 in cash; however, the investigation is ongoing.

Former NFL player B.J. Askew charged for not paying child support

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced Tuesday that his Child Support Division has filed a criminal charge against Bobby Deangelo "B.J." Askew, Jr., 33, of Tampa, Florida, for felony non-support.

Askew was a standout Michigan collegiate athlete and went on to play professional football as one of the league's highest paid fullbacks at the time. According to Schuette, he owes more than $267,000 in back child-support.

"If you fail to pay child support, you must face the consequences," said Schuette. "No matter who you are or where you live, you cannot punt the responsibility to provide for your children – we will hold you accountable."

A star fullback at the University of Michigan, Askew was the first fullback selected in the 2003 National Football League draft. Askew's professional career spanned seven seasons where he played for the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2007, Askew was drafted by Tampa Bay and signed a four-year multi-million dollar contract extension with the Buccaneers in 2008, the largest ever for a fullback at that time.

It is alleged that although Askew enjoyed a lucrative professional football career, he failed to pay child support to his children in Michigan.

A court order was filed in 2005 for Askew to pay child support for his three children in Michigan and payments were to set begin May 2006 at a monthly rate of approximately $2,188.87. The court ordered payment increased to $5,127 monthly due to Askew's extended contract with Tampa Bay. Askew then allegedly made sporadic payments and submitted several arrears payments ranging from $13,058 to $35,310 after failing to pay on time and for the court ordered amount. In 2010, it is alleged that Askew underpaid $107.87 in lieu of a $5,127 monthly payment. Askew allegedly stopped child support payments altogether in November 2012 and has not paid since then.

Despite his alleged non-payments, Askew has received significant income from his NFL career and allegedly possesses multi-million dollar assets. In 2008, Askew signed a $8.3 million contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Askew is alleged to own a home valued at $2.1 million in Tampa and has owned several expensive automobiles whose brands include Bentley, Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, and Corvette.

Askew's career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was cut short by injuries from a car accident in 2009.

Askew was arrested on January 7, 2014 by Florida's Hillsborough County Police. Askew is currently in the process of extradition to Michigan and will face one count of felony non-support in Wayne County's 36th District Court.

Brady Quinn released by the New York Jets

Quarterback Brady Quinn was released by the New York Jets today with the chance that they could bring back the veteran signal caller after this week.

Quinn signed with the Jets on Monday but the Jets have decided to go with Geno Smith as their starter and Matt Simms backing him up.

In a league where a starting quarterback misses time due to injury Quinn could be picked up by another team looking for veteran help at the position. Or the Jets could bring him back on Monday if he hasn't signed elsewhere.

Quinn has played with the Browns, Broncos, Chiefs and Seahawks. I guess he'll always be remembered for having a hot girlfriend at the NFL Draft more than his once promising playing career.  

Darrelle Revis giving tips on how to defend the Jets

New Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis left the New York Jets on somewhat bad terms. The Bucs open the regular season against the Jets and Revis is eager to get on the field and also doesn't mind sharing some tips on what the Jets run offensively and defensively.

 Revis is doing everything he can help his teammates get ready for the Jets. He's provided tips about some of New York's defensive players to offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan and discussed some of the Jets' offensive playmakers with Goldson and the rest of Tampa Bay's overhauled secondary.

"It's just one of those things, when a player comes from another team, [offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan] is asking a couple of questions about [the Jets'] defense and what are the base calls, I spill them," Revis said. "I'll spill the beans and let him know what we used to run and let him know what things Coach [Rex] Ryan might do. It's almost like stealing a little bit. That's what you've got to do. You take the information and pass it to the offensive coordinator."

"I know these guys. I played against them every day in practice. So I've got a bunch of tips on those guys," Revis said. "And the good thing about it, I've been sharing them in our secondary. ... We will come into this game real comfortable. We really will, just from the experience I had there and knowing these guys." 

Revis and the Buccaneers defense has to be licking their chops knowing they'll be facing a rookie quarterback in Geno Smith. Revis also heard news that Smith hasn't studied any film on him.

