faba Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 Jets' brass talks to Geno Smith Updated: February 1, 2014, 3:54 PM ET By Rich Cimini | ESPN.com 18 59 6 EMAIL PRINT NEW YORK -- New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith, involved in two unflattering, off-the-field incidents this offseason, was addressed recently by general manager John Idzik and coach Rex Ryan on the importance of managing his celebrity. Idzik, speaking to reporters Saturday at a Jets-related promotional event at Super Bowl XLVIII, said he has no concerns about Smith's judgment. But he also made it clear they won't tolerate behavior that embarrasses the franchise -- even if the player is relatively new on the scene. "No, I don't view any free passes," Idzik said. "We hold our players to a high standard -- on the field and off the field. That's part of acting like a Jet. It's not only playing like a Jet, it's acting like a Jet. Everyone understands that." Smith, who started every game in his rookie season, was recently involved in an altercation with a flight attendant at Los Angeles International Airport. There were reports that Smith was thrown off the plane before takeoff because he refused to shut off his cell phone, but the airline -- Virgin America -- later issued a statement, apologizing to Smith for "a misunderstanding that regrettably escalated unnecessarily." Previously, an Atlanta woman, claiming she had an affair with Smith, posted a lewd photo on Instagram that she alleged to be the quarterback. [+] Enlarge "When you're a quarterback in the NFL and you're a quarterback for a franchise in a big market such as New York, all eyes are on you 24/7," Idzik said. "I think Geno is experiencing this first-hand. Obviously, I've kept in close contact with him. This is part of learning how to deal with these things. "We've addressed them, he's addressed them, so [i have] no real concerns that way. It's just how to deal with your celebrity and the visibility that goes along with that position." Smith, addressing reporters at the same team event, refused to answer questions about the airplane fracas. He issued a joint statement with Virgin America, basically accepting their apology. Smith acknowledged that he spoke to Ryan about the potential pitfalls of life in the limelight. "Rex basically explained that he and I, because of the position we're in -- head coach and quarterback -- we're looked at differently," Smith said. "I understand and I knew that prior to the conversation, but it's always good to get more light from him. He was understanding, so it was all good."Smith said he realizes he's under intense scrutiny, adding that he's not concerned about staying out of embarrassing situations. "It's not a big deal," he said. "I just have to continue to do things that got me here, which is be myself. I'm not a trouble maker, I'm not a bad person and I don't do things that get me in trouble." Smith, a second-round pick, endured a rollercoaster season. He finished with 21 interceptions, the fourth-highest total in the league, almost losing his job during a midseason slump. He played well over the final month, helping the Jets to a surprising 8-8 record. Despite his late-season rally, Smith hasn't received a commitment from Ryan, who has declined to name him his starter going into training camp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Integrity28 Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 "No, I don't view any free passes," Idzik said. "We hold our players to a high standard -- on the field and off the field. That's part of acting like a Jet. It's not only playing like a Jet, it's acting like a Jet. Everyone understands that." Yeah, okay. Legal issues for Mike Goodson pre-date gun charges... like a Jet. http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/9309396/legal-issues-new-york-jets-mike-goodson-predate-drug-weapons-charges Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faba Posted February 1, 2014 Author Share Posted February 1, 2014 Yeah, okay. Legal issues for Mike Goodson pre-date gun charges... like a Jet. http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/9309396/legal-issues-new-york-jets-mike-goodson-predate-drug-weapons-charges Hah Hah hypocrites like all the teams are Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larz Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 what a world we live in. the commissioner is saying the NFL may look into medical marijuana, but tell a stewardess you don't to take your headphones off and its actually news worthy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenseed4 Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 "It's not a big deal," he said. This has been his mantra since joining the team, and I wish he would re-think it. It IS a big deal, kiddo. Every game, every win, every loss. Start treating this league like the big deal that it is. The "cool" act is wearing thin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joewillie78 Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 Hah Hah hypocrites like all the teams are What would BRADY have to do, short of MURDER 1 to get booted? Wasn't BEN convicted of Rape, or was it Inappropriate sexual contact? If you are the QB, and a successful one, the rules are completely different for you. Going all the way back to JoeWillie. If a 2nd string corner did the things Namath did, they'd be selling warm pretzels on the street corner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larz Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 This has been his mantra since joining the team, and I wish he would re-think it. It IS a big deal, kiddo. Every game, every win, every loss. Start treating this league like the big deal that it is. The "cool" act is wearing thin. the airline apologized. it is no big deal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eboozer Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 Where's Jay Z and his "Agency" to give this kid some advice, protection and taking the spotlight off this kid trying to explain himself. If Geno signed with one of the more established agents, they'd be running interference for this kid ( charges of racism against the attendant and airline) and giving him classes on the do's and don'ts of celebrity. Jay Z's crew only shows up when it's time to negotiate the contracts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flgreen Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 Not a Smith fan, but both these incidents are dumb kid carp. Nothing to see here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SenorGato Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 the airline apologized. it is no big deal Nuh uh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenseed4 Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 the airline apologized. it is no big deal Two, "no big deals" make a little-sized deal. Compile a couple of those and you have a medium-sized deal. Before you know it, you have a big-deal on your hands. Hence the intervention. #sciencemath Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.