Jets owner Woody Johnson addressed the public for the first time on Thursday concerning Edwards arrest, an incident that has rubbed salt in the wound of Jets public controversies this season. Johnson said he was more than just disappointed in his wide receiver.
"Embarrassment would not be the way I'd characterize it," Johnson told reporters. "I think it's more sad rather than embarrassed. I'm sad for him. This type of thing does not represent who we are or who I want us to be and who Rex [Ryan] wants us to be. This is not the goal we're striving for."
While Edwards may be expressing remorse for his actions, Johnson says his contract is definitely on the line. The six-year veteran is entering the final year of his contract in New York, and if he is convicted of the crime in November, this could be his final year as a Jet.
"He's losing a lot more than [his starting role]," Johnson said. "He's been accused of a serious [offense]. He's got a serious ticket in front of him. If proven guilty, it's a serious taint on his record. He's going to be a free agent. If convicted, that's not going to be helpful. He's got a heavy load in front of him."
Concerning his starting position, Johnson and the Jets' administration have caught a lot of flak for announcing that Edwards will still play in Sunday night's matchup with the Jets. However, Johnson insists his punishment for Edwards fits the crime at hand. He said that after researching similar instances in NFL history, their punishment is "about as severe an action as I've seen."
Technically, the Jets cannot suspend Edwards for his offense anyway, according to the collective bargaining agreement. They can, however, allow Edwards to dress but not play at all. At this point, that course of action doesn't seem to be in their protocol heading into Sunday's game.
While Edwards' talent may outshine his budding criminal record at present time, come next spring, he may be facing the chopping block.