"I don't understand why he didn't study me because I will be on the opposite side," Revis said. "But I don't know what their game plan is or what their preparation is and personally, I don't know what Geno's preparation is. But I would hope that if you're playing against another opponent, you should study everybody on the opposing team. If that's the case, that's the case. I'm studying him. Just to let him know, I'm studying him. I guess we'll just leave it at that."

If this goes how I'm thinking, this game could wind up being a repeat of of Super Bowl XXXVII, where the Bucs happened to know everything the Raiders were running since their coach Jon Gruden was Oakland's old coach.

If the Jets fail to have any success Sunday we'll know what some of the reason is.

Kellen Winslow Jr. looking to have a 100 catch season

Kellen Winslow Jr.'s bark has been more than his bite since he's came into the NFL. He's had some productive seasons but he's not the player he talks himself up to be. In fairness he's seen his share of injuries but if you're as good as you say you are, Winslow would overcome injury and wouldn't be playing on his fourth team in his career.

After last season's one game, one catch performance with the New England Patriots, Winslow signed with the New York Jets and has set some lofty goals for himself. Winslow told the Wall Street Journal  that his goal is to have 100 catches. A very lofty goal indeed. Winslow's career high for catches was 89 with the Cleveland Browns in 2006.

"My goal is to have 100 catches," Winslow said. "Will I have 100? I don't know. I might have 20, you know? But that's my goal. You play this game for something, and I know at the end of the day that's going to help my team win because that's what I do best."

"There's always been questions, every season," Winslow, who signed a one-year contract with the Jets last month for a base salary of $840,000, said Thursday. "Every season, there's something said about somebody, that they can't do something. That's what motivates people."

No one is questioning Winslow's motivation, but it's been a question of his health. He can be a contributor to a Jets offense that needs all the contributions it can get, but 100 catches are out of the question in their offense.

With either Mark Sanchez or Geno Smith lobbing passes all season I highly doubt Winslow will reach his goal. Just concentrate on helping the team win.

Mike Ditka would take a chance on Tebow

Mike Ditka once traded an entire draft for Ricky Williams when he was coaching the New Orleans Saints. So it doesn't seem far fetched that Ditka would have Tim Tebow on his roster if he was still coaching today.

Ditka thinks there is a place for Tebow at quarterback or another position. Tebow has scoffed at switching to tight end or H-back, preferring to try to make it as a quarterback.


From the Sun-Times' "4 Downs with Ditka" column on Sundays: 

“I think [Tebow] can play quarterback in the NFL, but whatever offense you run might have to be tweaked a bit. This kid is a talent and he proved it in college. He is an outstanding leader. Now, does he have an unusual throwing motion? Yes. But there a lot of quarterbacks that didn’t have a perfect throwing motion. Some of them turned out to be great quarterbacks because they were great leaders. I really do think there’s a place for him. If not at quarterback, I think he could play tight end. If I was in the league and coaching today, I would take a chance on him at quarterback.”

That's why Ditka is a studio analyst today. If you recall, when he coached the Bears he had a hard time settling on a quarterback. That's part of the reason the Bears only have one Super Bowl to their credit despite being one of the dominant teams of the 80's.

Ditka comes from the old school where wins, leadership and heart were valued more than yardage, 40 times, and arm strength.  A lot of those old school guys didn't pan out either but you wouldn't mind going to battle with them. That's why he said he'd give Tebow a shot.

But before all the Tebow fans paint him as a winner, a Mark Sanchez led New York Jets team beat the  New England Patriots in a road playoff game and nobody calls him a winner.

Geno Smith's former agents wish him the best

New York Jets second round draft pick, quarterback Geno Smith fired his agents after his free fall through the first round of the NFL Draft. Although Smith said that the draft experience wasn't the sole reason, most believe that is why he gave them the boot.

His former agents, Jeff Nalley and Erik Burkhardt of Select Sports Group  have taken the high road in this and have wished Smith the best in his NFL career.

