By Glenn Naughton
New York Jets defensive ends Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson sat out the first quarter of last Sunday’s 27-23 loss to the Miami Dolphins for what we later learned were disciplinary issues.
Richardson and Wilkerson have apparently skipping out on practices and meetings on a regular basis and after letting it slide multiple times, head coach Todd Bowles took a new approach, attempting to discipline the players.
Despite his contention that he does respect Bowles, it appears the actions of Wilkerson say the exact opposite.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport is now reporting that Wilkerson’s absence isn’t a new thing, and the Jets addressed it with the lineman before coming to terms on a deal that would pay him $17 million per season.
Disciplinary issues for #Jets DL Mo Wilkerson are not new. Before signing his 5-yr, $86M deal, he met with coach Todd Bowles on his behavior
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 13, 2016
After meeting with Bowles to discuss his lack of commitment, Rapoport says the former Temple product assured the Jets that he understood the responsibility that came with the deal, which apparently isn’t the case.
In the meeting with Todd Bowles, Wilkerson promised he understood the responsibility of a deal & vowed to behave. Then last week happened
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 13, 2016
The Jets will have some big decisions to make this off-season as it appears the two players who may very well top the 53-man roster in terms of talent, could very well be bringing up the rear when it comes to commitment.
