Jets coach Eric Mangini didn't seem fazed by Laveranues Coles' recent criticism of the team and its apparent unwillingness to extend his contract beyond the two years remaining on it.
In his first comments on Coles' situation, Mangini told reporters at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis that the two spoke recently and had a good discussion about how the 2007 season went. Mangini said the contract issue hadn't come up at that time, but that he'll sit down with Coles at some point to talk about it.
"I wanted to get his feedback on the season," Mangini said. "He was one of the most impressive guys that I've been around who has transitioned into that captain's role. I thought he embraced it. I thought he did a great job representing the players, while also working to move the organization forward and to look at things objectively and critically. And that's what he and I are going to do. Sit down and get his feedback on things that we can do better, things that I can do better. Because I appreciate that insight, and I know that when he gives it, it is looking at the big picture and just isolated on his view of things."
Mangini said he understood the context of Coles' frustration about the contract.
"We're not the only team that has encountered these things," he said. "That's the business side
of football. And that's not something that's different in terms of the Jets versus any other team.
And I understand that. We've all been involved with those things.
"You appreciate that side of it," he said. "It's really something that's not unique to it. What I understand is I understand how it works, and that this is part of the business. Like I said, LC and I have a very good relationship. And I look forward to that relationship continuing to grow."
We'll see about that. Coles seems adamant about wanting his contract re-done, and he believes the team has made assurances in the past of extending the deal. But if he feels that they're unwilling to address the situation - did someone say Pete Kendall? - then Coles will make things very uncomfortable moving forward.
He is a very prideful player, and has shown no hesitation to express his dissatisfaction - especially when it comes to the money side of the business. After all, when he forced the trade back to the Jets from the Redskins, part of the deal was that he re-upped his contract. Coles now believes that contract is outdated, and if the Jets don't agree to re-do it, he might not be showing up any time soon.
Comments (8)
On the field, Coles is one of my favorites. Off the field, not so much. I'm never one to cry about athletes salaries (with limited career spans, they have to earn while they can) but enough with Coles bitching for more money. He got $13M from Snyder, and as you mention Bob, got even more from the Jets when he was traded back.
Hutch reported the Jets were willing to offer his next 2 years guaranteed - that's $11M. More than fair for a receiver who is looking at the downside of his career, and becoming increasingly injury-prone.
He would not be easy to replace--his toughness, locker room presence, but if he goes Kendall on the team, move him.
I believe DC Jet Fan has given you your comment contest winner.
Well-said DCJF...perfect...
I love the use of the word "Kendall" ...would that be an adjective?
I have to take issue with that definition of Kendall. Every indication is that the team did in fact lie to him. If the front office is making handshake deals and reneging that is a serious problem. It's not simply dishonest, it will impact their ability to sign FAs going forward. Kendall called them liars, they never denied the claim. Given the professional way he has conducted himself, and the importance and ease of denial, there's no reason to question his account. If the same is occurring with LC this Jet admin is as lame duck as the crew in DC. If Coles is fabricating and agitating for more dough he should be called out and handled accordingly.
I have no specific knowledge of what happened with Pete Kendall.
But DCJF's usage of the term "Kendall" suggests a Jet who (for whatever reason) wanted off the team and talked about it publicly...until it happened..."but if he goes Kendall on the team, move him"...I think that is great blogging, that's all...It doesn't suggest Kendall didn't have good reason to do what he did.
You won't hear me defending the Jet front office very often..and certainly not gonna do it here.
I'll side with Hook on this one as far as the verbiage goes. If I'm not mistaken, Kendall admitted at one point last year the Jets had never given him an iron-clad agreement to re-do his deal. So with all that gray area from both sides, I rule that "Kendall-as-adjective" is permissible.
It is also allowed to use Kendall as a verb. Example: "Coles is now going to Kendall the Jets ..."
The preference, however, is to use is it as DC Jets Fan has done.
Hook, thanks for the words. And yes, you described my intent/usage perfectly.
Got yer back DC
Fair enough, I'm going to Kendall my boss Monday, will let you know how it goes.