“We worked tirelessly for Geno Smith and all of our draft prospects,” the firm said in a statement released to PFT.  “The NFL Draft is unpredictable, and we prepared Geno and all of our draft prospects, as we do every year, about what can happen during the draft.   Not only did we tell him that what transpired on the first day of the draft was possible, the question of whether Geno would be a first- or second-round pick was arguably the most talked about subject in the three months leading up to the draft.   We wish Geno the best.”

Maybe if Smith would've performed better after West Virginia took a nosedive because their defense wasn't very good he wouldn't have lasted until the 39th pick. When you're the quarterback of your job is to lift team to a victory no matter what adversity you face. When it became evident that the key to beating the Mountaineers was to keep the defense on the field it was Smith who should've taken his game up another notch.

Von Miller predicts that Tebow will start in New York

Von Miller of the Denver Broncos is now in the prediction business. And he's speaking up for former teammate and current New York Jet, Tim Tebow.

Miller was one of Tebow's biggest supporters last season and thinks that he'll eventually take the starting quarterback job from the incumbent starter, Mark Sanchez.

Miller said: ''I think everybody's mistaken if you think he's just going to go over there and be a wildcat quarterback or a situational quarterback. The Tebow that I know is going ... to be able to compete for that starting job.''   


If Sanchez gets off to a slow start, he should definitely be looking over his shoulder because the fans will be calling for Tebow should he falter.

Cromartie nixes reality show for his "baby mamas"

After the birth of his 10th child, New York Jets corner Antonio Cromartie is just one short of fielding an offensive/defensive unit.

The birth of Jagger represents his second with his wife Terricka. Now a TV production company wants a piece of the action. There was a proposal to create a reality show about "about the clan trying to co-exist as a modern family," a source told The New York Post.


Cromartie has deflected the plan, blocking any filming of his offspring.

The single women can use the extra money to help raise their kids, but they also think it’s important “to document their journey,” the source said. “They want Antonio’s support.”

I can understand why he wouldn't want any part of the show. It would turn into a half hour or more of Antonio bashing. As long as he keeps up on his child support then everything should be ok. I understand that they all want each other to know who their siblings are, but I feel there's a better way to do that other than a reality show.

Drew Stanton wants out of New York

When former Detroit Lions quarterback Drew Stanton signed with the New York Jets, he signed there with the knowledge that he would be the number two quarterback behind starter Mark Sanchez. But the Jets went out and traded for Tim Tebow and now his backup status is in doubt and Stanton wants out of New York.

Stanton passed over other teams and more money to sign with the Jets and now he feels screwed. The Jets are trying to accommodate Stanton by seeking out a trade for the disgruntled third stringer.

"When we signed Drew, obviously this (trading for Tebow) was not contemplated in that decision," Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum told the newspaper on Wednesday. "When you get an unexpected opportunity to add a player like Tim, you have to take advantage of that."  


If I'm Stanton I'd just wait on getting released. Not that he is a bad player, it's just that there is hardly a trade market for him. But hey we said the same thing about Tebow.

Cromartie doesn't want Tebow with the Jets

With Peyton Manning signing with the Denver Broncos, everyone figures Tim Tebow will be useless. So everyone is in a haste to trade Tebow. I wouldn't but I'll save that for later. The frontrunners in the Tebow derby are the New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars. I'm sure new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano could develop a package of plays for Tebow and the Jaguars probably could sell more tickets and jerseys.

There is one Jet that doesn't want Tebow with the Jets. The outspoken Antonio Cromartie. Cromartie says the Jets don't need Tebow and they should let him go elsewhere.

"We don't need Tebow," Cromartie wrote on his Twitter account. "We sell out every home game, let him go to Jacksonville, Tampa or Miami. Out wildcat offensve can (be) run by (Jeremy) Kerley or Joe McKnight. We straight."


