Frustration Creeps In with Rex Ryan

Dec. 23, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan on the sidelines against the San Diego Chargers during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Chargers won 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

One thing that has been a constant for the Jets over the last four years, through success or failure, has been the upbeat nature of the head coach. Rex Ryan has always been a guy that has been able to keep good spirits, through good times and bad. But, is that starting to change? Maybe, especially when talking about the Tim Tebow situation. We know the story by now, that he reportedly asked to not play in Wildcat situations because he was bypassed as the starter. The media pressed him a bit on this during his conference call earlier this week, take a look at this series of answers. First is his comment on the report about Tebow:

First off, I’ll say this, and I’ve always said it about Tim, he is a competitor and he was disappointed. There’s no question. He was disappointed that he was not named the starter. But with that being said, I’m not going to get into private conversations that I have with players. But, was it my decision to use Jeremy Kerley in the Wildcat? Without question (it was). But I’ll say this, I believe if Tim’s number was called, he would’ve went in and played. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. So that’s pretty much it.

And then about the rumor that he had not spoken to Tebow between Tuesday and Friday:

Well, again I’m not going to discuss private conversations. But I have discussions with players all the time, but I’m not going to get into what he said, this or that, timing of this. Like I said before, I believe that if his number was called, that he would’ve, without question, he would’ve gone in and played.

The media then asked him about not being as open with the media on this, and the frustration began to kick in:

Well, have I lied about anything? I’m not going to share a private conversation that I would have with a player because, quite honestly, that’s nobody’s business but mine and that player.

Pressed further, he had this to say:

But I thought I answered things. It was my decision. I flat told you that it was my decision, it was nobody (else’s) decision in this organization. It was my decision. And the first time when I stuck with Sanchez, I specifically said that I asked several different people their opinions of it and then on this one alone, it was my decision. I just said it was a gut decision. It was my decision and it was a gut decision that I had to make. I never went into specific things, well, this guy does this, he does that. It was just an honest opinion that it was a gut decision why I wanted to start him and that’s truthful. It might not be an answer you want. There (are) no specifics in there but that’s kind of how I felt about it.

Later on, as he was pressed further, he said “I guess I’m missing the point”. The frustration was coming out, and who could blame him? This question has been consistent all season long. He must be tired of talking about Tim Tebow, as a lot of us are. I guess part of him will be happy when he is gone.