Exclusive interview with Bart Scott

Former linebacker of the New York Jets Bart Scott sits with The Jet Press to discuss his recent comments on quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and so much more.

The third day of the 2016 NFL Draft was a special one for fans gathered at the complex of the New York Jets at Florham Park for Family Day. One of their older family members, the retired linebacker Bart Scott, was enlisted to announce their pick while fans howled and TV cameras followed it live.

Striding through the throng and stepping up on the small stage, Scott prompted the crowd by saying the Jets have selected cornerback Juston Burris, with the 118^th pick. It was a special moment in a fun day for the Jets and their fans to enjoy. But getting the attention of Jets fans is business as usual for Scott, who has always been outspoken and colorful.

These days, he does it as a profession, as an analyst for CBS Sports. His outspoken nature though, regarding quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, seems to have shocked and split the fan base. For those of you who do not know, he recently went on record with SiriusXM NFL Radio stating, “Fitz don’t have a leg to stand on, man. He is who he is. You can have great teams and great records, but at this point, pretty much everybody knows who he is. He’s a quality guy. On another 20 teams in the league, he would be a backup. The only teams that he would start for are the teams that have bad quarterback situations. He’s a bridge guy, a glue guy. This is just the icing on the cake, he said much more. Check out the link below to listen to full interview.

"Fitz is what he is, he doesn't have a leg to stand on" in contract talks with the #Jets. @BartScott57

Audio: https://t.co/e21ofECzB8

— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) May 9, 2016

So I had to get to the source, and try to see after brewing for a bit, does he feel he may have been too hard on Fitzpatrick? And what backlash is he getting from Jets Nation? Here’s my exclusive interview with Scott on the matter and more:

HG: What an amazing night, thanks for talking with TheJetPress.com, I am not one to sugar coat what is on my mind, so let jump right into this.

BS: Huh, oh! Let’s hear these questions!

More from The Jet Press

HG: I was not expecting what you said last week on SiriusXM NFL, why so harsh?

BS: First let me say, I am good friends with the man that interviewed me.

I felt like I owed it to him to give him a good interview.

I meant every word and stand behind it.

I am sorry, he does not have a leg to stand on. You don’t get paid twice, he just needs to get over it and sign.

HG: Who do you see as the quarterback next season?

BS: Fitz IF he is smart. Otherwise, someone else will be more than happy to take that opportunity.

HG: So not afraid to speak out, tell us about the transition of a career in athletics to broadcasting?

BS: It is about reinventing yourself. It’s why I am always talking, respecting the craft and not going in acting like I know everything since I have the experience. I want to be looked at and people think wow he is a great analyst. I mean look at Boomer Esiason, people are not looking him as a player anymore but as a respected show host.

HG: I feel like we are seeing a lot more of you lately at team events from the Jets cruise, announcing their draft pick at the Taste of NFL, what is it like to be back and actively involved with the organization?

BS: Under the old regime, I did not feel the love. With the new, I have spoken to Todd Bowles and he encouraged me to come back. I feel like there is a reason we crossed paths and it feels like a family. The Jets play a huge role in my life and it is amazing to be part of an organization that loves you as much as you love them back.

As I was concluding the interview, a fan interrupted us. He was singing to Scott, reminiscing of a time watching him play at Gillette Stadium against the New England Patriots. Chanting, “Can’t Wait.” Scott politely listened to man share his memory. The man shook his hand and thanked him. Scott looked him in the eyes and said no, thank you!

HG: Wow, that was different. Do you get a lot of people singing to you?

BS: See! That is what it is all about. When you play the game you can’t focus on the fans. Your mind is in the game, practice, remembering playbooks, you have the PR department rush you here and there, you do not get the chance to really listen and take in the memories you are creating and what you meant in someone’s life.

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HG: I absolutely agree. One of my boys, Jet, was at Family day at the Atlantic training camp when you announced the draft pick. That will forever be a memory for him, as you were his first player he had ever met. You took the time not only to sign and greet my son, but I noticed you did not leave the stage until you signed and shook the hand of everyone there. And that was very kind of you.

BS: That is what it is about! Sharing and making memories! Giving back to the community.

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