At least Cromartie is showing support for other teammates. But he's not in the front office and they are the ones that call the shots. Also if I'm the Broncos I might be in no hurry to trade Tebow. I know he's not the greatest quarterback, but maybe, just maybe he could watch and learn under Manning and be a better player because of it. Also, what if Manning gets hurt because his neck isn't right? Then you're back to ground zero. Unless John Elway already has a plan for the draft and free agency for a backup.   

Sanchez calls 'unnamed teammates' gutless

After the New York Jets failed to match expectations they brought upon themselves, there were many that pointed fingers at quarterback Mark Sanchez.

There was a report about unnamed teammates being very critical of Sanchez and now Sanchez has finally spoke up for himself.

Sanchez called the "unnamed teammates" gutless since they couldn't put their name to the comments.  

"It is a gutless thing to do," he said. If you're not going to put your name on something, why waste anybody's time? Obviously, they had strong opinions about it, but not strong enough to say who they were." 


That's kind of like the "unnamed sources" when breaking news comes out.

Sanchez did own up to some of the blame, but all of the Jets should look in the mirror, because all of them underperformed this year. Sure, the quarterback most of the time is the face of the franchise, but that doesn't mean he should shoulder all the blame when things go wrong. If Sanchez passes for 500 yards and 5 touchdowns a game and you lose I'm sure it wouldn't be his fault.

Rex Ryan has let the genie out of the bottle and needs to get this locker room back under control.

Tony Sparano Is The Jets' New Offensive Coordinator

Brian Schottenheimer was fired or resigned, as the offensive coordinator of the New York Jets. I guess it depends on who you ask. Reports say the Jets moved quickly to hire Schottenheimer's replacement. Former Miami Dolphins head coach, Tony Sparano will be named the offensive coordinator for next season.

I don't like this hire at all. I'm not a Jets fan for the fact their offense is boring. I know you have to win with defense and some ball control, but their offense wasn't that good and quarterback Mark Sanchez regressed. Sparano called plays for the Dallas Cowboys in 2006, but made his name as an offensive line coach. It looks like the Jets will be ground and pound. Not saying Sparano can't do the job, it just seems a little suspect to me.

The Jets scored a mere 50 points over the last three games. I don't see things getting any better than that.

UCLA Hires Former Jets Sideline Tripper

Former New York Jets assistant coach, Sal Alosi, is known best for his role in 'Tripgate'. Let me refresh you on the incident in case you forgot.

During a game against the Miami Dolphins in December 2010, Alosi intentionally tripped the Dolphins' Nolan Carroll while he was running down the Jets sideline on a special teams play. He also instructed inactive players to  make a wall along the sideline. That was his ultimate undoing. he was soon fired over the infraction.



Since then Alosi has been working as a personal trainer and probably waiting for another shot at a coaching job. That time has come for Alosi.

Alosi was hired to be UCLA's strength and conditioning coordinator. I suppsose he should be there for a while unless he pulls some of the chicanery that he did while with the Jets.        

Former Jet Kris Jenkins Flames Mark Sanchez

It's playoff time in the NFL and it seems the New York Jets are stealing all the headlines. First it was their ugly ouster from playoff contention, followed by backup Greg McElroy saying the locker room was corrupt and Erik Ainge's reply. Don't forget Bart Scott was fined $10,000 for flipping off a cameraman. All Jets all the time.

Retired player Kris Jenkins was a member of the Jets during the 2009 and 2010 seasons, which were Mark Sanchez's first two years in the league. He also had an opinion about the McElroy comments which ended up with Jenkins blasting Sanchez.


“The No. 1 quarterback should have said that a long time ago,” Jenkins said. “It would have been all part of the process of him growing a pair and standing up and being a man. But the thing is, he lost his because he got caught up in the wash that is New York, the spotlight, taking pictures in the magazines and doing all that stuff. That’s just what everybody has seen with Mark Sanchez, they got tired of it.”



“Mark wants to be a leader but there’s a difference between wanting it and taking it,” Jenkins said. “He’s always trying to be a crowd pleaser. He’s always trying to be nice. He wants to be a leader but he won’t take it.”


