The New York Jets organization is contemplating ‘tightening’ Aaron Rodgers’ leash following his inexcusable absence from practice this week.
The quarterback, who is facing more than $100,000 in fines, skipped the team’s mandatory minicamp in favor of a mystery ‘event’ he wanted to attend.
‘The Jets organization and coaching staff are trying to play it off that Aaron’s absence wasn’t a big deal, but they are pissed that Aaron didn’t show up to mandatory training camp,’ a source close to the team told Mail Sport on Wednesday.
‘It is an eyesore for the team that will be forgotten only if they win this season and Aaron plays and doesn’t get injured again,’ they went on.
‘But until then, everything Aaron does from this point on will be extra scrutinized and picked at because he is supposed to be the captain and the way he does business should be the way the Jets want things to go down.’
The Jets organization is contemplating ‘tightening’ Aaron Rodgers’ leash after going AWOL
‘The relationship might get strained. They’re hoping it isn’t the tip of the iceberg,’ per a source
The insider noted that Rodgers ‘has some leeway’ because of his high profile but ‘if he continues to do things on his own terms … that affect the team and the chemistry, his leash will be tightened.’
‘Their relationship might get strained, the source added, explaining that the ‘Jets are hoping this isn’t the tip of the iceberg.’
Rodgers has been involved in the team’s offseason practices over the last few weeks and was at the Jets practice facility on Monday before skipping Tuesday’s mandatory workout.
Head coach Robert Saleh confirmed Rodgers told him he was missing practice in advance, however he continued to stoke speculation by telling reporters his absence was due to an event ‘that was important to him.’
Head coach Robert Saleh revealed that Rodgers may be fined up to $100k for missing practice
Saleh was mocked for stating Rodgers’ absence was for an ‘life event’ without giving details
Rodgers communicated the upcoming absence to his coach but is still likely to get fined
Pat McAfee and his crew poked fun at Saleh’s comment, suggesting he should have left Rodgers’ reason for missing practice out of the press conference without elaborating on the details.
‘I just don’t know. I have not talked to any sources close to the situation with the quarterback of the Jets,’ McAfee said.
‘What’s the life event? Because obviously Saleh heard it and was like, “Nah I don’t think so.”‘
Later in the program, Rodgers’ friend AJ Hawk joined and said, ‘I have no idea where he could be. The opportunities are endless.’
Hawk went on, ‘He could be anywhere on the planet right now. We don’t know what that could be. Google “cool things happening over the next three days.” He might be there. I have no clue where he is either.’