| aturnis |
07-07-2013 09:25 PM |
Just an update for Jets West, since I haven't seen it yet.
Quote:
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Someone suggested to Geno Smith that, if he encounters a situation with the media in which he's not sure what to say, just reply, "No comment." The logic being, if he doesn't say anything, he won't say anything wrong.That theory proved to be incorrect this week when the New York Jets' rookie quarterback no-commented his way through a couple of questions about whether he would attend Mark Sanchez's annual "Jets West" camp in California next month.Smith clarified on Thursday he had nothing to say on the matter because he didn't know what to say, or even what he was being asked."Myself and Mark, we never discussed that, so it kind of caught me off-guard, because it's not on my schedule or anything. I was like, 'What is Jets West?' " Smith said, adding: "From my understanding, it's something that's done annually, all the guys go out there and it's been a great event."Mark hasn't officially extended the hand to me, but I'm pretty sure there's no problem there. I'm more than willing to go there, get some work, work with the guys and do all that stuff. It helps team bonding, and I fully support that."Smith and Sanchez are competing for the starting job. Sanchez and Tim Tebow didn't have the most comfortable of relationships last year, as even Sanchez has admitted, so Smith's "no comment" on Wednesday seemed to be the first sign of a rift between the two.Not so, Smith said."Mark's a great guy. He welcomed me with open arms, all these guys have," Smith said. "I never felt any type of negative vibes from him or any other guy. That's the good thing about being here, being a rookie and being a part of the Jets."I get the opportunity to compete for a starting job, which is very rare, especially at this position, and I also have a great bunch of guys surrounding me who are helping me and who are also pushing me and motivating me on the practice field."Smith made it clear he isn't averse to putting in the extra work next month during a time when teams aren't allowed to hold any workouts. While there were questions about his work ethic leading up to the draft and beyond, Smith's reputation around the Jets' building has been as a dedicated player and hard worker.In fact, he's even continuing to surprise his teammates with his work ethic. Thursday, when he asked one of his teammates in the locker room if he could get a ride home, that teammate was disappointed to learn he'd have to wait around for Smith, who wasn't ready to leave immediately."Come on, man, you know I have to study," Smith replied.Smith will have to continue to put in the hard work to beat out Sanchez in Week 1, though coach Rex Ryan and quarterbacks coach David Lee said this week Smith could see some time in a Wildcat-type package, even if Sanchez is the starting quarterback.In short, Smith had better keep studying and practicing. General manager John Idzik said Thursday he expects Smith to be signed and in camp on time. Smith's agent, Kim Miale of Roc Nation, is in communication with the NFL Players Association, which is trying to determine if she violated the union's "runner rule" by allowing Jay-Z to recruit Smith for the firm. Idzik indicated that's not an issue with contract talks as of this point."We're not going to get into any contract negotiations (publicly)," Idzik said, "but nothing is standing in the way."
|
|
