New York Jets: Sheldon Richardson And the Almighty Dollar

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Jets defensive end

Sheldon Richardson

(91) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback

Teddy Bridgewater

(5) for a safety during the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Sheldon Richardson has been a beast for the New York Jets in his short tenure with the team. He’s been the exception to the rule when it comes to John Idzik’s draft picks. He has a huge motor, he plays from snap to whistle on every down! Richardson was drafted last season, became an immediate starter and hasn’t looked back! Winning Defensive Rookie of the Year last season was just the beginning for this rising star along the defensive front.

We saw that again last Sunday, where he completely dominated the Vikings offensive line! In that game he was credited with seven tackles, five of those being solo tackles, three QB sacks, and four QB hits! Richardson can be seen attempting to run down the Vikings Jarious Wright on the final play of the game! Everything has been going spectacularly for this young player!! Sheldon Richardson makes for headlines when he is on the field!

Nov 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback

Ben Roethlisberger

(7) reacts after being sacked in front of New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Steelers 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Unfortunately, Sheldon as of late has become out spoken in the media. He’s grabbing headlines for the wrong reason now. Last week he provided us with his opinion on the Ferguson riots. Now, Richardson has a right to his opinions, I’m not trying to take that away from him. Richardson is from the St. Louis area, so he is closer to the realities of life there, but his statement concerning the shooting were a bit disturbing. In a interview with the New York Daily News last Wednesday , he was quoted with some seriously inflamatory opinions regarding policemen. When asked the following day about his statement, Richardson went on to say, ” I meant that, but don’t take away from my message.” When questioned what his message was, Richardson replied, “A guy got murdered and a guy got off for it. It’s as simple as that. It just happened in New York too, so it’s not just St. Louis. It’s getting pretty bad everywhere now. So much for the justice system.”

I’m sorry to say that Richardson spoke out in a shameful manner on this subject. First the two cases are far from the same type incidents. Secondly, no matter what you believe happened in Ferguson, it surely wasn’t “that simple” A grand jury heard testimony and decided there wasn’t enough evidence to prosecute the case. The “justice system” did it’s job, we may not like their decision, but the “system” performed as designed. Look, I get the anger that has been generated by the dismissal of charges against the police officer! I’m angry myself, but Richardson’s statements did little to resolve the problem. Ferguson was in flames and our star player was making derragtory comments about policemen and claiming the justice system failed! I don’t know about you, but I would have much preferred our star player not be grabbing headlines at such a time!

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Jets quarterback

Geno Smith

(7) breaks away from Minnesota Vikings defensive end

Everson Griffen

(97) during the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Jets 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

More recently Mr. Richardson has become more vocal. This time in defense of his QB Geno Smith. Again Richardson has a right to defend his teammates, nobody is criticizing him for that! It’s the way he approached the issue! Richardson was asked what he thought of Jets fans that have given up on Geno Smith. His reply was direct, his response; “They’re quitters! You know how I feel. You go all in on with a guy, why not give him his chance”. Again Richardson spoke out of turn here! I was offended by his contention that “Jets Fans Are Quitters”!!

Look, I understand defending your QB when he’s struggling, its admirable in fact! Richardson is off base though in his statement. First of all, Jets fans have suffered through decades of mediocrity, yet they still come to the stadium week after week hoping and rooting for a victory! We’ve done it during the good times and the truly bad times! Jets fans don’t quit!! Secondly, the Jets organization and its fan base has gone all in with this kid! They’ve gone all in two season’s running! The results have been far from good. Geno Smith is currently the worst rated QB over the last two season’s! The results of going “all in” with Geno has been; 20 TD passes, 33 interceptions, and six lost fumbles in just 27 games!! We’eve gone “all in” Mr. Richardson, now it’s time to re evaluate and find another solution!

More from Jets News

Finally, Richardson grabbed another headline in the New York media. This time he was simply asked, what motivates him now with the Jets puttering along at 2-11. His reply was mind boggling to me; he simply said “The Almighty Dollar”! Now I understand that this game has become all about business, and the “Almighty Dollar”, but that surely shouldn’t be anyone’s motivation for taking the football field! Players are supposed to play to win, they motivate themselves to achieve certain goals in their careers, some even play for the “love of the game”! Those are the reasons you want to see your players hit the field! Those are the type players you want dominating your roster! Guys with pride in their craft, guys who have pride in themselves! Mr. Richardson needs to play the game for those reasons, not the almighty dollar!! If our players have begun to take the field just for a pay check, the Jets are in even worse shape than I imagined!!

Richardson is young, I get that. He obviously needs to mature in his dealings with the media. Learn from your mistakes Mr. Richardson, let your play do the talking for you! Your talent is plenty to grab attention for headlines in New York!! I’m looking forward to years of watching this young man play for the Jets! Right now however, I’m bracing myself for his next statements!

So what do you guys think? Am I being too hard on our young star defensive star? Did any of his statements cause you to “raise an eyebrow”? I believe Richardson needs to shut up and let his play do the talking. What do you folks think? Let’s talk Jets football!!

Editors Note: The author wanted to include the quotes on Ferguson. Due to the inflamatory nature of some of the words, they have been taken out

Home/Jets News