Note to Woody Johnson: Stop Talking About Football

Oct 8, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets coach Woody Johnson attends the game against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium. The Texans defeated the Jets 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Most of you have heard by now, but for those of you that haven’t, owner Woody Johnson did an interview on CNBC yesterday morning. We all know that Woody is a big Mitt Romney contributor and supporter, so logically he is making apperances on politicially related TV shows. No problem with that. The trouble occurs when Woody goes off topic, and starts talking about football.

Dear Woody, please stop doing this. Or, at least, bring someone from the Jets PR department with you to help with what you should be saying. Because every time you do this, you open your mouth, and drive your foot right in there. You infuriate your fans base with your comments. Stop talking about football. Do it now.

We won’t even bring up the last time, when Woody very quickly said that Mitt Romney winning the election was more important than his team. He probably could have said worse, but the way he said it, and the timing of it was more than enough for his foot to get inserted.

But, we then move on to the fiasco that was the interview yesterday.

We can’t hold Woody Johnson totally responsible for the situation. The Jets have to take some responsibility here, for letting him be asked these questions. Media departments have been notoriously vigilant about limiting topics that their clients can be interviewed about. When Woody Johnson is heading to a businss channel for a politically related interview, why aren’t Bruce Speight and the Jets media team limiting what Woody can be asked about? I understand that he is the owner, but they can still do it. At the very least, why aren’t they sending a media adviser with Mr. Johnson to make sure he answers the questions appropriately? Makes sense, at least I think so.

Oct. 8, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow (15) reacts on the sidelines against the Houston Texans during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Texans won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

Then, we move to his comments about Tim Tebow. First let me put out there, that I didn’t see this personally, I have read the information after the fact. From what has been reported, Woody was not directly asked whether or not Tebow will be here for his whole contract. Yet, here is Woody’s quote about Tim Tebow:

“Will we keep Tebow? Absolutely,” Johnson said. “He’ll be with us for three years, and I think he’s going to be a real valuable asset in terms of helping us win games.”

Why would you make a comment like that? Woody has to be aware that this player has divided the fanbase. Well, you never know, maybe he isn’t. Listen to the crowd on Monday. The cheers when he enters, the boos when Mark does. Why would you announce that he will be here for three years? It only fuels the problem. And then comment about Mark, saying forever is a long time, but he is the starter now. You are not a football guy Woody. You cannot be addressing the situation with how players are being used on the field. That is up to your coaching staff.

By discussing how players are going to be used, you fuel the controversies. Stop talking about the football team. Please!