Sounds like the Jets have another Joe Namath on their hands. I know, Namath did win a Super Bowl and is a Hall of Famer. But his stats weren't that great. Remember Namath was known in New York for his "good looks" and being in the New York limelight.

Sanchez is no 'Broadway Joe', but the off field parallels are the same.

Norv's Reply

Rex Ryan told the press that he would have two rings if he would've been named coach of the San Diego Chargers in 2007. We all know hindsight is 20/20 and Ryan might've been the man to get the job done in San Diego.

The man who coached the Chargers, Norv Turner, had a reply for Ryan after he called and apologized for his "mistaken" comments.

“It really was between he and I. I think we’ve had enough coaching drama in the league the last few days and we don’t need any more,” Turner said.



“I hadn’t seen his quote and I was a little bit surprised by the call,” Turner said. “And then after I saw the quote, I didn’t have a chance to ask him this, but I was wondering if he had those rings with the ones he’s guaranteed the last couple of years.”


That's what long suffering Jets fans are asking.



  

Rex Ryan Is Full Of Himself

It's old news that New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan is full of bluster. Normally he's talking up his team and predicting Super Bowl wins. Now he's crsoosed the line.

With the Jets getting ready for a key AFC matchup against the San Diego Chargers, Ryan thought it would be a good idea to open his trap and stir up the hornets nest again.

Ryan said that if he were hired by the Chargers back in 2007, he'd have a couple of Super Bowl rings.

“Well, I think I would have had a couple rings," Ryan told San Diego reporters today when asked about how things would have unfolded if he were hired by GM A.J. Smith. "I'm telling you, those teams were loaded. There's no question about it. But things happen for a reason. Obviously, Norv Turner has done a great job there. And A.J. (Smith) and everybody. That's a great franchise. He was probably the best guy for the job at that time."


Now that is a slap in the face. I know he tried to cover for it at the end of the quote, but the indictment he levied against Norv Turner was that he's not a good enough coach to lead a team to a Super Bowl. Now I think that Turner isn't the greatest coach in the world, but let the fans spit that knid of venom.

Of course Ryan said the comments were a "testament to what the Chargers have built" and not a slight against Turner and made a call to Turner to clarify his statement.

Rex knew he was in deep and needed to clear it up. He needs to concentrate on his own team and live up to the expectations that he has bestowed upon them. Yes Rex it's time to deliver a championship that you've benn promising the past two years.

Rex Ryan Has No Well Wishes For Shaun Ellis

If you ask New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan,  former Jet Shaun Ellis is the equal to Benedict Arnold. Ellis signed with division rival, New Engalnd, whom Ryan doesn't like. Both players and coaches know that it's a business and when Ellis couldn't get an extension he signed with the Patriots. 

Ryan had this to say about Ellis, according to the New York Daily News' Manish Mehta.

“The fact that he chose them . . . there’s no way I’m going to wish him well. There’s no chance of that.”

Knowing Ryan he probably had a lot more to say than that. I'm not buying that Rex will let this go quietly. This could be another Bounty Bowl in the making. Knowing that Bill Belichick stuck it to him will only intensify this rivalry. This isn't over by a longshot.

Asomugha Planning For Life After Football

Free Agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha will be the most sought after free agent when the spending frenzy begins. There might be one small nugget that could limit his suitors. Asomugha wants to be an actor when his playing days are over.

"You keep hearing that Nnamdi wants to go somewhere where he can begin to focus on his post-player career — even though he'll give his all as he's playing — and he has a great interest in being an actor," ESPN's Chris Mortensen said Tuesday on ESPN's "Mike & Mike Show."

Well, Nnamdi's going all O.J. Simpson on us. You know how it is everyone that's not an actor wants to try their hand at it. He'll definitely have to give his all given the amount of money he'll be making. Word is that the New York Jets might be moving to the top of the list given the large media market there.

This is something to keep an eye on, but my gut says he lands with the Philadelphia Eagles.