Dimitri Patterson’s disappearance was one of the more bizarre storylines of the NFL preseason.
Patterson, a journeyman cornerback now playing with the New York Jets, was suspended for the remainder of the preseason after he failed to show up for last Friday’s game against the New York Giants. He has vehemently denied, however, that his absence was a result of him “going AWOL.”
“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 said Thursday in a statement texted to reporters, via ESPN.com. “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 is totally and completely false. In nine years I have never had control over the depth chart.”
The 31-year-old, who has played for seven teams in his NFL career, has spent much of the preseason rehabbing injuries suffered during training camp. He is eligible to return to the team Monday.
Photo via Twitter/@theScore
